EMDR Integrative Group Protocol and Individual Treatment for Patients With Cancer: A Pilot Study

Combination of the EMDR Integrative Group Protocol and Individual EMDR Treatment in Patients With Advanced Thyroid Cancer: A Pilot Study

The main aim of the present process-outcome study is to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of an EMDR-IGTP-OTS group intervention on a sample of people with cancer, by using a process-outcome study design, with repeated measures.

The diagnosis of cancer represents a potentially life-threatening event that can be considered a unique traumatic stressor. A cancer diagnosis can disrupt a person's life, affecting emotions, cognition, and physical pain impacting the individual sense of identity. Findings from the literature suggest that EMDR can be a valid treatment in the processing of cancer-related traumatic events. With this proposal, the investigators aim to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of a combined EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol and an optional EMDR individual protocol for people with cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cancer diagnosis
• PTSD (IES-R > 32)

Exclusion Criteria:

• receiving specialized trauma therapy
• receiving current psychiatric pharmacological treatment, unless the dosage has been stable for at least 2 months prior to enrollment