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

Case study describes a successful 5-month EMDR pediatric treatment for PTSD arising from a single incident trauma.

Resource Abstract

“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.”

—Description from publisher

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Banbury, N. (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), 166-174. https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000026