Courage, hope, and transformation: Patient experiences of web-based, therapist delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for suicidal ideation

Suicide is a significant global public health issue. Existing evidence-based interventions for suicidal ideation (SI), while helpful, have limitations including suboptimal efficacy, and high resource intensiveness and attrition. As SI is often related to stressful events, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy, an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been utilized as a novel approach for addressing SI. This study explored the lived experiences of adult mental health outpatients who received web-based, therapist-delivered EMDR targeting experiences related to their SI. This qualitative study, which is part of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating web-based EMDR for adults with SI, recruited participants from among those who received EMDR treatment. Researchers collected data using semi-structured interviews over Zoom and conducted initial thematic descriptive analysis and coding guided by Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Fourteen EMDR treatment group participants agreed to be interviewed. Five main themes were identified: (1) systemic obstacles to recovery, (2) relational attunement creating safety, (3) moving past the stuckness of suicidal states, (4) posttraumatic growth and resilience, and (5) unique needs and preferences. Most study participants reported that web-based EMDR therapy for SI was an overall beneficial experience, noting that a strong therapeutic relationship and ability to personalize treatment were key for treatment success. The encouraging and predominantly positive insights from participants in this pioneering work established a foundation for future research and clinical practice regarding the application of EMDR for SI.