What is it about?
The present case study describes the application of the eye movement desensitization and re-processing (EMDR) approach to a patient experiencing the distressing memory of an act of apparent ‘maleficium.’ The patient was in treatment due to somatic symptom disorder and unexplained pain.
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Why is it important?
This single case study highlights the clinical effectiveness of treating traumatic memories of apparent paranormal experiences via cognitive/EMDR approach. The patient experienced a relevant reduction of different clinical outcomes: self-reported symptomatology, self-reported stress, and - most of all - a relevant reduction of subjective evaluation of pain. Belief in the existence of evil supernatural forces was a central premise for the development of the patient's psychopathological reaction.
Perspectives
I hope this article males a contribution to the psychotherapeutic treatment and assessment of distressing anomalous experiences. It was an engaging experience for me to come into contact with ethnocultural trauma, as it is a complex phenomenon involving clinical psychology, medicine, culture and spirituality
Psy.D, Ph.D Giuseppe Scimeca
Simple Operative Unit (U.O.S.) Psychology Service of Alcamo Castelvetrano, Complex Operative Unit (U.O.C.) Psychology Service of Trapani, Provincial Health Authority (ASP) n. 9 of Trapani, Italy
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing of Maleficium: Case Study of a “Cursed” Woman Suffering From Unexplained Pain, Clinical Case Studies, August 2024, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/15346501241275202.
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