Clinician and Patient Experience of Internet-Mediated Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy: Insights and Applications

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many therapeutic practices online, including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A recent study titled "Clinician and Patient Experience of Internet-Mediated Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy" offers valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges of online EMDR. Here, we delve into the findings and discuss how practitioners can leverage these insights to improve their online therapy services.

Understanding the Research

The study, published in the Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health, surveyed 562 therapists and 148 clients from various continents. The research aimed to understand the implementation and acceptability of online EMDR therapy.

Key Findings

• 88% of clients felt extremely or very comfortable receiving EMDR therapy online.
• 54% of therapists initially showed reluctance to deliver online EMDR, which reduced to 11% after a year.
• Four-fifths of therapists intended to continue offering online therapy post-pandemic.
• Issues like internet connectivity, digital exclusion, and the need for training were highlighted as significant challenges.

Practical Applications for Practitioners

Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable steps practitioners can take to enhance their online EMDR services:

1. Training and Development

The study emphasized the importance of training for online EMDR. Practitioners should:

• Participate in webinars and workshops focused on online EMDR techniques.
• Stay updated with guidelines from professional bodies like the EMDR Association.

2. Addressing Technical Issues

Internet connectivity was a major concern for both therapists and clients. To mitigate this:

• Ensure a stable and high-speed internet connection.
• Have a backup plan, such as telephone contact, in case of internet failure.

3. Enhancing Client Comfort

Clients appreciated the comfort of their own environment. Practitioners can:

• Encourage clients to create a private, comfortable space for therapy sessions.
• Discuss strategies to minimize distractions during sessions.

4. Tailoring Bilateral Stimulation Methods

Different methods of bilateral stimulation (BLS) were used, with "butterfly taps" being the most common. Practitioners should:

• Experiment with various BLS methods to find what works best for each client.
• Be flexible and adapt methods based on client feedback and comfort.

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides a solid foundation, further research is essential to confirm the clinical efficacy of online EMDR compared to in-person sessions. Practitioners are encouraged to:

• Stay informed about ongoing research and emerging best practices.
• Contribute to research by sharing their experiences and outcomes.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Clinician and Patient Experience of Internet-Mediated Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy.