The Use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in the Management of Filipino Soldiers with Combat Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This study explores the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as an intervention for trauma-related symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among three soldiers of the Philippine Army. The application of EMDR in a military context was supported by the case studies of the participants, who exhibited heightened trauma symptoms before treatment. The study utilized the PCL-5 with LEC-5, CAP-5, and Cortisol Assay test to monitor changes in their symptoms. Data analysis involved comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment scores, psychotherapy notes, medical records, and interview notes. The clients underwent the eight phases of the EMDR Treatment protocol. Post-treatment, the clients reported alterations in the severity of their symptoms. The results showed a significant decrease across the four clusters of PTSD symptomatology: reexperiencing, avoidance, cognition and mood, and arousal and reactivity symptoms. Additionally, themes extracted from the data were categorized into three overarching headings: EMDR’s transformative impact on an individual, prerequisites for EMDR to induce change, and EMDR as a catalyst for change. Both active and passive processes were identified in the participants’ descriptions of the EMDR process and its impact on change. The discussion centered on pre- and post-treatment data and themes, offering a unique qualitative phenomenological perspective on EMDR. The study suggests implications for future clinical and counseling research while acknowledging its limitations and theoretical foundations. Overall, the study’s conclusions provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of EMDR in treating combat-related PTSD within a military context.

Keywords:  Combat-related PTSD, trauma, EMDR, case study, military psychology