Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b, 1995) is a relatively new procedure used primarily for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study is the first to systematically investigate the moment-to moment experiences of PTSD victims during their first treatment session. Using variations of Interpersonal Process Recall (Elliot, 1994), and Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological research methodology, findings confirmed many of Shapiro's (1995)

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... s of experience, with nothing of a disconfirming nature being discovered. Three distinct patterns of co-researcher experience were identified, with one co-researcher reaching full in-session resolution of her baseline measures. Further, three broad categories of experience were discovered (Participant Experiences and Spectator Experiences [Cochran, 1990]; and Treatment Specific Effects); each of which was further found to consist of four dimensions, or components, of experience. Movement from the Participant to Spectator realm was consonant with co-researchers' working through, contextualizing and making meaning of trauma-related memories.