Four trends that will shape the future of EMDR. (February 2021)

This article is about four trends that have and will continue to shape our lives, our economy and our environment in which we learn and practice EMDR, and organise our EMDR communities.  The purpose of this article by Richard Worthing-Davies, one of the founders of emdrgateway, is to provoke a long needed public discussion about the future of this form of therapy both in the UK and in the wider world.  The four trends are: the growing crisis in mental health across large parts of the world, the growth of the digital economy and innovation that will particularly affect the fields of health and education, the demise of the DSM diagnostic system and the development of AI (artificial intelligence). 

These trends re-inforce each other to offer huge challenges to providers of mental health therapy including EMDR, but also opportunities if they can be grasped. When our environment changes we need to adapt to survive and thrive. In this paper Richard will offer some suggestions as to how we can meet the challenges ahead; but his main hope is that these will generate a proper debate about the future rather than just an argument about his suggestions.

To read this thought provoking artlcle, which has relevance for all EMDR therapists, whether practicing in the UK or elsewhere in the world, use the link below It will take you to the latest edition of the EMDR Therapy Quarterly where you will find the complete article. And take the opportunity not only to read it but to leave a comment in the Journal or on emdrgateway. This is your opportunity to may be shaping your own future as well as that of others!!