Examining therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy while delivering intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

This study examined intensive EMDR therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy, clinical skills, professional attunement, and exposure to vicarious and secondary trauma.

Resource Abstract

“Intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) shows promising results for improving client well-being, expediting trauma processing over longer, more frequent subsequent sessions compared to traditional sessions. However, little is known about therapists’ perspectives when facilitating prolonged intensive trauma treatment and the potential impact on vicarious and secondary trauma exposure. This study examined intensive EMDR therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy, clinical skills, professional attunement, and exposure to vicarious and secondary trauma. A total of 11 self-identified intensive EMDR therapists participated in 1-h interviews following an eligibility screening process to confirm that they were currently practicing, received specialized training in EMDR, and held varying levels of training in intensive EMDR. Thematic analysis identified 5 themes among responses: self-efficacy in treatment approach, clinical confidence for complex cases, unique confidence in the intensive format, the experience of the impact of prolonged sessions, and unique professional connection as an intensive EMDR practitioner. Findings from this study indicate that intensive therapists experience longer sessions differently from traditional sessions. Participants identified enhanced self-efficacy in treatment and practice decisions, a higher level of perceived clinical skills, and energy attunement meriting an intentional approach to self-care following intensive sessions. Although no reduction in the traumatic content was reported during intensives, results indicate that intensives allow therapists to witness uninterrupted processing, potentially mitigating the negative impact of traumatic content on the therapist, compared to traditional unprocessed/incomplete sessions. Further research should focus on the impact of an intensive format for other trauma treatment models to better support trauma therapists’ job-related well-being.”

—Description from publisher

Resource Access

Open Access

Harris, A. (2026). Examining therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy while delivering intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 20, Article 24. https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0024