Treatment of Dissociation With EMDR When War Interrupts the Process

The Integration of EMDR With E-Mail Therapy

This article describes the integration of e-mail correspondence with EMDR treatment for a woman with a fear of driving and a diagnosis of dissociative disorder, not otherwise specified (DDNOS). When the client first presented for treatment, her diagnosis was unrecognized, and treatment showed limited success. With recognition of the DDNOS diagnosis, the treatment contract was renegotiated, with the focus of therapy shifting to addressing her dissociative experiences. Therapeutic progress was being made when the course of the treatment was interrupted by war in the north of Israel, and regular meetings became impossible. Communication was maintained by e-mail correspondence. When face-to-face sessions recommenced, the e-mail therapy continued because writing had become a powerful therapeutic tool. Therapy concluded with the successful treatment of both the dissociative disorder and the fear of driving. Cautions regarding the use of e-mail therapy are provided.