Using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study with EMDR therapists
Open accessAbstract
Objectives: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence‐based psychological therapy that targets distress associated with trauma and affective disturbance. Few studies have examined EMDR for autistic individuals who have co‐occurring mental health conditions, but there is preliminary evidence of effectiveness. The current study explored EMDR therapists' experiences of working with autistic individuals, and adaptations incorporated into clinical practice to make this more accessible and effective. Design: A qualitative interview design was used. Data were thematically analysed. Method: Twenty‐three UK‐based EMDR therapists attended one‐off semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) the experience of being autistic; (2) factors around accessing EMDR; (3) adapting EMDR; and (4) supervision and support for EMDR therapists. Participants described offering a nuanced and tailored approach; one that retained the integral components of the eight phases of EMDR, while also being flexible and responsive to each client. Conclusions: Findings reinforce the importance of offering formulation‐based psychological therapy that flexes in an evidence‐informed way, according to the preferences and needs of autistic individuals. Further research should establish factors influencing accessibility and effectiveness of EMDR for autistic individuals, and the impact of autism‐relevant training on the knowledge, skills and confidence of EMDR therapists and clinical supervisors working with this client group.
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Qualitative research emphasises the importance of trauma-focused interventions for autistic individuals.
“qualitative research emphasises the importance of trauma-focused interventions for autistic individuals.”
From Rethinking psychological interventions in autism: Toward a neurodiversity‐affirming approach. (2025) · cites this paper as Fisher et al. (2022)
EMDR could be an effective approach in addressing trauma-related experiences specific to autistic individuals.
“Fisher et al. (2022) conducted semi-structured interviews and thematic analyses, highlighting that EMDR could be an effective approach in addressing trauma-related experiences specific to autistic individuals.”
From Rethinking psychological interventions in autism: Toward a neurodiversity‐affirming approach. (2025) · cites this paper as Fisher et al. (2022)
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Cites
Using thematic analysis in psychology
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“The study methods and findings are reported based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines (Tong et al., 2007; COREQ; 23, see Supplementary File).”
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“EMDR was originally developed as a post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)- specific therapy (Shapiro, 1989), yet recent studies indicate this is also effective for other conditions, including anxiety and affective disorders, substance misuse and unexplained symptoms (for review, see Sepehry et al.,…”
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“Moreover, therapists' attitudes can predict intentions and motivation to provide psychological therapy (CBT) for autistic individuals, with more favourable attitudes linking to greater intentions (Maddox et al., 2019).”
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“This is consistent with findings from qualitative (Kerns et al, in press) and quantitative (Rumball et al., 2020) research, indicating some autistic individuals experience trauma responses to subjectively aversive events.”
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“Psychological therapies typically require adaptation to enhance accessibility for autistic individuals (Kerns et al., 2016); for example, to accommodate social communication differences, sensory preferences/sensitivities and executive functioning difficulties.”
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“…(PTSD)- specific therapy (Shapiro, 1989), yet recent studies indicate this is also effective for other conditions, including anxiety and affective disorders, substance misuse and unexplained symptoms (for review, see Sepehry et al., 2021; Valiente- Gómez et al., 2017, van Rood & de Roos, 2009).”
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“Moreover, therapists' attitudes can predict intentions and motivation to provide psychological therapy (CBT) for autistic individuals, with more favourable attitudes linking to greater intentions (Maddox et al., 2019).”
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“…therapies for autistic individuals (Kerns et al., 2016; Spain & Happé, 2020; Stark et al., 2021), as well as EMDR intervention studies (Barol & Seubert, 2010; Kosatka & Ona, 2014; Lobregtvan Buuren et al., 2019; Mevissen et al., 2011, 2012), a recent Delphi survey study about barriers…”
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Using EMDR with autistic individuals: A Delphi survey with EMDR therapists
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Self-citationEMDR for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Sepehry, A. A., Lam, K., Sheppard, M., Guirguis-Younger, M., & Maglio, A.-S. T. (2021) · Journal of EMDR Practice and Research · doi:10.1891/emdr-d-20-00038 · Cited by 18 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…(PTSD)- specific therapy (Shapiro, 1989), yet recent studies indicate this is also effective for other conditions, including anxiety and affective disorders, substance misuse and unexplained symptoms (for review, see Sepehry et al., 2021; Valiente- Gómez et al., 2017, van Rood & de Roos, 2009).”
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in a Patient With Asperger’s Disorder: Case Report
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Fennell, L. C. P., & Johnson, S. A. (2021) · The Clinical Neuropsychologist · doi:10.1080/13854046.2021.1958922 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
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Rethinking psychological interventions in autism: Toward a neurodiversity‐affirming approach.
Graf‐Kurtulus, S., & Gelo, O. C. G. (2025) · Counselling and Psychotherapy Research · doi:10.1002/capr.12874 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Whaling, K. M., Veed, G. J., & Loftin, R. L. (2026) · Neurodiversity · doi:10.1177/27546330251408867 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Response to 'Treating trauma, not autism: a critical response to Te Hennepe et al. (2026)'.
Hennepe, S. J. T., & de Jongh, A. (2026) · European Journal of Psychotraumatology · doi:10.1080/20008066.2026.2739784
Marino, M., Pezone, M., Riccio, M., Garotti, R., Scapicchio, A., Fernandez, I., & Bravaccio, C. (2026) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1812438
- Authors
- Fisher, N., Patel, H., van Diest, C., & Spain, D.
- Affiliations
- Independent Practice London UK
- King's College London (GB)
- Synthesa Therapy Breda The Netherlands
- Corresponding author
- Spain, Debbie
- Venue
- Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2022-08-11
- Volume
- 95
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1071-1089
- ISSN
- 1476-0835 (ISSN-L)
- 2044-8341
- PMC
- PMC9804816
- OpenAlex
- W4291157025
- Cited by
- 8
- References
- 34
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 0.91
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (CDRF-2012-03-059)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
- Keywords
- EMDR, autism spectrum disorder, trauma, mood disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, therapist supervision
- MeSH terms
- Autistic Disorder, Eye Movements, Humans, Quality of Life, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Qualitative Research, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
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