Speaking at EMDR Association UK conference 2026: Transforming trauma through intensive EMDR.

On 20th–21st March 2026, Dr Sarah Butler delivered a keynote presentation to 500+ professionals at the EMDR Association UK Annual Conference, held at the Delta Hotels Bristol. Her talk presented findings from her doctoral research: “How do clients experience intensive EMDR for post-traumatic stress? A phenomenological analysis.” 

This presentation reflects Dr Butler’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative, evidence-informed approaches to trauma treatment—particularly in the growing field of intensive EMDR.

Why intensive EMDR matters Intensive EMDR, research, EMDR UK Conference

Mental health services continue to face increasing demand, long waiting lists, and capacity challenges. These pressures have led to renewed interest in alternative delivery models, including intensive formats of therapy.

Intensive EMDR involves delivering multiple, extended sessions over a condensed timeframe—often across consecutive days—allowing for sustained therapeutic engagement and continuity in trauma processing.

Dr Butler’s work is grounded in a clear aim: to reduce barriers for therapists seeking to adapt their practice, to support services in exploring flexible models of care, and to increase awareness among service users that alternative treatment pathways are available.

Exploring client experience

Despite increasing interest in intensive EMDR, limited qualitative research has explored how clients experience this approach. Dr Butler’s doctoral study addressed this gap using a phenomenological methodology to examine lived experience in depth.

Two core themes emerged from the analysis:Intensive EMDR, research, EMDR UK Conference

Psychological safety

Participants consistently described the importance of safety, containment, and support within intensive EMDR. The therapy was often experienced as a “protected space,” separate from everyday demands, enabling focused and sustained engagement.

Safety was not assumed but actively constructed through:

• Careful preparation

• Ongoing therapeutic connection

• Structured delivery and containment

  
  

The changing self

Participants also reported meaningful changes in their sense of self. These were frequently described as sudden, impactful insights—“wow” moments—that were difficult to articulate but transformative in nature.

Reported changes included:

• Increased self-compassion

• A sense of internal calm

• Greater alignment with personal values and authentic living

  
  

These findings reinforce that intensive EMDR is not simply standard therapy delivered more quickly, but a distinct clinical approach requiring specific competencies and careful structuring.

Implications for clinical practice and services

For clinicians, the findings highlight the need for:

• Active construction of psychological safety

• Robust screening and readiness assessment

• Skilled pacing and containment within sessions

For services and decision-makers, intensive EMDR may offer:

• An additional pathway within trauma care

• Potential to improve access and reduce waiting times

• Opportunities to innovate service delivery models

However, successful implementation requires appropriate governance, supervision structures, and clear referral criteria.

Reflections from the conference

Presenting at the EMDR Association UK conference was a significant professional milestone for Dr Butler. She described feeling supported and encouraged by colleagues and valued the opportunity to share her research within a community of highly experienced practitioners.

The presentation also created space for connection—reconnecting with established colleagues and building new professional relationships. Notably, a slide featuring a 1980s Ford Escort proved an unexpected highlight for the audience.

Looking aheadIntensive EMDR, research, EMDR UK Conference

Dr Butler will be delivering workshops in Autumn 2026 for therapists interested in developing skills in intensive EMDR and integrating this model into clinical practice; register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985443342484?aff=oddtdtcreator

Therapists, service leads, and researchers interested in intensive EMDR, consultancy, or collaborative research are invited to email dr.sarahbutler@outlook.com