EMDR Therapy Quarterly

Hello, my name is Dean Whybrow, and I am the Editor for the EMDR Therapy Quarterly (ETQ). This is the second edition of the ETQ during my tenure, and I want to begin by extending heartfelt thanks to all our contributors—whether you’ve submitted SIG and committee updates, shared clinical insights, or offered bold new perspectives. This is a membership-driven publication, and it thrives on your willingness to share your opinions, evaluations, and research. Once again, many of you have stepped up, and I invite even more of you to do the same. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be reaching out via social media and the discussion forum—please take me up on the invitation. Whether you’re new to writing or an established author, ETQ is your platform, and I’m always happy to offer guidance and feedback.

This edition showcases the breadth and depth of EMDR therapy’s application, with three standout contributions that reflect the field’s evolving frontiers.

In our news feature, psychiatrist Bram van der Boom and former patient Lizet Wolters share Lizet’s remarkable therapeutic journey. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), Lizet spent 25 years navigating a wide range of traditional treatments with limited success. Her turning point came through a four-day intensive EMDR intervention. The results were transformative: Lizet’s BPD diagnosis was no longer present following treatment. Her story challenges entrenched views on personality disorders and underscores EMDR’s potential to access and resolve deep-rooted trauma with unprecedented speed and depth.

Dr Jonathan Hutchins and Dr Deborah Kingston build on this theme with a review of Intensive EMDR (I-EMDR). Their article synthesises emerging research on condensed EMDR formats, which are proving effective across a range of conditions including PTSD, complex PTSD, and depression. The authors argue that I-EMDR could offer a scalable, cost-effective solution to long NHS waitlists, while also improving client engagement and outcomes. Their practical guidance makes this a must-read for clinicians considering this approach.

Finally, Dr Khyati Rawal and colleagues offer a powerful and timely position paper on the use of EMDR with unpaid carers of individuals with dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. The authors advocate for trauma-informed, flexible, and compassionate EMDR interventions to address the unique psychological burdens faced by carers. Their work is a call to action for greater recognition, research, and tailored support for this often-overlooked group.

Together, these articles reflect a field that is not only growing in evidence but also in empathy, accessibility, and innovation. Whether you’re working with people exposed to complex trauma, exploring new delivery models, or supporting underrepresented populations, this edition of ETQ offers inspiration and practical tools to enhance your practice.

Before you go… If you’re looking for reliable, up-to-date information on EMDR therapy, the EMDR Publications Database is a valuable resource. It includes the latest research, such as a recent review involving Anthea Sutton from our Scientific Committee and funded by EMDR UK (Simpson et al., 2025). This important work updates the evidence base originally used to inform the NICE PTSD Guidelines (2018).

Thank you for being part of this evolving conversation. Let’s keep it going.