Piloting Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in People Living With HIV and Trauma

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is a time-limited trauma-response therapy that treats symptoms of stress that result disturbing life experiences. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy has been used to treat trauma-related symptoms for people living with HIV. People living with HIV tend to experience higher psychiatric morbidity rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms than the general population. However, even with case studies of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy on people living with HIV, there is no definitive protocol for the clinician as they navigate the therapy. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy protocol tailored for people living with HIV and trauma. 20 people living with HIV will be recruited to participate in an eight-week Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. The therapy will be focused on assessing the viability of an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing protocol that is specified for people living with HIV.