Energy Psychology Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress in Genocide Survivors in a Rwandan Orphanage

April 7, 2015 PTSD, Trauma

Citation: Stone, B., Leyden, L., & Fellows, B. (2009). Energy Psychology Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress in Genocide Survivors in a Rwandan Orphanage: A Pilot Investigation. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, & Treatment, 1(1), 73-82. Click here to view Abstract http://goo.gl/Q6igQK

Abstract

A team of four energy therapy practitioners visited Rwanda in September of 2009 to conduct trauma remediation programs with orphan genocide survivors with complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program consisted of holistic, multi-dimensional rapport-building exercises, followed by an intervention using Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Interventions were performed on three consecutive days. Data were collected using the Child Report of Posttraumatic Stress (CROPS) to measure pre- and post-intervention results, using a time-series, repeated measures design. N = 48 orphans at the Remera Mbogo Residential High School Orphanage with clinical PTSD scores completed a pretest. Of these, 34 (71%) completed a posttest assessment. They demonstrated an average reduction in symptoms of 18.8% (p < .001). Seven students (21%) dropped below the clinical cutoff point for PTSD, with average score reductions of 53.7% (p < .001).

Follow-ups are planned, to determine if participant gains hold over time. Directions for future research arising out of data gathered in this pilot study are discussed.

Editor’s Note

The importance of using Energy Psychology techniques within a community that has been significantly traumatized, as is the case with child Rwanda genocide survivors cannot be overstated. This study included 48 orphans who showed a significant 18.8 % average score reduction in PTSD related symptoms. One challenge with this study is the combining of TFT along with rapport-building exercises which as in all studies that combine methods, may be helpful for the participants, but difficult to separate out the effects of each. Full study unavailable for review by author.