It Feels Like the First Time: The Use and Implications of a Chronological Approach for Treatment of Multiple Traumas with

This study was undertaken to determine if mental health clinicians employ a chronological approach to organizing the treatment of multiple traumas while using the EMDR modality. Secondly, the opinions of these therapists were mined to see if they believe that working on chronologically earlier traumatic memories decreases the distress and PTSD symptoms related to later traumatic events and also if it positive affects a client’s ability to trust and participate in trauma-focused treatment. An online survey was sent to three EMDR list serves as well as to the professional contacts of participant EMDR practitioners. Forty-three participants completed the survey, which included quantitative and qualitative questions about their EMDR practice and what, if any, experience and opinions they have of such a chronological approach. The findings of the research showed that many respondents do use a chronological approach to multiple traumas with the EMDR, and that clinicians have found that working on chronologically earlier traumatic memories decreases the distress and PTSD symptoms related to later traumatic events