Authors
Michael Hase MD¹, Roger Solomon PhD^2
1EMDR Center, Im Kamp 9, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany, e-mail: michael@emdr-center.com
² EMDR Institute, PO Box 750, Watsonville, CA, 95077 USA

Background and aims
The history of EMDR Therapy goes back to 1987, when it was introduced as EMD by Francine Shapiro. EMD developed into the comprehensive therapy approach named EMDR Therapy. The development of the ‚Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model’ was a milestone in this development from technique to psychotherapy approach. EMDR Therapy offers also a variety of treatment plans and techniques to treat patients of various diagnosis. What seems to be missing is a specific description of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy. The therapeutic relationship should be described as a core element of EMDR Therapy, and seems be related to the structure of EMDR Therapy (Hase 2021). As attachment theory offers a view on the development of interpersonal relationships in general, an attachment theory based perspective of the therapeutic relationship seems advisable (Hase and Brisch 2022).

Methods
A Delphi survey amongst EMDR therapist was used to define therapists relational experience in EMDR Therapy.

Results
The data of the Delphi survey seem to support the attachment based concept of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy.

Conclusions
A description of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy is necessary and therefore we try to describe the therapeutic relationship and point out parallels to the development and core features of an attachment based relationship. Implications for treatment, training and research will be discussed.

Abstract topic
EMDR Therapy, Psychotherapy

3 Learning objectives
Understand EMDR Therapy as a comprehensive psychotherapy.
Understand the attachment based perspective of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy
Understand how this relates to adherence to protocols and procedures