Pilot research study: Utilizing the EMDR integrative group treatment protocol online to help parents with the stresses of having a special needs child

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy using the integrative EMDR group treatment protocol was adapted for provision of treatment online during the COVID pandemic. Six parents of special needs children were given assessments before treatment, immediately after and one-month post-treatment. This is an exploratory pilot research study that used quasi-experimental and qualitative designs, with pre-assessments and multiple post-measures and by qualitative data taken after each session of the two-part treatment plan. The results of the pilot study show decreases in anxiety, depression, parenting stresses, and distress about the child’s disability. EMDR seems an effective treatment for the stress experienced by parents of special needs children. Considering the importance of the role these parents play, further and more rigorous research with randomized control studies and large samples is recommended

Book Chapter

English

Dana Elken Terrell
Cecily Resnick

Terrell, D. E., & Resnick, C. (2023). Pilot research study: Utilizing the EMDR integrative group treatment protocol online to help parents with the stresses of having a special needs child. In R. Uniyal & F. Rizvi (Eds),  Understanding Disability (pp. 11-23). Springer, Singapore