Job summary
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 examinethe 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 0.4FTE 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), which is 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 provided during the first two months
of 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 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 members of 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. 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Person Specification
Other skills
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Ability and willingness to offer therapy outside standard office hours (e.g. early evening 5-8pm)
Experience
Essential
- 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 in the assessment and treatment of people with trauma-related presentations
- Substantial experience of working with people with mental health problems, particularly mood and/or anxiety/stress-related disorders
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
- Experience of working in a research setting
- Experience of delivering EMDR for mood disorders
Qualifications
Essential
- Core professional training in a psychological therapy e.g. a postgraduate degree/clinical qualification e.g. DClinPsych or equivalent or alternative professional qualification in CBT or other NHS compliant psychological therapy (interpersonal therapy (IPT); dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) or counselling) and experience of delivering therapy
- Accredited as EMDR Practitioner with EMDR Europe
Desirable
- Further postgraduate qualifications (e.g. clinically relevant PhD) or training in relevant areas e.g. professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design/analysis)
Person Specification
Other skills
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Ability and willingness to offer therapy outside standard office hours (e.g. early evening 5-8pm)
Experience
Essential
- 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 in the assessment and treatment of people with trauma-related presentations
- Substantial experience of working with people with mental health problems, particularly mood and/or anxiety/stress-related disorders
Desirable
- Experience of working in primary care
- Experience of working in a research setting
- Experience of delivering EMDR for mood disorders
Qualifications
Essential
- Core professional training in a psychological therapy e.g. a postgraduate degree/clinical qualification e.g. DClinPsych or equivalent or alternative professional qualification in CBT or other NHS compliant psychological therapy (interpersonal therapy (IPT); dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) or counselling) and experience of delivering therapy
- Accredited as EMDR Practitioner with EMDR Europe
Desirable
- Further postgraduate qualifications (e.g. clinically relevant PhD) or training in relevant areas e.g. professional psychology, mental health practice and/or research design/analysis)
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
