EMDR-Based Divorce Recovery Group: A Case Study

This case study investigated the effects of an EMDR-based divorce recovery group, consisting of four modalities.

Article Abstract

“This case study investigated the effects of an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-based divorce recovery group, consisting of four modalities: (a) modified EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol adapted for adolescents and adults living with ongoing traumatic stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) to deal with the trauma from the divorce, (b) modified Affect Circuit Reset protocol to reduce intensity of negative affects, (c) psychoeducation on affects and divorce-related issues, and (d) small group discussion. The divorce recovery program is an attempt to provide an affordable, trauma-focused intervention for divorce recovery for low-income populations. This report summarizes the outcomes in a divorce recovery group of six women, all Chinese immigrants. Aside from one person in the midst of divorce, the group consisted of individuals divorced for 7 years or more, for whom the distress had lasted more than the 2 to 3 years typical of divorce recovery. Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rating Interview (SPRINT) scores collected at the beginning of week 2, at the end of week 7, and at the beginning of week 8 showed PTSD symptoms dropping from severe to mild. The mean SPRINT scores at 6 weeks and 13 weeks after treatment continued to decrease, approaching the no/minimal symptom range. The SPRINT scores showed a 65.6% reduction between week 2 (18.0 [SD = 8.4]) and 13 weeks after treatment (6.2 [SD= 5.5]), with a large effect size of d = 1.40, and a significant decrease of t(4)=4.0, p = .016.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Wong, S.-L. (2018). EMDR-Based Divorce Recovery Group: A Case Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(2), 58–70. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.2.58

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.