Social workers’ perspectives of the effectiveness of EMDR in telehealth for PTSD patient

This dissertation by Linda G. Timme, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, DSW addresses how social work clinicians viewed EMDR therapy when delivered to patients through telehealth.

Article Abstract

“EMDR therapy is rarely used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to a lack of access to practitioners trained in providing EMDR treatment. Virtual EMDR sessions for treating PTSD may reduce access issues; however, it was unclear how social work clinicians viewed EMDR therapy when delivered to patients through telehealth. This qualitative descriptive study examined how social work clinicians perceive EMDR therapy delivered via telehealth to patients with PTSD in the United States. Twelve licensed social workers participated in semi-structured interviews. Two overarching themes emerged: strengths of using virtual EMDR therapy and challenges of using virtual EMDR therapy. Five sub-themes emerged as strengths of using virtual EMDR therapy. These subthemes were (1) efficient and comfortable, (2) accepted, (3) same expectations and practices, (4) better quality of life, and (5) wider reach. Three sub-themes emerged as challenges of using virtual EMDR therapy, which were: (1) family and home influences, (2) problems with using technology, and (3) policies and regulations. Potential positive outcomes associated with virtual EMDR therapy for PTSD patients will impact patients at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of society and are expected to increase strategies to improve outcomes for PTSD patients.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Timme, L. G. (2023). Social workers’ perspectives of the effectiveness of EMDR in telehealth for PTSD patients [Doctoral dissertation, Kutztown University]. Millersville University Repository & Digital Archive. Open access: https://millersville.tind.io/record/109910