Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study with EMDR therapists
Study exploring EMDR therapists’ experiences of working with autistic individuals, and clinical practice adaptations.
Article Abstract
“Objectives: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that targets distress associated with trauma and affective disturbance. Few studies have examined EMDR for autistic individuals who have co-occurring mental health conditions, but there is preliminary evidence of effectiveness. The current study explored EMDR therapists’ experiences of working with autistic individuals, and adaptations incorporated into clinical practice to make this more accessible and effective.
Design: A qualitative interview design was used. Data were thematically analysed.
Method: Twenty-three UK-based EMDR therapists attended one-off semi-structured qualitative interviews.
Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) the experience of being autistic; (2) factors around accessing EMDR; (3) adapting EMDR; and (4) supervision and support for EMDR therapists. Participants described offering a nuanced and tailored approach; one that retained the integral components of the eight phases of EMDR, while also being flexible and responsive to each client.
Conclusions: Findings reinforce the importance of offering formulation-based psychological therapy that flexes in an evidence-informed way, according to the preferences and needs of autistic individuals. Further research should establish factors influencing accessibility and effectiveness of EMDR for autistic individuals, and the impact of autism-relevant training on the knowledge, skills and confidence of EMDR therapists and clinical supervisors working with this client group.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Fisher, N., Patel, H., van Diest, C., & Spain, D. (2022). Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study with EMDR therapists. Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory, Research, and Practice. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12419
Date
August 11, 2022
Creator(s)
Naomi Fisher, Henna Patel, Caroline van Diest
Contributor(s)
Debbie Spain
Topics
ADHD/Autism/Neurodiversity
Extent
19 pages
Publisher
Wiley
Rights
© 2022 The Authors. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The British Psychological Society
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
APA Citation
Fisher, N., Patel, H., van Diest, C., & Spain, D. (2022). Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study with EMDR therapists. Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory, Research, and Practice. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12419
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access