Use of clinical hypnosis and EMDR in kidnapping and rape: A case report

This case study describes the use of clinical hypnosis and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) in a woman with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to her kidnapping and rape, before and after which she also experienced emotional violence from her husband. The patient suffered from panic attacks, crying, and sadness, in a climate of constant social isolation. Treatment goals were to eliminate anxiety attacks and stress, and to strengthen selfesteem and resilience while encouraging an optimistic attitude. To measure these variables, five psychosocial scales and ratings of three emotional states (wellbeing, anxiety and tranquillity) were used throughout the treatment to assess the progress of therapy. EMDR was used in the first four sessions to treat PTSD symptoms, and hypnosis was employed to facilitate emotional abreaction and strengthen self-esteem during sessions 2 to 9. Findings showed a significant decrease in anxiety attacks and stress levels, along with improvements in general wellbeing, tranquillity, optimism, self-esteem and resilience. The combined use of hypnosis and EMDR was shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce PTSD related symptoms.

Journal

English

Genesis Rocha
Arnoldo Tellez

Rocha, G., & Tellez, A. (2016, May). Use of clinical hypnosis and EMDR in kidnapping and rape: A case report. Australian Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis, 41(1), 115-133