A CAT Envelope to Deliver EMDR: Cognitive Analytic Therapy Around Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Two psychological therapy approaches are outlined: cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Substantial benefits are to be gained, particularly for patients with complex interpersonal trauma, in combining the 2; providing EMDR within the CAT envelope. This synthesis harnesses the benefits of a CAT reformulation framework of understanding and a proven CAT therapeutic approach generally with the well-established therapeutic efficacy and expediency of EMDR. An overview of each single approach is given, followed by the rationale and the main benefits and limitations of the combined approach, with clinical illustrations.