Integrating eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) into a bereavement program for complicated grief and bereavement (FR221B)
Description
Outcomes:
1. Name two trauma related factors that can complicate grief 2. Describe how to integrate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy into a treatment framework for complicated grief and loss Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), initially founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is an interactional, standardized treatment approach.
Its use has been empirically validated in over 40 randomized controlled studies with trauma patients. EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy model that accelerates the treatment of a wide range of patient difficulties related to disturbing past events and present life conditions. Because the bereavement period can be associated with disturbing past events, EMDR can be integrated into the treatment of grief to process distressing memories and present triggers. Through EMDR, the bereaved can assimilate and accommodate the loss more readily.
Yale New Haven Health—Bridgeport Hospital developed a pilot bereavement screening program in 2017 and a sustained program in 2019 for the families of those patients not enrolled in hospice at the time of the patient's death. In November of 2021, the palliative care social worker obtained training in EMDR, and has been integrating this modality in bereavement work. Since her training, almost 400 families have been referred to our bereavement screening program. Of those, a smaller percentage have gone on to individual therapy, but EMDR has been applicable in almost 50% of those in individual therapy for complicated grief.
Using case examples, the EMDR treatment protocol will be highlighted with the Adaptive Information Processing model, which addresses the unprocessed memories that appear to set the basis for a wide range of current dysfunction. Two cases will be discussed in depth, outlining the eight phases of EMDR therapy for each patient that was seen. Referral criteria, presenting issues, treatment, and outcomes will be discussed, with particular attention to the applicability of this model for marginalized groups. The case presentations will highlight the rapid post-treatment EMDR effects, which are particularly potent and speak to its efficacious treatment.
1. Name two trauma related factors that can complicate grief 2. Describe how to integrate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy into a treatment framework for complicated grief and loss Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), initially founded by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is an interactional, standardized treatment approach.
Its use has been empirically validated in over 40 randomized controlled studies with trauma patients. EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy model that accelerates the treatment of a wide range of patient difficulties related to disturbing past events and present life conditions. Because the bereavement period can be associated with disturbing past events, EMDR can be integrated into the treatment of grief to process distressing memories and present triggers. Through EMDR, the bereaved can assimilate and accommodate the loss more readily.
Yale New Haven Health—Bridgeport Hospital developed a pilot bereavement screening program in 2017 and a sustained program in 2019 for the families of those patients not enrolled in hospice at the time of the patient's death. In November of 2021, the palliative care social worker obtained training in EMDR, and has been integrating this modality in bereavement work. Since her training, almost 400 families have been referred to our bereavement screening program. Of those, a smaller percentage have gone on to individual therapy, but EMDR has been applicable in almost 50% of those in individual therapy for complicated grief.
Using case examples, the EMDR treatment protocol will be highlighted with the Adaptive Information Processing model, which addresses the unprocessed memories that appear to set the basis for a wide range of current dysfunction. Two cases will be discussed in depth, outlining the eight phases of EMDR therapy for each patient that was seen. Referral criteria, presenting issues, treatment, and outcomes will be discussed, with particular attention to the applicability of this model for marginalized groups. The case presentations will highlight the rapid post-treatment EMDR effects, which are particularly potent and speak to its efficacious treatment.
Format
Journal
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Edwards, K. E., & Wills-Rinaldi, K. A. (2023, March). Integrating eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) into a bereavement program for complicated grief and bereavement (FR221B). Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 65(3), e288
Citation
“Integrating eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) into a bereavement program for complicated grief and bereavement (FR221B),” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 2, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/27818.