Dr Niki Loft, Dr Kate McGregor, Dr Joseph Sakdalan
Abstract:
Individuals in forensic settings present with elevated rates of exposure to adverse experiences and trauma-related disorders. Childhood adversity and trauma exposure have also been linked to criminogenic needs within the risk-need-responsivity model (RNR) suggesting that these needs may mediate the relationship between trauma and offending and constitute “offence-drivers.” Despite this, historically there have been limited studies into trauma-focused interventions in forensic settings. There is, however, a changing service landscape characterised by increasing focus on trauma-informed care in forensic settings in light of developing scientific literature and public inquiry.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an empirically supported and recognised treatment for trauma-related disorders. This paper will review the evidence base for EMDR as a trauma-focused intervention and address the emerging evidence for its use in forensic settings. The paper will also discuss challenges, opportunities and considerations for clinicians using EMDR in forensic settings along with future directions. Case vignettes will also be shared illustrating the application of EMDR in forensic contexts.