This case study describes the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for a woman who met criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to past domestic violence. Outcome measures were used to assess the client’s symptoms at intake, after the third and sixth active EMDR sessions, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. In addition to the use of outcome measures, at 3-month follow-up the client was evaluated by a therapist who was blind to the type of treatment the client had received. Results indicated that after nine active sessions of EMDR, the client no longer met criteria for PTSD and no longer endorsed symptoms of depression or intrusive thoughts. Thus, EMDR was successful in treating PTSD symptoms associated with past domestic violence, and effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up.
Date
August 1, 2009
Creator(s)
Kristin M. Phillips, Blanche Freund, Joanne Fordiani, Rachel Kuhn, Gail Ironson
Topics
Abuse/Neglect, PTSD/C-PTSD, Sexual Trauma
Client Population
Couples
Extent
6 pages
Publisher
Springer Publishing Company
Rights
Copyright © 2009 EMDR International Association
APA Citation
Phillips, K. M., Freund, B., Fordiani, J., Kuhn, R., & Ironson, G. (2009). EMDR Treatment of Past Domestic Violence: A Clinical Vignette. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(3), 192–197. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.3.3.192
Series
3
Installment
3
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Peer-Reviewed
Original Source
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
Access Type
Open Access