TigerNews | SE RESEARCH
Presentation at the advanced 1 training 3-24-06 San Diego

M. Laurie Leitch, PhD Director of Research, FHE
L.Leitch@comcast.net
lleitch@traumahealing.com

1. overview of research agenda:

In this first year I have researched the literature on human subjects’ protections and we now have an informed consent form for use in SE outcome studies.

I have researched databases that describe who funds trauma training and research. Utilization of external funding will enable FHE to broaden its research scope.

I have also, reviewed the disaster and trauma literature especially with regard to instruments used, critiques of instruments, and methodological issues. This facilitates up-to-date citation of the literature as we submit articles for publication and helps assure that FHE is aware of most recent methodological discussions in the trauma research field.

I have proposed to FHE board that we award 3 research stipends of $1500 each to individuals who want to do an SE outcome study as part of their doctoral dissertation. Guidelines and application process will be forthcoming.

1. FHE sponsored research

1. Thailand tsunami- follow-up interviews were conducted in Feb. 2006, a PTSD inventory is being implemented now by our Thai teammates with school children and adults, TOP is planning to conduct a 2-week clinic in Khao Lak in September.

2. Katrina/Rita- between October and December TOP served almost 300 Catholic Charities staff from New Orleans and Baton Rouge in small groups; about 110 of those also had 1-2 sessions of individual SE. Data was collected on all clients and TOP team members are currently collecting 3-month follow-up data via telephone interviews.

3. Independent practitioner study- has been temporarily deferred but will consist of volunteer SEPs who agree to do a 6-session SE treatment protocol with at least 4 clients and use our data collection instruments. Data will be sent to me upon completion, aggregated across practitioners and analyzed. Any volunteer SEPs will receive a copy of the analysis results.

4. Peter’s altitude study, a single case, SE outcome study, is in the final stages of preparation for submission for publication.

2. Independent research

1. Sonia Gomez has initiated a chronic pain study in Brazil that includes SE.

2. Vivian Gold has initiated a study of Iraqi war vets which will compare outcomes on 3 treatments: EMDR, SE, and standard group.

Future Research already proposed:

Catholic Charities USA is considering the funding of an assessment of priests in the gulf states. As first responders, priests are an over-looked group who are grappling with their own responses to the hurricanes as they attempt to help others. This project would survey priests on an array of symptom categories as well as using the PTSD Checklist- civilian version that we are using in the Katrina/Rita project. The data will provide much needed information on the needs of priests following a disaster.

Ways for SEPs to get involved:

1. If you work in an organization that uses SE as a treatment modality or if you know someone who does, propose an outcome study. I will help in proposal writing, study design, etc.

2. Volunteer for the Independent Practitioner Study by giving me your email address.

Other research-related plans:

1. Expand the visibility of FHE research via the website. This will include making assessment instruments available, guidelines for conducting case-studies, posting of foundation and governmental research funding possibilities, and updates re FHE projects.

2. Expand research funding by applying for outside funds