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VSDT

®

Visual Schema Displacement Therapy

  A clinical breakthrough
in trauma therapy

®

What is VSDT®?

VSDT® is an innovative trauma-focused psychological intervention developed by British psychotherapists Nik & Eva Speakman. The model is designed for the treatment of a broad spectrum of traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How VSDT®
works®

VSDT® integrates structured eye movements with targeted schematic memory recall to directly address trauma-related representations. Refined over decades and supported by scientific research and clinical trials, it is increasingly recognised as a clinically robust and effective trauma-focused intervention.

Research into VSDT®

Three scientific studies, and a controlled clinical trial, have demonstrated that VSDT® achieves outcomes comparable to, and in some measures exceeding, those of EMDR the trauma-focused therapy recommended by the World Health Organization.

Trauma

Exposure to potentially traumatic events is a common feature of the human experience. Epidemiological data indicate that approximately one in three individuals who directly experience or witness a traumatic event will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or clinically significant post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

Understanding the distinctions between normative stress responses and trauma-related disorders is essential in appreciating the profound psychological, cognitive, and physiological impact that unresolved trauma can exert.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established, evidence-based psychological treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is widely recognised within international clinical guidelines and has been extensively researched across diverse trauma populations.​

Given EMDR’s status as a leading trauma therapy, VSDT® was scientifically examined in direct comparison with EMDR within controlled research settings. This comparative framework was intentionally selected to evaluate VSDT® against an established gold-standard treatment, ensuring that its efficacy, mechanisms, and clinical impact were assessed to the highest evidential standards.

The Speakman's wearing lab coats
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Register for VSDT®
training and certification

To apply for training and formal certification in VSDT®, please follow the link below for full programme details and eligibility criteria.

Demonstrating & Discussing VSDT

Nik & Eva featured on KTLA in Los Angeles to discuss and demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of VSDT®.

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