An exploration of reported transpersonal/spiritual experiences during and after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of traumatic memories

This research project sought to investigate if EMDR therapists observed their clients reporting transpersonal/spiritual experiences during or following EMDR. In addition, it sought to identify and explore the client and therapist factors that may influence the frequency with which these experiences are observed. One hundred sixty-nine questionnaires were mailed to EMDR facilitators throughout the United States and 50 were returned with usable data. Quantitative statistical analyses were performed on much of the questionnaire data and several significant associations and differences were found (p<.05).  However, these significant associations and differences did not lead to more global statements regarding the factors that were analyzed.  Interviews were conducted with 11 of the respondents in an attempt to shed light on these research questions.  The results indicate that a number of EMDR theraists are observing their clients repporting transpersonal/spiritual experiences during or following EMDR.  Several potentially important client and therapist factors were noted that may be influencing facotrs in therapists observing their clients reporting these experiences.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Raymond C. Turpin

Turpin, R. C. (2000, August). An exploration of reported transpersonal/spiritual experiences during and after eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of traumatic memories. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 61(2-B), 1099