EMDR with dissociative identity disorder – an Indian experience

This is a history of a 35 year old married Indian woman who came with history of forgetfulness and anger outbursts. She came with symptoms resembling psychosis and wanted it ruled out as her father suffered from schizophrenia. The DES score high. She started exhibiting symptoms of dissociation during history and in between sessions. She had history of a troubled childhood and was currently facing severe marital issues. She came for counselling because her work had started suffering. During the course of history taking after a few sessions, she started showing symptoms of dissociation and it was seen that she had 4 different personalities of different age groups and demeanor. EMDR was done to help her resolve her past traumas and also to aid the various dissociative parts to come together. We worked on her abuse and neglect. Marital issues in India are complicated due to the social pressures involved and she is currently still in therapy to help resolve her present stressors that involve her husband and her in-laws. Today she is more in control, independent and able to deal with conflicts in a more mature and logical manner. She is currently pursuing her PhD and thinking of adopting a child. In this case various dissociation techniques have been used to help the client. Stabilization techniques with cultural adaptations have been done. This case is special because the client was convinced she was psychotic and the symptoms of dissociations emerged later which can often happen in therapy.

Conference

English

Parul Tank

Tank, P. (2014, January). EMDR with dissociative identity disorder ? an Indian experience. In EMDR Case studies complex PTSD/dissociation (Dr. Jinsong, Chair). Presentation at the 2nd EMDR Asia International Conference, Manila, The Philippines