EMDR Therapist (EYE-D Trial)

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The NHS is looking for two or three experienced EMDR therapists to join a multi-centre randomised controlled trial aiming to assess EMDR's efficacy for patients with depression in primary care. The role involves direct patient interaction, flexible working, and collaboration with leading universities. Interested practitioners must be accredited EMDR practitioners with a suitable professional background in psychological therapy.

Qualifications

• Core professional training in psychological therapy required.
• EMDR accreditation essential.
• Experience delivering EMDR and working with mental health disorders important.

Responsibilities

• Deliver EMDR therapy sessions as part of a multi-centre RCT.
• Manage patient caseload and keep records methodically.
• Negotiate therapy lengths in collaboration with clients and supervisors.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

IT literacy

Ability to manage a caseload

Flexibility

Education

Postgraduate degree in psychological therapy

Accredited EMDR Practitioner

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for two or three experienced EMDR therapists to join the research team working on a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) led from the University of Bristol. It is funded 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.

Two or three part-time posts are available (1.4 FTE total, with individual posts offered on at least a 0.4 FTE basis).

The post is available from 01 October 2025.

Main duties of the job

The post holders will primarily work within the context of a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT), funded by the NIHR Efficacy and Mechanisms Evaluation (EME) scheme. The EYE-D trial (EMDR for 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 (DeprEnd) protocol. Training in this protocol and regular expert supervision will be provided. Initial training will be during the first two months of employment, including two training cases, along with training in trial protocols and procedures.

Each patient will be offered 12-18 sessions, in-person at the patients' GP surgery, other local NHS premises, or the University depending on room availability. Therapists will be reimbursed for expenses incurred in travelling to deliver therapy in line with University policies.

About us

Bristol Medical School is the largest and one of the most diverse schools in the University of Bristol, with approximately 1,100 staff, 1,350 undergraduate, 350 postgraduate taught, and 300 postgraduate doctoral research students. The Head of School is Professor Chrissie Thirlwell. The School has two departments: Population Health Sciences and Translational Health Sciences. It is a leading centre for research and teaching, with collaborative and multidisciplinary research involving various academic disciplines and clinical specialties.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description for detailed responsibilities, including main purpose, standard duties, pre-employment checks, and person specification.

Person Specification

Other skills

• Ability to manage a caseload, keep records methodically, and negotiate therapy length with clients (with supervisor input)
• Understanding of clinical governance and evidence-based practices
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and practice in EMDR
• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate sensitive information in emotional circumstances to patients, carers, and colleagues
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team
• IT literate and proficient
• Willingness to work flexibly as required
• Ability to travel independently around Bristol and nearby regions (including Somerset, BANES, Gloucestershire)
• Willingness to offer therapy outside standard hours (e.g., early evening 5-8 pm)

Experience

• Experience delivering EMDR, including complex cases
• Skills per the EMDR competence framework (Roth, Pilling & Dudley, 2020)
• Specialized skills in assessing and treating trauma-related issues
• Experience working with mental health problems, especially mood/anxiety disorders
• Experience in primary care and research settings
• Experience delivering EMDR for mood disorders

Qualifications

• Core professional training in psychological therapy (e.g., postgraduate degree/clinical qualification such as DClinPsych or equivalent, or NHS-approved therapy like CBT, IPT, DIT, or counselling)
• Accredited EMDR Practitioner with EMDR Europe
• Additional postgraduate qualifications or training in relevant areas (e.g., PhD, research design/analysis)

Salary: £42,882 to £48,149 per year pro rata (part-time)