EMDR-Based Interventions for Athletic Traumas: A Case Study of Two Female Golfers

Abstract

This article discusses the possible benefit of using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating competitive state anxiety in two female golfers. Golfers may encounter adverse events during performances, which trigger performance blocks, anxiety, and negative symptomology. Adverse events, or small-t traumas referred to as “athletic traumas” in this study, occurring during performances and processed maladaptively can be associated with increased levels of anxiety in addition to negative symptomology. This research utilized a qualitative method, a case study design, to evaluate if EMDR therapy was beneficial in reducing anxiety related to athletic traumas in two professional golfers. The participants received an EMDR-based intervention related to a designated athletic trauma and self-recorded anxiety levels using the competitive-state anxiety inventory. A key theme noted was the reduction of anxiety levels and subjective units of distress associated with the athletic traumas after the EMDR-based intervention. The result of the study suggests EMDR therapy as an intervention for golfers seeking relief from anxiety related to athletic traumas. Implications of this research provide clinicians with an additional intervention tool when working with athlete populations.