Novel approaches to trauma-focused therapy: A systematic review of single-session eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing and a grounded theory study of a therapist rotation model

Smart, Aimee 2026. Novel approaches to trauma-focused therapy: A systematic review of single-session eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing and a grounded theory study of a therapist rotation model. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Objective: Exposure to traumatic events is common and for some individuals, can lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition characterised by significant psychological distress and functional impairment. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is recommended by clinical guidelines as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Limited resources in public health systems have prompted interest in whether EMDR can be effectively delivered in a single session. A systematic review was conducted to explore how single-session EMDR has been implemented in the literature and to evaluate its effectiveness for trauma-related outcomes. Method: Eligibility was restricted to studies with adults exposed to a DSM-5 Criterion A trauma who received a single EMDR session delivered in isolation and reported quantitative trauma outcomes. Studies (n = 11) were first synthesised to examine how single-session EMDR has been implemented in the literature. A subset of studies (n = 7) that reported validated trauma measures and relevant statistical data were additionally synthesised to evaluate effectiveness. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal tools. A narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Results: Single-session EMDR has been used across a range of populations, trauma types, clinical and field settings, and treatment protocols, demonstrating considerable variation in its delivery. Findings across studies indicate that single-session EMDR significantly reduced trauma symptoms in adults with PTSD and those receiving early intervention following recent trauma exposure. Early intervention studies reported follow-up data of up to five months, whereas follow-up data in the PTSD samples were limited. Conclusion: There is currently a small and heterogeneous evidence base suggesting that single session EMDR reduces trauma symptoms in adults with PTSD and in those who are receiving early intervention after recent trauma. However, the findings remain preliminary due to methodological limitations and small sample sizes across studies and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Future studies with larger samples and more rigorous methodology are needed to better understand the effectiveness of single-session EMDR.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Key words: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, single-session therapy, post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, mental health, systematic review.
Funders:	N/A
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 October 2026
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 11:19
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189799

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