EMDR Therapist D Trial

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced

EMDR therapist to join the research team working on a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) led from the University of Bristol. It isfunded by the NIHR Efficacy and Mechanisms Evaluation (EME) scheme.

The EYE-D trial aims to establish the efficacy of EMDR (in addition to usual GP care) compared with usual care for patients with depression in primary care. An embedded mechanistic study will aim to determine whether reductions in depression are mediated by key memory-processing mechanisms and if working memory capacity is associated with treatment response. A nested qualitative study will examine the acceptability of EMDR for depression, further explore mechanisms, and identify possible causes of differing responses.

We will also estimate the cost of delivering EMDR in the NHS.

The EMDR practitioner will be an EMDR-Europe accredited practitioner with core professional training in a psychological therapy.

One part-time (0.5

FTE) post is available immediately for 15 months.

Interviews are expected to take place in mid/late February 2026.

Thepost holders will primarily work within the contextof a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT), which is funded bythe NIHR Efficacy and Mechanisms Evaluation (EME) scheme. The EYE-D trial (EMDRfor depression) is led from the University of Bristol and is being run in collaboration with the University of Exeter and University College London.

The EMDR practitioners will work using the EMDR for depression(Depr End) protocol. Training in this protocol and regular expert supervision will be provided. Initial training will be provided during the first two monthsof employment, including two training cases, together with training in trial protocols and procedures.

Each patient will be offered a course of 12-18 sessions. All sessions will take place in-person at the patients GP surgery, other local NHSpremises or the University depending on room availability. Therapists will be reimbursed for expenses incurred in travelling to deliver therapy in line with University policies.

Bristol Medical School is the largest and one of the most diverse Schools in the University of Bristol,with approximately 1,100 members of staff, 1,350 undergraduate, 350 postgraduate taught and 300postgraduate doctoral research students. The Head of School is Professor Chrissie Thirlwell. The School has two departments:
Population Health Sciences and Translational Health Sciences. The School is a leading centre for research and teaching across these areas. Research in the School is collaborative and multi-disciplinary, with staff coming from a wide range of academic disciplines and clinical specialties.

Please see the attached job description for a detailed breakdown of the role, such as main job purpose, standard responsibilities, pre-employment checks, and person specification.

• Ability to manage a caseload, keep records methodically and to negotiate with each client the appropriate length of therapy (with input from supervisor)
• An understanding of clinical governance and evidence based practices
• Evidence of sustained continuing professional development and practice in EMDR
• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to communicate sensitive information in highly emotional circumstances to patients, carers and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• IT literate and proficient
• Ability and willingness to work flexibly according to the requirements of the role
• Able to travel independently of the public transport system around Bristol and nearby regions (including Somerset, BANES and Gloucestershire) as required for successful delivery of the trial.
• Ability and willingness to offer therapy outside standard office hours (e.g. early evening 5-8pm)

• Knowledge and experience of delivering EMDR (including complex presentations)
• Full range of skills and competences as laid out in the competence framework for EMDR (Roth, Pilling & Dudley, 2020)
• Highly specialized clinical skills…