EMDR Training: The Missing Piece for IAPT Therapists in the NHS?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating trauma-related disorders in the NHS. However, not many healthcare professionals in the UK are certified in this effective form of therapy. EMDR therapy training has a great potential to fill the missing piece in the treatment of trauma, and a wide range of EMDR training programs, workshops, and courses are available for healthcare professionals to become EMDR certified.

In 2021, Health Education England published the National Curriculum for EMDR Training with Adults, which outlines the key competencies that EMDR therapists should achieve. The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of EMDR therapy's theory and practice, including its history, principles, and research. It also includes practical aspects of EMDR therapist training, such as supervised hours and the types of cases that therapists should be able to manage after completing basic EMDR training.

EMDR therapy's effectiveness is supported by numerous studies, and it has been shown to be an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and other anxiety-related disorders. In addition, EMDR therapy is a brief therapy, with many clients achieving significant improvements in a matter of weeks or months.

One of the significant benefits of EMDR therapy is that it helps clients process traumatic memories that reduce their distress and prevent future triggers. This approach is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that many mental health problems result from unprocessed or inadequately processed memories. By reprocessing these memories, clients can reduce their emotions' intensity and negative beliefs that are associated with them.

Successful EMDR therapy also involves identifying and addressing the root causes of clients' problems. This may involve exploring childhood experiences, relationship patterns, or other factors that contribute to the client's current difficulties. EMDR therapists are trained to work with clients in a collaborative and compassionate way, using a range of techniques to help clients achieve their goals.

For healthcare professionals in the NHS, EMDR certification can be a valuable addition to their skill set. Many clients seen in NHS services have experienced trauma, either as a single incident or as a result of ongoing stress and adversity. By undergoing EMDR therapist training, healthcare professionals can provide a more comprehensive and effective service to their clients, addressing both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of their problems.

EMDR online training and EMDR advanced training can also help healthcare professionals manage their caseloads more efficiently. Many clients seen in the NHS have complex needs, and traditional talk therapies can take a long time to produce results. EMDR therapy, by contrast, is a relatively brief and focused intervention that can produce significant improvements in a matter of weeks or months. This can help healthcare professionals to free up their time and resources to help more clients and to provide a more responsive and effective service.

In conclusion, EMDR therapy training is an essential addition to the skill set of healthcare professionals in the NHS. The National Curriculum for EMDR Training provides a comprehensive overview of the competencies required for effective EMDR therapy. A range of EMDR training workshops, courses, and programs are available, allowing healthcare professionals to become EMDR certified and provide a more comprehensive and effective service to their clients.