Investigating the Confidence and Experience of EMDR Clinicians Treating Dissociation
Isabella Young
Abstract
Dissociation involves disruptions in the integration of consciousness, memory and identity, and is often associated with complex psychological presentations. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is considered as an effective treatment for clients with dissociation. However, little is known about how well EMDR clinicians are trained to address dissociation, or what factors influence clinician confidence, which is essential for effective treatment delivery. This study aimed to investigate predictors of EMDR clinician confidence with clients with dissociation and to explore clinician’s experiences in this area. Participants included 57 Australian EMDR clinicians in a convergent parallel mixed method design using an online survey. Correlation and multiple regression analysis methods were used to assess whether level of training, theoretical knowledge, experience with EMDR and experience with dissociation predicted clinician confidence. Simultaneously, thematic analysis was performed on open-ended responses to questions about EMDR clinician experiences working with dissociation. Quantitative results indicated that theoretical knowledge and experience with dissociation were significant predictors of confidence, whereas level of EMDR training and experience with EMDR were not. Five central qualitative themes emerged: the importance of ongoing professional development, techniques and therapeutic tools that clinicians have found effective, barriers and challenges, clinician’s experiences of EMDR training and personal experiences associated with this work. These findings highlight the need for dissociation to be addressed more effectively in EMDR training programs and for opportunities that support clinician confidence. This study provides novel insights into EMDR practice and training to enhance treatment for clients with dissociation in Australia.Biography
Isabella Young recently completed her Master of Clinical Psychology and has a particular interest in EMDR and trauma treatment. While not EMDR accredited, she aims to prioritise the voices of experienced clinicians and explore diverse clinical experiences with EMDR. Her research examines clinician confidence in using EMDR with clients presenting with dissociative symptoms, with the goal of enhancing training, supervision, and safe clinical practice.