Authors
Sarah Dominguez PhD^1
1The Wattle Centre, Suite 1502, Westfield Tower 2, Bondi Junction, 2022, Australia

Background and aims
Historically, a diagnosis-based system has predominated in mental health. However, most clients meet diagnostic criteria for several diagnoses forcing the clinician to prioritise one diagnosis to establish the appropriate evidence-based intervention. This can result in symptoms being overlooked or treatment being unnecessarily extended. Accordingly, there has recently been a shift from a diagnostic-based system to a transdiagnostic model, particularly with clients with multiple comorbidities.

This presentation will explore the benefit of a transdiagnostic approach when working with psychopathology. Further, it will demonstrate why EMDR therapy, and the AIP model that underpins it, is an appropriate transdiagnostic approach.

Methods
An effective transdiagnostic intervention should
• be based on a strong theoretical approach underpinning.
• target key causal or maintaining factors of multiple disorders.
• have empirical support across a range of presenting issues

Results
EMDR therapy has an established symptom-based formulation embedded in the AIP model. Adverse experiences, maladaptive cognitions, and emotional dysregulation are key etiological and maintaining factors across all mental health conditions. These factors are directly targeted in EMDR therapy. In addition, there is already existing evidence that EMDR therapy is effective for various presenting issues.

Conclusions
Accordingly, evidence suggests that EMDR therapy is an effective transdiagnostic approach. This broader transdiagnostic adoption could improve many individuals' prognosis and treatment efficiency.

Abstract topic
EMDR therapy as a transdiagnostic approach

3 Learning objectives
Participants will learn:
• why it is helpful to understand EMDR therapy from a transdiagnostic framework
• how to conceptualise cases using a transdiagnostic, AIP approach
• how to select targets transdiagnostically