Exploring the impact of a blended eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) approach on a client’s chronic pain experience: A qualitative case study

This qualitative case study examined how a blended EMDR approach shapes a client’s experience of chronic pain.

Article Abstract

“Background: Chronic pain is often sustained by biopsychosocial feedback loops and intertwined with unresolved trauma. Evidence supports Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma and its emerging use for pain, yet guidance on blending belief-focused and symptom-focused protocols remains limited.

Purpose: This study examined how a blended EMDR approach shapes a client’s experience of chronic pain.

Methods: A qualitative single-case study of an adult woman (“Rachel”) who experienced six years of chronic pain following a medical procedure. Data sources included two semistructured interviews, EMDR session notes (Subjective Units of Disturbance [SUDS] and validity of cognition [VOC] scales), reflective journals, and researcher field notes. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022) was applied. The protocol integrated Kiessling’s belief-focused target sequence planning with Grant’s pain protocol.

Preliminary Findings: Five emergent themes described process related to stress-pain regulation, integration of unresolved trauma, reclamation of identity and agency, daily functioning, and trust in the therapeutic relationship. Across sources, Rachel described shifts in somatic reactivity, affect tolerance, and safety/control cognitions (higher VOC; lower SUDS), which informed the thematic interpretation.

Implications: Examining the concurrent targeting of pain and trauma under a shared negative belief may offer insight into mechanisms relevant to the stress-pain cycle and functional adaptation. The study’s design provides a basis for future multi-site and longitudinal research to further evaluate blended EMDR applications in chronic pain care. ”

Article Access

Open Access

Carroll, Jenafier A. E. (2025). Exploring the impact of a blended eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) approach on a client’s chronic pain experience: A qualitative case study. [Doctoral Theses, Eastern Kentucky University, 32278978].  Open access: https://www.proquest.com/openview/e5752cc70d19fa24ebac5c62d19df255/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y