This article presents a case application applying Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in trauma work. An overview of the theoretical model will be presented, and examples from a hypothetical case will illustrate how this approach can be effective in minimizing the maladaptive and negative reactions from recent trauma experiences such as the World Trade Center mass murders of September 11, 2001. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 2:49–53 (2002)] KEY WORDS: trauma, grief work, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, rapid eye movement. Ralph is a 21-year-old college senior whose uncle is missing and presumed dead, as a result of the World Trade Center tragedy. Ralph was very close to his uncle and his family, and had spent a lot of time visiting with them since he came to New York to attend college. The rest of Ralph’s family live in another state, and Ralph has limited contact with them except by phone. During the immediate weeks after the tragedy, Ralph was very supportive and stayed with his aunt and 9-year-old cousin, help- ing with their immediate, crisis needs. Since re- turning to school, Ralph has been experiencing difficulties in returning to his normal schedule. He has missed 3 weeks of classes, can’t sleep at night, Case Application of EMDR in Trauma Work Karen Knox, PhD and is anxious about his grades and graduation. Having watched the media coverage constantly since the terrorist attacks, Ralph has had intru- sive thoughts and nightmares from the images on the television of the collapse of the towers and the aftermath of the rescue and recovery efforts. He has been overwhelmed emotionally by his exposure to the visual realities of the tragedy, and has shut down physically by withdrawing and isolating himself. Ralph has come to the college counseling center on referral from his academic counselor; however, he is unable to verbalize much due to his depressed mood and trauma reactions. Crisis Reactions Crisis theory postulates that most crisis situa- tions are limited to a period of 4 to 6 weeks (Golan, 1978; Hepworth, Rooney, & Larsen, 1997; From the School of Social Work at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. Contact author: Karen Knox, PhD, 1619 Waterston Av- enue, Austin, TX 78703. E-mail: kk07@swt.edu. © 2002 Oxford University Press 49