EMDR Therapy Treatment of Grief and Mourning in Times of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Death of a loved one is universally distressing. The stressful conditions of COVID-19 can compound the trauma of a loss. Learn more in this article by Roger Solomon, Ph.D. and Barbara J. Hensley, EdD.

Article Abstract

“Death of a loved one is universally distressing. The stressful conditions of COVID-19 can compound the trauma of a loss. Consequently, the mourner has to deal with: (a) the loss of a loved one; (b) potential complications of grief and mourning caused by COVID-19 (e.g., sudden and unexpected death, a loved one’s suffering, inability to be physically present to offer comfort or say good-bye, social distancing interfering with funeral and religious ceremonies); and (c) personal disruption caused by COVID-19 (e.g., disruption of employment and daily living routines, fears related to safety and uncertainty). Further, grief can be complicated by prior unresolved losses and trauma, including attachment-based trauma, which would also need to be identified and treated. This article presents a framework for treatment of grief and mourning with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR treatment, guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model, can be informed by other frameworks, including attachment theory and the Dual Process Model, which are described. A case example is presented to illustrate treatment of a client whose father died due to COVID-19.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Solomon, R. M., & Hensley, B. J. (2020). EMDR Therapy Treatment of Grief and Mourning in Times of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(3), 162–174. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-20-00031

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.