Page 117 - Post-traumatic stress disorder in adults with mild intellectual disability: Screening, assessment, and brief intensive EMDR therapy

Experiences with intensive EMDR and rotating therapists
Participant three attended every session and tried his best. Each time
a traumatic memory was treated, he marked it with a tick on the list of
traumatic memories to be treated. This symbolised the progress he made,
which motivated him to continue with the treatment. He sometimes felt
insecure when things occurred during therapy that he could not control, such
as laughing or yawning during the sessions. After the therapists explained
that reactions such as laughing or yawning were normal and part of the
process and that the therapy was going well, he decided to continue with
the therapy. Predictability and consistent reassurance across therapists
appeared to support his motivation and trust, as the therapists responded
in a similar manner to his reactions, which helped him feel understood and
safe despite the rotation of therapists.
Participant three (after therapy): “Unfortunately, I feel that I have
not quite achieved the goal [of becoming less angry] yet... I think
I get angry less often, but I also think I get less intense than
before... I am satisfied with that.”
Professional caregiver three (after therapy): “During those weeks
[in which EMDR therapy was administered], I did notice a certain
lightness... That he really did become happier and lighter there
[with EMDR therapy].”
After the first few sessions, participant three, as well as his professional
caregivers and parents, noticed positive changes. During the first week of
therapy, his caregiver contacted the therapists to report that Participant three
had become calmer and happier. Even after the therapy ended, participant
three remained positive about the results; he felt calmer, although he could
still get angry but less often and less intensely. However, he would have
preferred that ‘it would be completely over’ and that he would never get
angry again.
Expectations/experiences of the intensity of the EMDR therapy
Participant one (before therapy): “I have not thought about that
[the intensity of the therapy] yet, but now that I think about it, I
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