Authors
Sarah R. Cope ^1,2,
Jared G. Smith^1,3,
Sharif El-Leithy⁴,
Serena Vanzan¹,
Dawn Golder,
Kati Jane Turner,
Maeve Crowley⁵,
Jo Billings⁶,
Susannah Pick⁷,
Caitlin Pentland⁷,
Mark EdwardsCaitlin Pentland⁸,
¹AClinical Research Unit, South West London & St George’s Mental Health Trust, Springfield University Hospital, 61 Glenburnie Road, London, SW17 7DJ, UK.
²Inpatient Neuropsychiatry Services, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
³Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting,London, SW17 0RE, UK
⁴Traumatic Stress Service, South West London & St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, Springfield
University Hospital, 61 Glenburnie Rd, London SW17 7DJ, UK
⁵Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, Portland House, Richmond Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1HS,UK
⁶Department of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing A, 6th Floor, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
⁷Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s
College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
⁸Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK

Background and Aims
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals, rather than due to neurological disease or injury. Symptoms include seizures, shaking, weakness, and paralysis, and are associated with significant distress and disability. Treatment for FND is limited, despite it being a common presentation.
MODIFI aims to evaluate the feasibility, and potential benefit, of EMDR for FND.

Methods
MODIFI was conducted in line with the published protocol [1]. 50 participants were recruited from an outpatient Neuropsychiatry Service. Participants were allocated to either EMDR and standard care, or standard care alone. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Some participants were interviewed.

Results
MODIFI demonstrated feasibility and potential benefit.

Conclusions
EMDR therapy is potentially an effective treatment for FND, but a larger trial is needed.

Abstract Topic
EMDR therapy for functional neurological disorder (FND)

3 Learning Objectives
- To understand how EMDR could benefit FND presentations
- To reflect upon the results of MODIFI (randomised controlled feasibility study evaluating EMDR for FND)
- To explore case material and consider how to deliver EMDR therapy for FND

Reference
[1] Cope SR, Smith JG, El-Leithy S, Vanzan S, Pentland C, Pick S, Golder D, Hogwood P, Turner K, Billings J, Edwards MJ. MODIFI: Protocol for randomised feasibility study of eye-movement desensitisation and
reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for functional neurological disorder (FND). BMJ Open 2023;13:e073727. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073727

This project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme (Grant Reference Number 202277). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department
of Health and Social Care.

Authors
Natalia Seijo^1
1NS Centro Psicoterapia y Trauma, calle Real, 1 -1 izquierda, 15402 Ferrol, A Coruña, Spain

Trauma is not only stored in the mind but also in the body. Somatic imprints—unresolved physiological and emotional responses—can manifest as chronic tension, pain, dissociation, and nervous system dysregulation. EMDR therapy, a widely recognized trauma treatment, offers a powerful approach to accessing and releasing these stored imprints.
This presentation explores the intersection of EMDR therapy and somatic healing, demonstrating how bilateral stimulation facilitates the processing of traumatic memories while integrating the body’s responses. Additionally, we will examine how complex and relational trauma contribute to the development of psychosomatic and somatoform conditions, as well as autoimmune diseases. When the body becomes "sick" without an identifiable physical cause, unresolved trauma often plays a significant role. Attendees will gain insights into how trauma manifests physically, how EMDR can help restore a sense of safety and embodiment, and how clinicians can enhance treatment outcomes by addressing the body’s role in trauma recovery. This session is designed for mental health
professionals, bodywork practitioners, and anyone interested in the mind-body connection in trauma healing.

“EMDR2025 presentation The Body’s Memory: Releasing Somatic Imprints of Trauma with EMDR” by Natalia Seijo

References
1. Chang, H. A., Silver, R. C., & Holman, E. A. (2024). Betrayal trauma and somatic symptoms among patients in a medically underserved primary care clinic. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001689
2. Kealy, D., Rice, S. M., Ogrodniczuk, J. S., & Spidel, A. (2018). Childhood trauma and somatic symptoms among psychiatric outpatients: Investigating the role of shame and guilt. Psychiatry Research, 268, 169-174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.072
3. Seijo, N. (2024). El cuerpo tiene memoria. Montena-Penguin.