Please also see news of Matthew’s appointment to President.
Dear Colleagues
As it has been 6 weeks since I took over the Presidency from Mike O’Connor at our very successful (and first hybrid) conference, so felt it time to update you on Association matters. If you missed closing address to the conference where I laid out my vision for the next 2 years, you can read it here. Apologies this update is quite long but there is a lot happening that you should be aware of as members. Firstly, some very sad news:
Sian Morgan
It is with great sadness that on the morning of 26th April 2022 the EMDR community suffered a huge loss with the passing of Sian Morgan. Sian was known to many in the field through her work with the EMDR charity, Trauma Aid UK (TAUK). TAUK is a charity that provides EMDR training and supervision, pro bono, in countries affected by conflict or natural disaster and Sian was the founder and President since 1999. Sian fought hard for the establishment of TAUK, and it was not always an easy path, but her determination saw it through. As an EMDR Europe Accredited Trainer, Sian provided numerous trainings in various countries, and she also helped organise and assist on many more.
Not only an inspiring teacher and leader, but Sian was also a caring and compassionate psychotherapist for over 25 years. She trained in humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural approaches and integrated EMDR therapy into her work since 1999. She was one of the founding members of EMDR UK and previously was the Conference Committee Chair.
EMDR UK will continue to collaborate with TAUK and the fantastic work they do around the world. But for now, we pause and gives thanks for the life and work of Sian. Our condolences go out to her family, TAUK, and her many colleagues and friends. May the impact of Sian’s vision, leadership, wisdom, kindness, and generosity live on in the EMDR community and beyond for many, many years to come. There is an online Book of Condolence via the TAUK website: TAUK. For the full obituary visit: sian-morgan-obituary
NHS News
Both trainees undergoing their standard EMDR training and Regional Group (including SIGs) members can already get their first year’s membership to our Association for free. We have now expanded this to all NHS staff trained in EMDR therapy who have not been a member before. Please pass on this good news to your NHS colleagues and encourage them to join. A bigger membership will mean we can have more impact at a national level. The online membership form is available on the links on this page: membership
In other NHS news:
-Health Education England (HEE) has committed large amounts of funding for EMDR training over the next 5 years.
-Omissions of EMDR therapy from various sections of the IAPT manual has been raised at a national level and assurances given that we will be involved with future revisions.
-The HEE commissioned national Competency Framework for EMDR continues to have positive impact. Click link for details: EMDR Competency Framework
In addition, Oenone Dudley (EMDR Consultant) was key in its development and provided a free webinar for members and NHS colleagues, and this is available here: NHS webinar
Webinars
We are committed to continue to offer low cost and high quality workshops for our members, all with CPD points attached. Maxine Sherrell has planned an exciting programme over the next year and further details can be found here: emdrassociationevents.org.uk If you have any suggestions for further presenters, please contact: m.sherrell@emdrassociation.org.uk
Accreditation
The online accreditation application project continues to move forward positively. We will be asking for volunteers to test the system soon and if you are interested, please contact admin@emdrassociation.org.uk
There have been some small changes to the accreditation criteria that will be implemented soon. This includes that those applying for Practitioner accreditation will no longer be able to include cases treated during their standard training unless treatment continues after this course. In addition, for those re-accrediting as a consultant will need to agree to a continuing commitment to the provision of EMDR supervision to groups and individuals.
Scientific and Research Committee
Beverly Coghlan in settling well into the new EMDR Association Research Officer role. If you want to contact her for advice about planned EMDR research, please email: ResearchOfficer@emdrassociation.org.uk
Many members highlighted disparaging comments about EMDR therapy in an article in the BACP members’ journal. The SRC has written a robust response that has been received by the editors and we are hoping to ensure they will publish that soon.
We have now signed a contract with the University of Sheffield to begin to develop a searchable database of EMDR. When complete this will be freely available to members to help and enhance a research ethos amongst our community.
Publications
Since Omar Sattar stepped down as editor of EMDR Therapy Quarterly (ETQ – our members newsletter) after many years of excellent service, we have still not found a replacement to fill Omar’s big shoes! If you know of anyone that might be interested in this exciting opportunity, please email admin@emdrassociation.org.uk
The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is an excellent publication that is free to members of EMDR UK. There is a new password for access for this online, which is updated every year. It is EMDR2022J. Follow this link to enter it: https://emdr-europe.org/journal-of-emdr-practice-and-research/
New Pain Special Interest Group (SIG)
Dr Romy Sherlock is re-establishing this SIG to explore the evidence base for EMDR and persistent pain alongside sharing practice-based evidence for EMDR therapy and pain. If you would like more information, please sign up here:
https://mailchi.mp/15c9a5210fda/hoohvhtl6h
Council of Scholars (CoS) Research Request
The CoS Training & Accreditation Group [TAG] are seeking participants in a research project involving an examination of EMDR therapy training implementation, practice, and outcome. Please follow this link for the details: CoSTAGrequest
That’s all the main points for now. Take care and stay involved.
Matt Wesson
President, EMDR UK