Using EMDR to treat combat-related trauma: A prison-based clinical case study

This case study explores efficacy of EMDR for combat-related trauma (CRT) and summarises how EMDR was used to help two former soldiers, now in prison, who were suffering from CRT.

Article Abstract

“EMDR is an internationally recognised therapy approved by the World Health Organization for the treatment of PTSD. It is also approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of combat-related trauma (CRT). Although EMDR is approved in Britain by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of PTSD, this approval is restricted to non-combat-related trauma (N-CRT). The reasons for this relate to the perceived limited research and the potential for moral injuries to be experienced by military personnel. Although NICE guidelines are not mandatory, the implication is that EMDR should not be offered to current and former military personnel in Britain who are suffering from CRT. This case study explores this area and summarises how EMDR was used to help two former soldiers, now in prison, who were suffering from CRT. These men were able to follow and benefit from the EMDR standard protocol just like any other trauma survivor, and they are not alone in suffering moral injuries. Therefore, NICE’s restriction of EMDR to N-CRT should be revisited. This case study also shows EMDR has forensic potential, as it can help offenders to address a key risk factor for future violence.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Greenall, P. & Adams, N. (2025, Autumn). Using EMDR to treat combat-related trauma: A prison-based clinical case study. EMDR Therapy Quarterly. https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2025/11/10/using-emdr-to-treat-combat-related-trauma-a-prison-based-clinical-case-study/