Group EMDR across inpatient and outpatient, In-person and online settings - a year of experimenting

EMDR is an effective therapy for many mental health issues. We know that it works, but accessibility is a growing issue. Both availability of therapists and cost prohibits many from accessing the therapy necessary for them to resolve their trauma and live more fulfilling lives. In our suburban practices we have previously followed a narrow model of care restricted to 1:1 therapy, but group therapy is an excellent way to expand our reach and benefit more people in our communities. We know Group EMDR is effective in many settings, we have research to proveit, but the uptake in private practice is low. There is an acceptance of support groups in the community, but benefits rely on psychoeducation and the support and validation of sharing in a safe environment. Whilst helpful, this is not generally life changing. We need to bring the transformative effects of EMDR and leverage the group environment so that more people can access the benefits of EMDR, at a lower cost than 1:1 therapy, to ensure accessibility and efficacy. The purpose of this talk is to share my knowledge gained over the past year of experimentation of delivering EMDR in groups, both in person and online, in hospital and in the community, in order to encourage and facilitate more EMDR practitioners to be able to deliver more EMDR sessions to more members of our communities. I believe in the generous sharing of knowledge and experience, and also in the benefit of imperfect action. What I present is work in progress - early learnings from an innovative shift in EMDR application.

Conference

English

Caroline Lloyd

Lloyd, C. (2025, May). Group EMDR across inpatient and outpatient, In-person and online settings - a year of experimenting. Presentation at the EMDRAA Conference, Adelaide, South Australia