Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing with body-oriented interventions within the field of adoption: Translating neuroscience into a clinical case study

This article describes the positive effects of a trauma-based approach with an adopted adolescent girl, diagnosed with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). Although symptoms seemed at first sight traumaunrelated, exploration of her pre- and post-adoption history revealed that re-activated early life adversities (ELA) probably played a crucial role in the development of her condition. In this case study, we describe in depth the content of the trauma-focused sessions, using different forms of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and body-oriented exercises, as well as the theoretical rationale behind the clinical interventions.

This case study aims to support clinicians in the treatment of children who must deal with the sequelae of early traumatic events, by illustrating how the current neuroscientific knowledge on brain development and trauma can be used during the diagnostic and therapeutic process.

Journal

English

Katrien Vanfraussen

Vanfraussen, K. (2020, March). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing with body-oriented interventions within the field of adoption: Translating neuroscience into a clinical case study. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 24(1), xx-xx. doi: 10.36075/IJP.2020.24.1.2/Vanfraussen