Utilization of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in a natural setting in the treatment of trauma: A case study

Summary: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 in a California park. The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover and describe the lived experiences of four participants who have experienced various kinds of trauma and participated in EMDR in a nature setting. The researcher explored the participant's perceptions of EMDR effectiveness in a nature setting on their PTSD-like symptoms. The EMDR session closed with the research participants and researcher creating a mandala with nature elements found at the nature site (beach). Based upon all participants' self-reports, along with positive outcomes in instrument measurements: Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Subjective Units of Distress Scale, and Validity of Cognition Scale, EMDR in a nature setting was perceived to be effective in the treatment of PTSD-like symptoms in this study by all four participants. A consistent finding across all cases was a significant positive association to nature connectedness as participants walked on the beach when EMDR was implemented and as they created a nature mandala.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Julie M. Rego

Rego, J. M. (2013). Utilization of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in a natural setting in the treatment of trauma: A case study. (Doctoral dissertation, Argosy University)