Using compassionate mind training as a resource in EMDR : a case study

Beaumont, EA; Hollins-Martin, CJ

Abstract

This case study examines the contribution of compassionate mind training (CMT) when used as a resource in the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of a 58-year-old man, who presented after a recent trauma with psychological distress and somatic symptoms—an inability to sign his name. Self-report questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], Impact of Events Scale-R [IES-R], and Self-Compassion Scale [SCS]) were administered at pretherapy, midtherapy, posttherapy, and 9-month follow-up. EMDR with CMT facilitated recall of forgotten memories about his sister’s traumatic death decades previously, with related emotions of shame and grief, creating insight into how these past events linked to his current signature-signing phobia. Eight sessions of therapy resulted in an elimination of the client’s signature-signing phobia and a reduction in trauma-related symptoms, elevation in mood, and increase in self-compassion. Effects were maintained at 9-month follow-up. The “Discussion” section highlights the value of working collaboratively with clients to best meet their individual needs.

Citation

Beaumont, E., & Hollins-Martin, C. (2013). Using compassionate mind training as a resource in EMDR : a case study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(4), 186-199. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.7.4.186

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jul 31, 2015
• Journal: Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
• Print ISSN: 1933-3196
• Electronic ISSN: 1933-320X
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 186-199
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.7.4.186
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.7.4.186
• Related Public URLs: http://www.springerpub.com/journals/journal-of-emdr-practice-and-research.html