EMDR as a preparation and integration tool in psychedelic-assisted therapy: A collaborative case study

An account of work from field of psychedelic-assisted EMDR therapy (PsyA-EMDR) and how the 8 phases can be adapted for psychedelic healing.

Article Abstract

“This case study illustrates the use of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a tool for preparation and integration of non-ordinary states of consciousness. It provides an account of work from the field of psychedelic-assisted EMDR therapy (PsyA-EMDR) and explores how the eight phases can be adapted to optimise psychedelic healing. The client attended six preparatory EMDR sessions, a psilocybin treatment in the Netherlands, followed by six sessions of EMDR to facilitate integration of the psychological material that emerged at the retreat. Key themes of set (mindset) and setting, resourcing, working with the transpersonal content, and bridging into the psychedelic matrix are explored. The adaptive information processing (AIP) model is used to conceptualise the process throughout.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Rose, J., & Raine-Smith, H. (2023, Winter). EMDR as a preparation and integration tool in psychedelic-assisted therapy: A collaborative case study. EMDR Therapy Quarterly. https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/case-study/emdr-as-a-preparation-and-integration-tool-in-psychedelic-assisted-therapy/