Reflections on providing virtual eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in the wake of COVID-19: Survival through adaptation

In this chapter by Gillian O’Shea Brown, DSW illustrates a personal reflection of the adaptation of EMDR to teletherapy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chapter Abstract

“The spread of COVID-19 has led to many public health challenges including detrimental mental and physical health outcomes. For an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-certified therapist who primarily treats a population with an underlying diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), this social phenomenon has presented many ethical and clinical challenges. The continued advancements in technology have promoted a rise in the development and utilization of mobile health applications such as those using EMDR techniques to facilitate the therapeutic process. However, research measuring the efficacy and safety of these applications is limited, particularly for clients who present with complex posttraumatic conditions and associated comorbidities. In this time of collective trauma, virtual EMDR has progressed from an emerging trend to a necessary clinical adaptation. This composite case study illustrates a personal reflection of the adaptation of EMDR to teletherapy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

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O’Shea Brown, G. (2021). Reflections on providing virtual eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in the wake of COVID-19: Survival through adaptation. In C. Tosone, (Ed.), Shared trauma, shared resilience during a pandemic (pp. 235-248). Essential Clinical Social Work Series. New York, NY: Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61442-3_25

About the Book

“This contributed volume reflects on the collective wisdom and ongoing efforts of the social work profession that has been in the forefront of the global pandemic of COVID-19. The contributors are seasoned social work academics, practitioners, administrators, and researchers. Working on the frontlines with patients and families, these social workers have garnered experiences and insights, and also have developed innovative ways to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the psychosocial well-being of their clients and themselves.

The 36 reflections, experiences, and insights in this curated collection address the behavioral, mental health, socioeconomic, and other repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic that have impacted their client base, most of whom are vulnerable populations:

• Repurposed, Reassigned, Redeployed
• Safety Planning with Survivors of Domestic Violence: How COVID-19 Shifts the Focus
• COVID-19 and Moral Distress/Moral Anguish Therapeutic Support for Healthcare Workers in Acute Care: Our Voice
• Shared Trauma and Harm Reduction in the Time of COVID-19
• Wholeheartedness in the Treatment of Shared Trauma: Special Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The Role of Ecosocial Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Natural World
• Black Lives, Mass Incarceration, and the Perpetuity of Trauma in the Era of COVID-19: The Road to Abolition Social Work
• Teaching Social Work Practice in the Shared Trauma of a Global Pandemic
• The COVID-19 Self-Care Survival Guide: A Framework for Clinicians to Categorize and Utilize Self-Care Strategies and Practices

Shared Trauma, Shared Resilience During a Pandemic: Social Work in the Time of COVID-19 is an early and essential work on the impact of the pandemic on the social work field with useful practice wisdom for a broad audience. It can be assigned in masters-level social work practice and elective courses on trauma, as well as inform both neophyte and experienced practitioners. It also would appeal to the general public interested in the work of social workers during a pandemic.”

—Description from publisher