Advanced trauma training: Integration of EMDR and clinical hypnosis for the effective resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder

Currently, the statistics associated with PTSD are staggering. Countless numbers of men, women, and children around the world are impacted every moment of every day by this extremely disruptive disorder. PTSD is very difficult to live with and can be even more challenging to resolve. A primary reason that the resolution of traumatic memories is such a challenge to treat is the fact that whenever any ounce of negative experience connected to the initial sensitizing event is sensed, the victim immediately reacts in a self-protective fashion by avoiding the experience any way he or she can. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appears to be the treatment of choice for many mental health clinicians who attempt to help patients recover from their traumatic memories. This author believes that CBT offers some benefit with regard to an understanding of the mechanism behind post-traumatic stress, as well as offer numerous ways to manage stress related symptoms. However, it does poorly in terms of completely resolving multiple traumas or working with chronic complex cases. In addition, a CBT approach has the proclivity to make the disorder more challenging by further increasing insult on the already malfunctioning autonomic nervous system of the victim. Instead, this manual suggests the combined use of EMDR and hypnosis as a more healthy and effective therapeutic modality model that can assist most individuals who suffer from even the most severe post-traumatic stress. The combination of EMDR and hypnosis takes a holistic approach towards healing by working with the defensive systems and the complete neuroanatomical system of the human being, as opposed to against.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

L. D. Edgerson

Edgerson, L. D. (2013). Advanced trauma training: Integration of EMDR and clinical hypnosis for the effective resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder. (Disseration, University of the Rockies)