Protocol for Excessive Grief

Abstract

“Protocol for Excessive Grief” is excerpted from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols: Basics and Special Situations illustrating a scripted protocol from one of Francine Shapiro’s 6 basic protocols. “Scripting” informs and reminds EMDR practitioners of the component parts, sequence, and language used to create effective outcomes, and also generates a template for practitioners and researchers to use for reliability and/or a common denominator so that the form of working with EMDR is consistent. This protocol includes 5 steps: process actual events, including the loved one’s suffering or death; process any intrusive images that are occurring; process the nightmare images; process any stimuli/triggers associated with the grief experience; and address issues of personal responsibility, mortality, or previous unresolved losses. The future template is included This protocol addresses the many aspects of grief and mourning to assure the full processing of clients’ concerns.

Evaluating the Efficacy of EMDR With Grieving Individuals: A Randomized Control Trial

“…The use of EMDR with bereaved individuals is not uncommon, with Luber (2009) outlining a suggested protocol and Solomon and Rando (2012) providing important insights for clinicians as illustrated by several case examples. Hornsveld et al (2010) investigated the efficacy of eye movements in reducing the emotionality of memories relating to loss, including the loss of a loved one.…”

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for prolonged grief: theory, research, and practice

“…The use of EMDR with bereaved individuals is not uncommon, with Luber ( 29 ) outlining a suggested protocol for grief which involved discussing important considerations for clinicians regarding target assessment, and various goals and components of consideration when using EMDR for grief including connecting with a balanced range of emotions, and to accommodate the loss into an individual’s life. Solomon and Rando ( 30 , 31 ) provided important insights for clinicians through multiple papers highlighting the importance of implementing EMDR within existing grief frameworks, considering all three prongs of EMDR reprocessing (past, present, and future), the need to focus on early life experiences and attachment as necessary, and the illustration of these principles through various case examples.…”

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research

“…My recent article (Luber, 2012) is an excerpt from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols: Basics and Special Situations (Luber, 2009a), "Protocol for Excessive Grief," and it represents my belief of how important it is to uphold the standards of EMDR. This excerpt spells out-in a scripted formathow to operationalize Dr. Francine Shapiro's ( 2001) "Protocol for Excessive Grief" (pp.…”

“…The timing of the article, "Protocol for Excessive Grief," by Dr. Marilyn Luber (2012) was impeccable for my current caseload. This protocol was exactly what I needed to focus my work with my current clients dealing with the murders of their children.…”