Examining therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy while delivering intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

Intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) shows promising results for improvingclient well-being, expediting trauma processing over longer, more frequent subsequent sessions comparedto traditional sessions. However, little is known about therapists’ perspectives when facilitating prolongedintensive trauma treatment and the potential impact on vicarious and secondary trauma exposure.This study examined intensive EMDR therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy, clinical skills, professionalattunement, and exposure to vicarious and secondary trauma. A total of 11 self-identified intensive EMDRtherapists participated in 1-h interviews following an eligibility screening process to confirm that they werecurrently practicing, received specialized training in EMDR, and held varying levels of training in intensiveEMDR. Thematic analysis identified 5 themes among responses: self-efficacy in treatment approach,clinical confidence for complex cases, unique confidence in the intensive format, the experience of theimpact of prolonged sessions, and unique professional connection as an intensive EMDR practitioner.Findings from this study indicate that intensive therapists experience longer sessions differently fromtraditional sessions. Participants identified enhanced self-efficacy in treatment and practice decisions,a higher level of perceived clinical skills, and energy attunement meriting an intentional approach toself-care following intensive sessions. Although no reduction in the traumatic content was reportedduring intensives, results indicate that intensives allow therapists to witness uninterrupted processing,potentially mitigating the negative impact of traumatic content on the therapist, compared to traditionalunprocessed/incomplete sessions. Further research should focus on the impact of an intensive formatfor other trauma treatment models to better support trauma therapists’ job-related well-being.

English

Angelina Harris

Harris, A. (2006). Examining therapists’ experiences of self-efficacy while delivering intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 20(24). https://doi.org/10.34133/jemdr.0024