An exploration of the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques within a Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) framework with children experiencing personal and school related problems

Abstract

This study was set in a mainstream primary school in Scotland where a group of children had been identified by their class teachers and parents as presenting as quiet, shy, withdrawn and/or anxious. The researcher was an educational psychologist in the local authority where the study took place. S primary aged children at stages PS, P6 and P7 (aged 9 to 11 years) of the Scottish Primary education system were involved in a group process in their school, consisting of 6 sessions over the course of 2 months. The intervention combined elements from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). This was a strength based approach which aimed to focus on positive strengths and increase resilience. The individual nature of the therapy required a flexible model. A qualitative research methodology was used. The general aim of this research was to investigate this combined therapeutic process within an applied psychology perspective. The research set out to study the experiences of a group of children during and after they participated in the process. A further aim of the research was to explore the process from my own perspective as the therapist and facilitator. Data was collected during and after each session and post intervention data was collected from children, parents and teachers. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (JP A) was used to analyse the data. Findings indicated that the children found the intervention helpful and they were able to identify particular aspects of SFBT and EMDR which they had found useful.