Perspectives of participants undergoing holographic memory resolution ^® for chronic pain and associated biopsychosocial symptoms: A qualitative study

Holographic Memory Resolution^® (HMR^®) is a mind-based intervention without somatic movement used to treat individuals with conditions including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. No studies on the lived experiences of HMR exist. This phenomenological study explored the perspectives of a subset of participants undergoing HMR in a larger open-label trial for chronic pain, dysphoric memory, and accompanying biopsychosocial symptoms. Eighteen participants were interviewed one-month post-HMR regarding their lived experiences. Thematic analysis revealed HMR facilitated: (1) <i>Awareness of Coping Strategies</i> and personal creation of a safe place, visualization of color, and use of a metaphorical lockbox to store traumatic memories, (2) <i>Reframing of the Memory</i>, (3) <i>Relief and Release of Pain</i>, and (4) <i>Life Integration</i>, which involved getting their voice back and feeling empowered to strengthen connections with others. Findings highlight HMR as an impactful mind-based tool to control chronic pain and provide relief for associated biopsychosocial symptoms.