Multi-Modal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR) Treatment for Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Grief: A Case Report

The well-being of postpartum mothers can be significantly affected by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and grief. Success with standard PTSD interventions for this population has been inconsistent. Multi-modal motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation therapy (3MDR) is an intervention that has been studied favorably with military and veteran populations with PTSD and related conditions. Minimal research is available, however, regarding its application in the civilian population. This case report investigates the use of 3MDR in facilitating trauma and grief processing and reducing PTSD symptoms in a 35-year-old postpartum mother with treatment-resistant PTSD and grief undergoing 3MDR. Qualitative data collected throughout the 3MDR intervention and at the 3-, 6-, and 10-month follow-ups were thematically analyzed. The participant reported feeling increased control over her life after 3MDR and reduced adverse reactions to normally distressing events. During the follow-up sessions, the overarching trauma process was one of peeling back layers of her experiences. The following 3 themes emerged: gaining control in chaos, shifting from an ideal to a real perspective, overcoming trauma and moving forward in life. This case report suggests that 3MDR's immersive, motion-assisted, patient-centered psychotherapeutic approach and strong therapeutic relationship facilitated unique trauma and grief processing, empowering meaningful progress where prior interventions had failed.