Case study: Play therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for pediatric single incident posttraumatic stress disorder and developmental regression

This qualitative study describes a successful 5-month pediatric treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from a single incident trauma. Treatment was conceptualized through the adaptive information processing model and the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing integrated with child-centered play therapy, supported with family therapy and cognitive–behavioral strategies. When 5½ years old, the client experienced a tornado while separated from his mother and twin sister at a theme park. He developed significant symptoms of PTSD and developmental regression not present prior to the incident. Subsequent treatment from several providers and medications targeting symptoms were unsuccessful. This treatment, 1 year posttrauma, resulted in the resolution of his PTSD symptoms, reestablishment of pretraumatized development trajectory, and recovery to age-appropriate expectations and growth sustained 3 years posttrauma.

Journal

Nicolette M. Banbury

Banbury, N. M. (2016). Case study: Play therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for pediatric single incident posttraumatic stress disorder and developmental regression. International Journal of Play Therapy, 25(3), 166. doi:10.1037/pla0000026