EMDR Integrated With Relationship Therapies for Complex Traumatized Children: An Evaluation and Two Case Studies

This case series investigated the value of integrating eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and relationship therapies for children with histories of complex trauma. The purpose was to evaluate if treatment was associated with well-being, general functioning, and trauma symptoms. Participants were children (n = 15, boys = 7 and girls = 8), aged 6–18 years, who had been exposed to several different kinds of severe traumatic events. Standardized questionnaires were used before and after treatment. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measured well-being, the Children's Global Assessment Scale (C-GAS) rated general functioning, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) assessed trauma-related symptoms. After treatment, children presented with significantly less trauma symptoms and a higher degree of general global functioning. Two case studies are included to illustrate how relationship therapy was integrated into treatment. Our results indicate that integrating EMDR and relationship therapy should continue to be offered to complex traumatized children. More research is needed to examine the specific effectiveness of the two treatments.

This case series investigated the value of treatment integrating EMDR and relationship therapies for children with histories of complex trauma. Results of a case series with fifteen consecutive participants and two case studies are provided.