Stories, trauma and the next chapter for EMDR Association UK
09 April, 2026
Dr Russell Hurn, EMDR UK’s new President
When Dr Russell Hurn [Russ] talks about psychotherapy, he often returns to his roots…and to the idea of stories.
Before becoming a counselling psychologist and EMDR consultant, he spent many years in broadcasting – presenting and producing television and radio programmes, interviewing public figures and learning how people portray events in their own lives. As the new President of EMDR Association UK [2026–2028], that fascination with the human experience continues to shape his work.
“I loved interviewing people,” he says of his broadcasting career. “Listening to their stories was always the best part.” Now, as a therapist working primarily with trauma, he reflects: “People entrust me with stories that are, by their nature, embedded in trauma and stress. To be able to help them is both humbling and a privilege.”
Russ’s route into psychology was far from conventional. That early career in broadcasting saw him working across television and radio as both presenter and producer. He began as a TV continuity announcer introducing late-night programming before returning to radio where his broadcasting career had begun.
He later presented programmes for the British Forces Broadcasting Service [BFBS] and worked on output for international audiences before presenting and directing children’s content for the BFBS Sound and Vision Corporation where he collaborated with well-known presenters and performers. “It was enormous fun,” he recalls. “I loved the creativity and especially the interviewing – meeting people and hearing about their lives.”
The turning point came while travelling in South Africa. Sitting on Mount Helderberg near Stellenbosch and reflecting on his future, he took the decision to return to university and study psychology. That ultimately led to a career focused on supporting people affected by trauma.
After completing his training as a counselling psychologist, Russ began working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Hertfordshire, where he remained for 11 years.
He later joined CHUMS, a social enterprise providing trauma and bereavement support for children and families, before moving to the Anna Freud Centre where he became programme director for the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. In March 2025 he returned to the NHS, continuing his commitment to public mental health services.
EMDR entered Russ’s professional life at a pivotal moment. In 2004 – the same year his son was born – he encountered his first trauma client: a young boy who had experienced a road traffic accident. Determined to find the most effective approaches for treating post-traumatic stress, he began exploring trauma-focused therapies and discovered EMDR. He trained in 2005 with Sandi Richman – an experience he calls transformative.
“I remember feeling taller when I walked out,” he says, reflecting especially on the personal insights gained through the process – all trainees are required to have EMDR therapy themselves as part of the programme. Returning to his CAMHS team, he helped establish a trauma pathway that integrated EMDR into clinical practice.
Working alongside a colleague, he began developing and refining the approach in clinical settings. In the early days they sometimes worked together in sessions – one therapist leading the process while the other provided support. “We grew and experimented,” he says. “It was a wonderful way to develop our skills and confidence.”
Since then, EMDR has become the foundation of Russ’s clinical work. While sessions may not always visibly resemble the stereotypical image of EMDR therapy, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and the therapy’s eight-phase structure underpin his work with all clients.
“There’s a tendency for those outside of EMDR practice to think only of the eye movements,” he explains. “But, as our members know, the model informs everything we do, from history-taking and preparation through to processing and integration.”
Alongside his clinical work, Russ has been closely involved with the EMDR Association UK for many years. He first joined the childhood and adolescence committee in the late 2000s and has served on the association’s board in various roles for more than a decade.
During that time, he has seen the organisation grow. “Membership has increased enormously,” he says. “What was once around two thousand members is now approaching four times that. We’ve also developed as an organisation, with dedicated staff helping us support members more effectively.”
Taking on the presidency brings both excitement and reflection. Russ keeps a small ornament in his office – a figure suspended on a rope that could be climbing a wall or descending it – which he often uses as a metaphor for personal challenges.
“With the presidency, it feels more like an abseil,” he says. “I’m already over the edge and heading down, not entirely sure what will happen next – but I’m looking forward to the journey.”
His priorities centre on strengthening the UK EMDR community, promoting knowledge and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice. In his conference speech marking the start of his presidency, he spoke about the importance of creating a sense of belonging.
“What I would love is for our members to feel part of something,” he says. “We’re united by a commitment to evidence-based practice and continuing professional development. By learning from one another we strengthen the profession and, most importantly, improve the support we provide to clients.”
Maintaining rigorous training standards remains a particular priority, especially as EMDR continues to grow internationally. He is also keen to ensure the UK continues to play an active role within EMDR Europe, contributing to developments across the wider community, and improving equality, diversity and inclusion in line with the UK association’s work.
For Russ, the future of EMDR lies in collaboration – bringing together clinicians, researchers and trainers to advance knowledge, maintain professional standards and expand access to effective trauma treatment.
“In broadcasting I helped people tell their stories. Now I help people move beyond difficult ones and create new chapters – and that’s a privilege I never take for granted.”
For several years Dr Russell Hurn has been the host of EMDR UK’s podcast series ‘Past Present and Future’ and ‘EMDR Extraordinary Stories.’ Listen on our site or wherever you find your podcasts.