EMDR After a Critical Incident: Treatment of a Tsunami Survivor With Acute Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Research indicates that EMDR is effective for treatment of PTSD. The case of a tsunami survivor with acute PTSD is presented.

Article Abstract

“Research indicates that EMDR is effective for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with numerous studies showing a high percentage of symptom remission after 3 sessions. The case of a tsunami survivor with acute PTSD is presented. Treatment for overt trauma symptoms was completed within 3 sessions, including all 8 phases and the 3-pronged protocol (i.e., past, present, future targets). One EMDR session was sufficient to process the trauma and alleviate the related symptoms, while another session was necessary for re-evaluation and processing present triggers and future templates. Resource installation was particularly helpful to prepare him for those future situations that had been generating anxiety as a result of his traumatization.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Fernandez, I. (2008). EMDR After a Critical Incident: Treatment of a Tsunami Survivor With Acute Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(2), 156–159. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.2.156

About the Journal

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about EMDR therapy. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR therapy and its application to clinical practice. JEMDR is the official publication of the EMDR International Association.