The use of eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR) in the management of traumatic grief
Description
This case series was conducted to assess the applicability of EMDR for the management of traumatic grief, and to explore the common concerns of these patients.
Methods:
Through purposive sampling, 6 patients undergoing EMDR to manage emotional and behavioural disturbances secondary to a traumatic bereavement in the past 1 year were made part of the sample. After informed consent was taken, the following assessments were conducted: Impact of events scale-revised (IES-R) and the Traumatic Grief Inventory (TGI) were administered at baseline and at the end of treatment A semi structured interview was conducted to explore the perspective of each patient, and this qualitative data was analyzed for common themes.
Results:
The difference in pre and post treatment scores of IES-R and TGI showed a decrease of more than 50% in all the cases, and at the end of therapy no patient scored above the cut-off on either scale. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data highlighted the following: The most common pretreatment concern was the expressed need to retain the memory of the deceased. The majority of patients highlighted the role of processing present triggers and personal responsibility in improving their daily functioning. All 6 patients reported an increase in positive recall of the deceased following use of appropriate cognitive interweaves and subjective improvement in their emotional distress.
Conclusion:
EMDR appears to be an applicable and effective treatment for traumatic grief. The study findings may guide EMDR practitioners in addressing common concerns of such patients.
Methods:
Through purposive sampling, 6 patients undergoing EMDR to manage emotional and behavioural disturbances secondary to a traumatic bereavement in the past 1 year were made part of the sample. After informed consent was taken, the following assessments were conducted: Impact of events scale-revised (IES-R) and the Traumatic Grief Inventory (TGI) were administered at baseline and at the end of treatment A semi structured interview was conducted to explore the perspective of each patient, and this qualitative data was analyzed for common themes.
Results:
The difference in pre and post treatment scores of IES-R and TGI showed a decrease of more than 50% in all the cases, and at the end of therapy no patient scored above the cut-off on either scale. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data highlighted the following: The most common pretreatment concern was the expressed need to retain the memory of the deceased. The majority of patients highlighted the role of processing present triggers and personal responsibility in improving their daily functioning. All 6 patients reported an increase in positive recall of the deceased following use of appropriate cognitive interweaves and subjective improvement in their emotional distress.
Conclusion:
EMDR appears to be an applicable and effective treatment for traumatic grief. The study findings may guide EMDR practitioners in addressing common concerns of such patients.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Mansoor, S. (2017, April). The use of eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR) in the management of traumatic grief. In research symposium (Daeho Kim, Chair). Presentation at the 3rd EMDR Asia International Conference, Shanghai, China
Citation
“The use of eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR) in the management of traumatic grief,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 16, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/24409.