Derek Farrell

Sexual abuse perpetrated by Roman Catholic priests and religious

This paper is based upon an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) which investigated the experiences of twelve people who had been sexually abused by Roman Catholic priests or religious. The premise of the research was based upon a perceived assumption that distinct forms of sexual traumatology generate unique trauma characteristics not accounted for within the existing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) conceptual frameworks (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ((DSM-IVTR 2000;) ICD-10 R, 2007). Recent developments in psychodiagnostics to support the relevance of religious concerns where incorporated into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV edition (1994) which allowed a range of “religious” and “spiritual” problems to be explicitly identified as a focus for specific clinical attention. However, these appear quite vague in accounting for the range of trauma experiences experienced by this participant group. Evidence arose which indicated the majority of the research participants considered “God” to have been integral within the abuse, manipulated by design or default by the cleric or religious perpetrator. These idiosyncratic trauma characteristic created significant anxiety and distress in areas such as theological belief, crisis of faith, and fears surrounding the participants own mortality. The IPA research identified six distinct, themed differences of which four will be discussed in more detail for the purpose of this paper. It will consider the attributes of these themes in relation to Roman Catholicism, celibacy and Canon law, and further question the sufficiency of the DSM-IV “V” Codes in accounting for the myriad of symptoms survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by Roman Catholic Priests and Religious actually describe.

Treating morbid jealousy with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing utilizing cognitive inter-weave ' a case report

Jealousy is an unwelcome emotion, which most people will have experienced at some time in their lives. In its mildest form it may be seen as an expression of devotion, however, for some people it can become obsessive and destructive. The possible consequences of this condition can result in suspicion, violence and the complete breakdown of the relationship. This paper will highlight the case of a man with a long-standing history of jealousy towards his partner. Characteristically, the jealousy was being maintained by the subjects erroneous assumptions about sexual behaviour and atttractiveness, and pervasive negative schemas of self worth. Any consideration for treatment therefore, needed to address both these areas. The treatment intervention of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) utilizing cognitive interweave was used to refute negative schemas of self worth, which resulted in a reduction of symptomatology, consequently developing for the subject more appropriate perceptions of his partners behaviour. An outline of assessment re-formulation and subsequent treatment will be demonstrated.

Using EMDR With Survivors of Sexual Abuse Perpetrated by Roman Catholic Priests

This article reviews research that investigated the idiosyncratic effects of sexual abuse perpetrated by Roman Catholic priests and makes related treatment recommendations. The research determined that this distinct form of sexual trauma generated unique posttraumatic symptoms not accounted for within the existing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder conceptual frameworks. These included significant anxiety and distress in areas such as theological belief, crisis of faith, and fears surrounding the participant’s own mortality. This article makes recommendations about EMDR treatment with clergy abuse survivors, based on these research findings utilizing a survivor’s story to illustrate case formulation and the utilization of process and content cognitive interweaves in addressing episodes of blocked processing.

Training Pakistani mental health workers in EMDR in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake in Northern Pakistan

The primary objective of this article will focus predominantly upon EMDR as an evidence-based treatment intervention for psychological trauma. It outlines in particular an EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Training Programme that took place in Abbotabad and Rawalpindi in response to the Pakistan earthquake, 2005, in helping to train teams of mental health workers in EMDR so as to enable them to treat psychological trauma symptoms of earthquake survivors. Results from two preliminary studies will be presented outlining the effectiveness of EMDR with two psychological trauma populations in Pakistan. This article also discusses the rationale for widening the trainings to different parts of Pakistan to include other significant traumas currently affecting some parts of the Pakistani population.

Participants’ Experiences of EMDR Training.

This research projects spans a 6-year period surveying 485 participants’ experiences of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) training in the United Kingdom and Ireland between the periods of 2005 and 2011. This research used a mixed research methodology exploring EMDR training participants’ application of EMDR within their current clinical practice. The rationale was to explore potential differences between EMDR-accredited and EMDR-nonaccredited clinicians in relation to retrospective reports of treatment. Results indicate that EMDR-accredited clinicians report better treatment outcomes. An argument is presented that EMDR has progressed from a convergent technique to a divergent psychotherapeutic approach. Consequently, the research explored whether current EMDR training is “fit for purpose.” A comprehensive model for EMDR training is outlined, proposing the importance of developing more EMDR training in academic institutions.

An Investigation Into Clinicians' Experiences of Integrating EMDR Into Their Clinical Practice

This study was conducted in the United Kingdom at two major conferences to examine how therapists (N = 83) integrated eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) into their clinical practice. Data from a mixed methodology suggests that up to 40% of the sample experienced difficulties post-EMDR training. Results indicated that analytically trained and humanistic therapists experienced significantly more difficulties in integrating EMDR into the current clinical practice than integrative or cognitive behavioral clinicians. This study also ascertained that EMDR clinicians experienced workplace difficulties and challenges. Consideration is given to how the study findings may have implications for both the teaching and learning of EMDR and workplace issues.

Developing EMDR Therapy in Pakistan as Part of a Humanitarian Endeavor

The empirical justification for the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as part of the repertoire of interventions used in response to humanitarian endeavors continues at a pace. A devastating earthquake, measuring 7.6 magnitude on the Richter scale, occurred in Northern Pakistan in October 2005. In response, the first EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program to be facilitated by an academic institution was established. This article highlights how 3 research projects assisted in the continued development of EMDR therapy in Pakistan to the point where presently more than 125 Pakistani mental health professionals have now been trained; it now has its own EMDR National Association and is an active participant within EMDR Asia.

A Q-Methodology Evaluation of an EMDR Europe HAP Facilitators Training in Pakistan

This article is an evaluation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Europe Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) facilitators’ training in Pakistan based on a project set up in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake. Q-methodology was the method of choice for this research because it permits the systematic study of subjective experiences by combining the richness of qualitative protocols with the rigors of quantitative ones. Research participants were 6 recently trained EMDR Pakistan consultants and facilitators, of which 5 were consultant psychiatrists and 1 was a general practitioner (GP)/psychologist. The Q concourse addressed issues such as EMDR clinical practice, cultural application of EMDR in Pakistan, EMDR research and development, and their experiences of their EMDR-HAP training. Results highlighted issues around professional role and application of EMDR, the teaching and learning experience of EMDR, clinical supervision, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the cultural sensitivity and application of EMDR in Pakistan. The article also considers how the EMDR-HAP training program could be improved in Pakistan.