Clinical Research Directory

A Migration-Focused Adaptation of EMDR for Psychological Distress Among Turkish Migrants

Many people who migrate to new countries experience significant emotional and psychological challenges. These challenges can include depression, anxiety, stress, and difficulty adjusting to a new culture and society. This pilot study examined whether a specialized form of psychotherapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), adapted specifically for migration-related experiences, may help reduce these psychological difficulties and support social adaptation. Participants were first-generation Turkish adults living in five European countries-the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Austria-who reported emotional distress associated with migration and adaptation challenges. They received 12 weekly individual sessions delivered by licensed EMDR therapists, focusing on distressing experiences and difficulties related to adjusting to life in a new country. Before and after the therapy, participants completed questionnaires measuring their levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and their sense of social adaptation in their new communities. This is a small single-arm pilot study without a control group. It was designed to provide preliminary information that may inform larger controlled trials.