Perinatal EMDR SIG

The EMDR in Perinatal SIG is chaired by myself, Miriam Inder, with Alexandra Westcott (Secretary) and Gemma Lutwyche (Honorary Treasurer). It has evolved out of a perinatal forum which we have been running for two years. We have over 100 members and have an informal meeting, online, every 6-8 weeks on Saturday mornings, to discuss best practice use of EMDR therapy with this specialist client group. In time, we hope to promote and/or carry out research and organise CPD events. We also have a WhatsApp group in parallel which members use to keep connected, consider questions, share research etc. Please contact Miriam at PerinatalEMDR@betterbeginnings.co.uk

The perinatal period relates to the period of time around conception, pregnancy, birth and two years post-birth. This is a vulnerable time for many women and partners. It can be associated with distressing experiences, such as infertility, hyperemesis, baby loss or birth trauma, along with increased emotional distress. The perinatal period can also be a time when parents struggle in the context of earlier complex trauma histories which can come to the fore around this sensitive time of transition. It is imperative parents receive appropriate therapy for their own well-being, but also with the benefits to their baby and the parent-infant relationship clearly held in mind.

The EMDR in Perinatal SIG is an opportunity to discuss ways of working with women (and partners), paying attention to the evidence base, ongoing research and identifying gaps in the research base. SIG members share their knowledge and experience about best practices in using EMDR in the context of perinatal emotional well-being. The SIG is for EMDR therapists who have completed their standard EMDR training and have an interest in EMDR in perinatal populations.

We currently have over 100 members, and meet approximately 6 times a year, on zoom, on Saturday mornings 9-10.30am. Dates will be decided in advance and all members will be informed by email.

If you wish to join the Perinatal SIG please email Miriam Inder at PerinatalEMDR@betterbeginnings.co.uk so that you can be added to the Perinatal SIG email group. Your name and email address is stored securely. If at any time you wish to remove your information, please do so by contacting the chair of the SIG.