Keeping an eye out: Reflections on the post "EMDR-high" for therapists

Research evidence shows that eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is proving itself to be an effective intervention across a range of mental and physical health problems. With an additional focus on the neurological impact that the mechanism of the techniques has on the patient, our understanding of its impact is growing. However, what is lesser-known is information around the impact that employing EMDR has on the therapist, namely the post-treatment phenomenon of the "EMDR-high."

This article stems from the experience of a clinical psychologist at the early stages of using EMDR and her experiences of the personal impact of employing EMDR. It presents a number of questions to help identify possible explanations of the "EMDR-high", within the context of basic neurological and psychological theory. The article aims to draw attention to this experience/potential phenomenon in order to encourage further research to help identify what the long-term impact may be upon the therapists themselves as well as help us further our knowledge about EMDR in general.

Journal

English

Feryad A. Hussain

Hussain, F. A. (2020, March). Keeping an eye out: Reflections on the post "EMDR-high" for therapists. Journal of Psychological Therapies, 5(1), 40-50