An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of EMDR clinicians experiences of bullying

To date, there have been two EMDR related studies that have explored clinicians’ experiences of integrating EMDR, post training, back into the participants’ clinical environment. One of the aspects that materialised from both these studies highlighted that some newly trained EMDR clinicians were experiencing behaviour indicative of bullying post EMDR training. Work place bullying is a situation in which one or several individuals persistently, and over a period of time; subjectively perceives being the recipient of negative actions from superiors or co-workers. This research project set out to explore this phenomenon in more detail utilising Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Twenty-two EMDR clinicians were recruited to take part. Six themes emerged from the data analysis: Hostility & Scepticism, Professional Practice & Integrity of EMDR, Credibility of EMDR as an Empirically Supported Psychotherapy, Activation and Breaking Point, Clinical Supervision & Consultation, Health & Well-being and Positive Growth. Consistent with IPA, each of the themes are highlighted using detailed narratives from the research participant’s experiences. The rationale for this to best capture the participant’s lived experience. Results highlighted the implications for individuals, organisations and the wider EMDR community in support of a policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ in relation to bullying of any kind.

Journal

English

Derek Farrell
Paul Keenan
Lorraine Knibbs

Farrell, D., Keenan, P., & Knibbs, L. (2014, May). An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of EMDR clinicians experiences of bullying. Social Sciences Directory, 3(1), 31-55