In a UK sample, EMDR and other trauma therapists indicate beliefs in unconscious repression and dissociative amnesia

This study explored UK mental health professionals’ beliefs (N = 178) for autobiographical memory function for trauma in the context of adverse therapeutic outcomes, e.g., false memories. It captures novel data on controversial memory beliefs for unconscious repression, dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder (DID). Study participants were mental health professionals and included non-trauma-focused, (n = 92), trauma-focused EMDR practitioners (n = 62) and (non-EMDR) trauma-focused practitioners (n = 24). Most study participants indicated some degree of belief in repression (>78%) and dissociative amnesia (>84%). EMDR and other trauma-focused practitioners showed elevated agreement for controversial memory notions. The EMDR practitioner group also showed more belief in the diagnostic validity of DID. New data on mental health professionals’ beliefs about the aetiology of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) was also captured. Most study participants “Somewhat agreed” or “Agreed” that “blocked out” trauma memories are causally related to dissociation and physical symptoms, e.g., PNES (>78%); EMDR practitioners showed the highest degree of agreement (91%). The impact of memory beliefs alongside EMDR theory and practice is considered in the context of adverse therapeutic outcomes, e.g., false or non-experienced memories. Recommendations are made for future research to mitigate against adverse health outcomes.

Journal

English

Pamela J. Radcliffe
Lawrence Patihis

Radcliffe, P. J., & Patihis, L. (2025, April). In a UK sample, EMDR and other trauma therapists indicate beliefs in unconscious repression and dissociative amnesia. Memory.doi:10.1080/09658211.2025.2498929