Exploring the Experiences of C/YP accessing EMDR in CAMHS.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Experiences of Children and Young People Engaging with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
IRAS ID
302285
Contact name
Sophie Little
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research, Development & Innovation, NHS Highland
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 23 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Most adults who experience mental health difficulties begin experiencing these problems in childhood, which means it’s important that these problems are addressed as early as possible. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a type of therapy now used for a range of different problems. Previous research found that EMDR can be effective for C/YP. However, not enough research has been carried out to understand what C/YP think about engaging with EMDR and how they experience it. The current study aims to explore what C/YP think about EMDR and which parts of the process is most impactful for them. This may help better inform the clinicians using this type of therapy.
The aim of the present study is to explore the experiences of C/YP who have accessed EMDR in a CAMHS setting.
This study will aim to recruit 6-10 participants who are currently or have previously attended EMDR sessions at NHS Highland CAMHS. Potential participants will be identified by CAMHS clinicians and will be between 10 and 16 years old. Semi-structured interview will take place. Interview recordings will be typed verbatim and the researcher will look at each one to try to find any patterns or themes, this will be done using an approach called Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The interviews will take place at the CAMHS service or remotely using NHS Near me. Participants will attend 1 interview session.
The data obtained will be treated confidentiality and all identifiable information will be removed during the typing up of the interview e.g. names, to protect participants' identities. Data will be held securely in line with GDPR guidance and destroyed appropriately.
The findings will be shared with CAMHS, will contribute towards a doctorate qualification in Clinical Psychology and will hopefully be submitted for publication in a scientific journal.
Summary of Results
Four main themes were identified from the interviews with participants. These were the importance of the clinician’s role, reflections on engaging with the initial phases of EMDR, meeting individuals needs and the beneficial aspects of EMDR.
This study offers understanding from the point of view of children and young people who benefitted from accessing EMDR within a CAMHS setting. The findings show the value that children and young people place on the therapeutic relationship, the importance of offering choice and flexibility to ensure individual needs are met, that the perceived benefits take different forms and that steps should be taken during the initial phases to emphasise the importance of the preparation stage and to support children and young people to figure out the perceived peculiarity of the approach. Further research exploring the full range of experiences across larger samples, including those in a younger age group is recommended.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
22/NS/0043
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion