EMDR Therapy for Military and Veteran Populations: A Comprehensive Guide

Authored by renowned expert Dr. Hurley, E.C., DMin, this book is a definitive how-to manual on providing effective EMDR therapy to active duty and veteran populations. Leveraging the author’s 33 years of military experience and expertise as an EMDR therapist, consultant, and trainer, this book delves into the unique treatment needs of military personnel and veterans.

Understanding Military Culture and Its Impact on Therapeutic Treatment

The book begins by examining the defining characteristics and philosophy of military culture, highlighting their implications for effective therapeutic treatment. This understanding is crucial for therapists to develop a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by military personnel and veterans.

Applying the EMDR Model to Military and Veteran Populations

The book comprehensively applies the EMDR model to the active military and veteran populations, addressing a range of presenting issues. It covers the clinical challenges of treating individuals with repeated exposure to life-threatening experiences, moral injury, sexual assault, and other potentially debilitating trauma.

Developing EMDR Skills for Treating Military and Veteran Populations

This manual provides in-depth guidance on developing EMDR skills specific to treating military and veteran populations. It covers all the steps and processes of EMDR treatment, from introducing EMDR therapy to clients to developing a sense of safety in the treatment arena.

Therapists will learn how to:

• Assess and address the clinical needs of veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, moral injury, military sexual trauma (MST), or suicidal ideation
• Recognize and address avoidance and build motivation for treatment
• Address treatment pitfalls and clinical stuck points
• Utilize case examples to illustrate a range of treatment options

Case Examples and Treatment Options

The book includes numerous case examples that demonstrate the EMDR AIP model in action. These examples illustrate the veteran’s treatment goal, presenting symptoms, targeted memories, and clinical decision points in treatment.

Therapists will gain insight into:

• Addressing a broad range of symptoms and treatment challenges
• Developing effective treatment plans tailored to individual needs
• Overcoming common obstacles in EMDR treatment

Key Features and Benefits

This comprehensive guide offers the following benefits:

• Step-by-step EMDR skill development specific to the military and veteran population
• Incorporation of the EMDR eight-phase approach
• Abundant case examples with clinical treatment options
• A paradigm for evaluating the military and veterans’ initial clinical presentation
• Discussion of treatment needs for the military family
• Included patient handouts for added support

Get equipped to provide effective EMDR therapy to military and veteran populations. This book is an indispensable resource for therapists, clinicians, and mental health professionals working with these unique populations.