The EMDR UK conference is a highlight of the year for many members of the EMDR Association UK. Hear from the delegates themselves speaking at our conference in York, March 2024.

Therapists share their highlights from the EMDR UK Conference: York, 2024 (subtitled)

“As clinicians working in health we often don’t have a lot of contact with other mental health professionals and so to be able to hear how broadly EMDR is being used and applied is wonderful”

“I really loved the stuff on autism and the autistic spectrum and the way the presenters brought things to life. I’ve always felt a bit different; it’s made me feel more accepted and see how I can make my clients feel more accepted as well.”

“It’s really helpful to speak to other people working and get a sense of new ideas and ways of doing things, such as we spoke about today around adaption and developmental practice. You don’t get that opportunity if you’re not part of the community”

“The first session by Peter Liebermann was really engaging it just invigorated my interest in EMDR, areas that I thought EMDR couldn’t reach. For example, in working with dementia clients.”

“It’s about realising you’re not alone, EMDR is so powerful, it can be life changing and as a therapist it changes you as well. It’s making sure you’ve got that network behind you to support you”

“All the sessions have been great but especially what is new to me is the Polyvagal theory and utilising that and I have a patient in mind whom it would be useful to work with.

“Being a member makes you feel part of a team, we’ve all got shared experiences, it’s just nice for someone to say, “I’ve been there, I know what that’s like.”

“It’s just fantastic to have someone who has spent the time to round up all the relevant recent research and present it in an accessible way.”

Where are EMDR UK Conferences held?

Each year we chose a different city for a new experience, and to reflect that EMDR therapists live and work all over the UK. Across almost two decades we’ve hosted an ever increasing number of delegates, visiting Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, London and more.

When and how are they delivered?

The annual conference is held in March, on a Friday and Saturday. The pandemic led to us delivering our first online conference, and since then we’ve offered a hybrid of in person and online, allowing space for everyone who would like to join. Presentations are recorded and they’re now available for three months post conference to registered delegates. Five trees are planted for each registration as part of our effort to offset the conference’s carbon footprint. Since the conference in 2023 we have planted 10,000 trees; roughly 150 tennis courts or 13 football pitches!

What’s the purpose of EMDR UK’s conferences?

The conferences reflect EMDR UK’s mission to relieve suffering through EMDR therapy by promoting the highest standards of treatment, research, continuing professional development and ethical practice. Close attention is paid to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

What can I expect from an EMDR UK conference?

We programme a broad range of speakers and topics. Delegates are brought up to date with the latest EMDR research; different ways to adapt and apply EMDR therapy; presentations on areas of clinical expertise; information on special interest and regional groups; poster presentations; and a popular book stall. Members especially value the special opportunity the conferences provide to meet, connect with and learn from the community of EMDR therapists.

EMDR UK President Matthew Wesson speaking from the podium at the 2024 conference in York.

Speaker Dr Naomi Fisher (left) chatting to a delegate at the 2023 conference in York.

Not a member yet?

If you’re not already a member of EMDR UK there’s no better time to become part of the community, access a wealth of online resources and a discount on the conference fee.