Utilisation de la désensibilisation des mouvements oculaires et du reconditionnement (EMDR) avec des personnes autistes : une étude d'entretiens qualitatifs avec des thérapeutes EMDR

Aperçu: G.M.

Objectifs
La désensibilisation des mouvements oculaires et le reconditionnement (EMDR) est une thérapie psychologique fondée sur des données probantes qui cible la détresse associée aux traumatismes et aux troubles affectifs. Peu d'études ont examiné l'EMDR pour les personnes autistes qui ont des problèmes de santé mentale concomitants, mais il existe des preuves préliminaires de son efficacité. La présente étude a exploré les expériences de travail des thérapeutes EMDR avec des personnes autistes et les adaptations incorporées dans la pratique clinique pour la rendre plus accessible et efficace. 

Conception
Une conception d'entrevue qualitative a été utilisée. Les données ont été analysées par thème. 

Méthode
Vingt-trois thérapeutes EMDR basés au Royaume-Uni ont participé à des entretiens qualitatifs semi-structurés ponctuels. 

Résultats
Quatre thèmes principaux ont émergé : (1) l'expérience d'être autiste ; (2) les facteurs liés à l'accès à l'EMDR ; (3) adapter l'EMDR ; et (4) la supervision et le soutien des thérapeutes EMDR. Les participants ont décrit l'offre d'une approche nuancée et personnalisée ; celui qui a conservé les composants intégraux des huit phases de l'EMDR, tout en étant flexible et réactif à chaque client. 

Conclusions
Les résultats renforcent l'importance d'offrir une thérapie psychologique basée sur la formulation qui s'adapte de manière fondée sur des preuves, selon les préférences et les besoins des personnes autistes. Des recherches supplémentaires devraient établir les facteurs influençant l'accessibilité et l'efficacité de l'EMDR pour les personnes autistes, ainsi que l'impact de la formation pertinente sur l'autisme sur les connaissances, les compétences et la confiance des thérapeutes EMDR et des superviseurs cliniques travaillant avec ce groupe de clients.

. 2022 Dec;95(4):1071-1089.

doi: 10.1111/papt.12419. Epub 2022 Aug 11.

Using eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) with autistic individuals: A qualitative interview study with EMDR therapists

Naomi Fisher  ¹ , Henna Patel  ² , Caroline van Diest  ³ , Debbie Spain  ²

Affiliations

• PMID: 36334027
• DOI: 10.1111/papt.12419

Abstract

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.

Keywords: autism; clinical supervision; eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR); mental health; psychological therapy; trauma.

© 2022 The Authors. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The British Psychological Society.

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