Ethics and Standards of Care for EMDR and Dissociation

Workshop Summary

First half: We identify and define concepts integral to the discussion of ethics in the context of EMDR therapy and treatment of dissociation, then highlight the different dimensions and layers of competence and proficiency in EMDR therapy practice. Reviewing the established standards of care for treating complex trauma and dissociation sets the frame both more broadly and within EMDR therapy. We will then cross-reference the client safety considerations set forth in the Shapiro EMDR therapy text and guidelines for treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders, respectively.  Second half: We continue by identifying common threads connecting select professional codes of ethics from different regions of the world with best practices previously discussed. ‘Prototypical’ examples highlight the risks of both over- and under-compensating for a lack of knowledge, competence, and proficiency in treating dissociation using EMDR therapy methods. We will conclude by distilling the specific clinical-ethical challenges observed in the case vignettes and recommend potential remedies for consideration to enhance EMDR therapy practice, consultation, and training moving forward.