EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol Research Articles

Promoting Mental Health in Healthcare Workers in Hospitals Through Psychological Group Support With Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study.

BackgroundPsychological support was provided by the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) within the hospitals in the Northern Italy in favor of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in terms of (a) symptomatology reduction related to peri- and post-traumatic stress; (b) clinical improvement over time; and (c) the maintenance of the achieved outcome over time.MethodsThe population was composed of healthcare workers who spontaneously requested psychological intervention in both the first and the second emergency waves. Statistical analyses were carried out to highlight the differences in Impact of Event-Revised (IES-R) and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) before and after the group intervention.ResultsIn both the first and the second waves, pre-treatment values are higher than post-treatment values for all dimensions of the IES-R. The results show that there are no significant differences between the first and the second wave with regard to the treatment effect. Healthcare workers maintained positive changes over time despite their prolonged exposure to an emergency and the possibility of retraumatization at the onset of a new emergency phase, irrespective of their working place. Healthcare workers who were treated in the first wave showed at the beginning of the second emergency wave less vulnerability and more resilience than those who were treated only in the second wave.Pre-treatment scores of healthcare workers affected by COVID-19 are discussed.ConclusionCOVID-19 had a significant impact on the well-being of healthcare workers who were working in hospitals. Psychological support in case of emergency is needed.

Group eye movement desensitization and reprocessing interventions in adults and children: A systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized trials.

This review systematically synthesized existing literature on group protocols of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating a range of mental health difficulties in adults and children. We conducted database searches on PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Francine Shapiro Library up to May 2020, using PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they used at least one standardized outcome measure, if they present a quantitative data on the effect of group EMDR protocols on mental health difficulties and if they were published in English. Twenty-two studies with 1739 participants were included. Thirteen studies examined EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (IGTP), four studies examined EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP), four studies EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress and one study considered EMDR Group Protocol with Children. Of the 22 studies included, 12 were one-arm trials and 10 were two-arm trials. We assessed risk of bias using a revised Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials (ROB 2) and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I). Overall, the results suggested that Group EMDR protocols might be an effective tool in improving a wide range of mental health-related outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. However, the included studies are limited to methodological challenges. The limitations and future directions are discussed.

EMDR Integrative Group Treatment for Female Adolescents Victims of Sexual Abuse with Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Bu çalışmanın amacı daha önce afet ve savaş ilişkili travmalarda kullanılmış olan Grup EMDR Protokolünün, Karmaşık Travma Sonrası Stres Bozukluğu (TSSB) olan kız ergenlerde depresyon ve travma skorlarına etkisinin olup olmadığını araştırmaktır. Araştırma bu alanda ergenlerde yapılmış ilk çalışmadır. Bu amaçla 13 kız ergene iki grup halinde 3 seans Grup EMDR protokolü uygulanmıştır. Olgular daha önce cinsel istismara uğrayan ve en az 6 aydır standart medikal tedaviler uygulanan vakalardır. Olgulara çalışma öncesinde ve seanslar tamamlandıktan 1 ay sonra Çocuklar için Travma Sonrası Stres İndexi ve Çocuklar için Depresyon Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Olguların yaş ortalaması 16 (min:14 max: 17) idi. Olgulardan %84,6'si (n:11)' ü daha önce birden fazla travmatik olay yaşamıştı. Depresyon skorları ortalaması terapi öncesinde 19 (±6,4) terapi sonrası 1. ay takibinde 11,4 (±5,5), Travma sonrası stres indexi skorları terapi öncesinde 53,5 (±7,5 ), terapi sonrası 1. ay takipte 39,34 (±8,6) olarak bulunmuştur. Hem depresyon hem de travma skorlarında terapi öncesi ile sonrası arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark saptanmıştır. Karmaşık TSSB bireyin hayatını birçok yönden etkileyen bir psikiyatrik bozukluktur. Standart psikotrop medikasyon travma sonrası stres belirtilerini azaltmada kısmi etkiye sahip olmakla birlikte yeterli etkiye sahip değildir. Grup terapisi daha çok toplu travmatik olaylarda kullanılmış olmakla birlikte bu çalışma ile birlikte Karmaşık TSSB' lerde de kullanılabileceği gösterilmiştir..

Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress Remote to Healthcare Professionals Working in Hospitals During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress Remote to Healthcare Professionals Working in Hospitals During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Field Study on the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress with Female Survivors of Exploitation, Trafficking and Early Marriage in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Field Study on the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress with Female Survivors of Exploitation, Trafficking and Early Marriage in Dhaka, Bangladesh

EMDR Group Treatment of Children Refugees—A Field Study

Given the significant growth in the migration flow of refugees who are fleeing from persecution, terrorism, and war-torn countries to Europe, there is an urgent need for effective interventions for the treatment of this highly traumatized population. EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) was provided to 14 child refugees (7 females) in 2016 at a Turkey orphanage near the Syrian border which was housing adult and child Syrian refugees. Treatment was provided in three groups, one each for children aged 3–7 years, pre-adolescents aged 9–12, and adolescents aged 13–18 with three sessions provided to each group. Pre-treatment assessment with multiple measures was compromised by difficulties with translator availability and refugee mobility, resulting in high attrition. When the post-treatment assessment was conducted 45 days later, many refugees had already left the orphanage. The sparse character of the data matrix produced analyzable data for 8 children (mean age 11 ± 3; 4 females) on the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES). Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in CRIES scores, reflecting a decrease in severity of posttraumatic symptoms.

Longitudinal Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS to Refugee Minors in Valencia, Spain

The aim of this longitudinal multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMDR-Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) in reducing severe posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety symptoms in refugee minors living in Valencia, Spain. The study was conducted in 2019 in the city of Valencia, Spain, in six sites for refugees (homes or residences). A total of 184 minors (all males) met the inclusion criteria. Participants’ ages ranged from 13 to 17 years old (M =16.36 years). Participants’ time since the arrival to the sites in Valencia varied from January 2018 to March 2019. Participation was voluntary with the participants and their legal guardian's consent. In this study, intensive EMDR therapy was provided. This intensive format allowed the participants to complete the full course of treatment in a short period. Treatment was provided simultaneously by eighteen licensed EMDR clinicians formally trained in the protocol administration divided into six teams. Each of the treatment group participants received an average of eight hours of treatment, provided during nine group-treatment sessions, three times daily during three consecutive days in a setting inside the six refugee sites. EMDR-IGTP-OTS treatment focused only on the distressing memories related to their life as refugees and did not address any other memories. No adverse effects were reported during treatment or at three-month post-treatment assessment. Data analysis by repeated measures ANOVA showed that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in the treatment group (F (2, 122) = 43.17p <.001, <i>η_P ²</i>=.414). A significant effect for group (F (1, 61 = 5.52, p<.05, <i>η_P ²</i> =.898) and a significant interaction between time and group for this variable, (F (2, 122) = 11.10, p <.001, <i>η_P ²</i>=.154) confirmed the effects of the treatment. Significant effects for time (F (1, 61) = 7.46, p <.001, <i>η_P ²</i> =.109) and for interaction between time and group (F (1, 61) = 6.13, p <.01, <i>η_P ²</i>=.091) were found for both, anxiety and depression, (F (1, 61) = 7.02, p <. 01, <i>η_P ²</i> =.104) and (F (1, 61) = 7.92, p <.001, <i>η_P ²</i>=.116). The study results indicate that the intensive administration of the EMDR-IGTP-OTS could be a feasible, cost-effective, time-efficient, culturally sensitive, and effective component of a multidisciplinary psycho-social group-based program to address PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms among refugee minors.

The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol in a Psychosocial Program for Refugee Children: A Qualitative Pilot Study

The current study evaluated the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing integrative group treatment protocol (EMDR-IGTP) delivered within a novel psychosocial program for child refugees. One Libyan and seven Syrian children, aged 6 to 11 years 10 months (five boys), received four 3-hour sessions, with IGTP in the second session. The study investigated whether IGTP would be valuable for child refugees whose trauma symptoms failed to reach Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service thresholds. In addition, the project aimed to identify cultural hurdles that may hinder access to Western psychological approaches. Qualitative data were collected from eight children, two therapists (an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing [EMDR] practitioner and a family care worker), and a focus group of four Arab interpreters. The qualitative design involved children completing rating scales at the beginning and end of each session and the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) scale for traumatic memories before and after EMDR-IGTP. Therapists reflected on outcomes in a postintervention report, and the interpreters discussed cultural challenges in a focus group. IGTP appeared to lead to reduced internal distress and perceived increases in emotional awareness for children. Therapists’ reports affirmed reduced disturbance and highlighted the cultural sensitivity of IGTP. The interpreters’ focus group emphasized the challenges of language, the stigma of mental illness, and the differing levels of communicative control across cultures. Future studies of IGTP, embedded within psychosocial programs for refugee children, need to utilize experimental research designs including culturally sensitive outcome measures.

Randomized Controlled Trial on the Provision of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol Adapted for Ongoing Traumatic Stress to Female Patients With Cancer-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

This randomized controlled trial extended the investigation previously conducted by Jarero et al. (2015) which found that the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol adapted for ongoing traumatic stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) was effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. The current study sought to determine if the results could be replicated and if the treatment would also be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in treatment (N = 35) and no-treatment control (N = 30) groups completed pre, post, and follow-up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS was effective in significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with symptoms maintained at 90-day follow-up and with large effect sizes (e.g., d = 1.80). A comparison of the treatment and no-treatment control groups showed significantly greater decreases for the treatment group on symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. No significant correlation was found when exploring the relationship between scores on the Adverse Life Experiences scale and scores indicating pretreatment severity of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This study suggests that EMDR-IGTP-OTS may be an efficient and effective way to address cancer-related posttraumatic, depressive, and anxious symptoms.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) Applied to Caregivers of Patients With Dementia.

Caregivers of patients with dementia experience high levels of stress and burden, with effects comparable to those of a traumatic event. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) appear to be effective in recovering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) on the “caregiver syndrome”. Forty-four primary caregivers entered the study. They were randomly assigned to either the “immediate” branch, who received the treatment soon after recruitment, or to the “delayed” branch, who received it two months after recruitment. The treatment consisted of eight group sessions (one per week) spanning over two months. Emotional distress was measured before the treatment, immediately after the end of it, and two months later (follow-up), by means of several clinical scales (Impact of Event Scale-Revised, IES-R; Caregiver Needs Assessment, CNA; Caregiver Burden Inventory, CBI; Anxiety and Depression Scale-Reduced Form, AD-R). The “immediate” branch improved significantly more than the “delayed” (control) branch on The Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Anxiety, and the Depression scales; however, after treatment such an improvement was maintained only in the first scale. The “delayed” branch took less advantage of the treatment, showing significant reduction only on the Depression scale, an effect which disappeared at follow-up. These preliminary results show for the first time that EMDR-IGTP reduces stress-related symptoms, anxiety, and depression in caregivers of patients with dementia. Interestingly, caregivers who were inserted in a waiting list after recruitment showed smaller treatment effects. Larger samples are needed to better interpret such differential clinical profiles.

Dealing With the Aftermath of Mass Disasters: A Field Study on the Application of EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol With Child Survivors of the 2016 Italy Earthquakes.

This study explored the effects of the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) on child survivors of the earthquakes that struck Umbria, a region of central Italy, on August 24th and on October 26th 2016. Three hundred and thirty-two children from the town of Norcia and nearby severely disrupted villages received 3 cycles of EMDR-IGTP. The Emotion Thermometers (ET-5) and the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-13) were administered before (T0) and about 1 week after the conclusion of the third cycle (T3) of EMDR-IGTP. At T3, older children showed a reduction of distress and anger, whereas younger children reported an increase on these domains; moreover, older children reported a greater reduction of anxiety than younger ones. A greater reduction of distress, anxiety, and need for help was evidenced in females, whereas a greater improvement in depressive symptoms was evidenced in males. The effects of the EMDR-IGTP treatment on post-traumatic symptoms were particularly evident in older children, compared to younger ones, and marginally greater in females than in males; moreover, a greater improvement was found in children who had received a timelier intervention, than in those who received delayed treatment. These results provide further evidence for the utility of EMDR-IGTP in dealing with the extensive need for mental health services in mass disaster contexts. Also, these data highlight the importance of providing EMDR-IGTP in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, to contribute significantly in restoring adaptive psychological functioning in children, especially in older ones.

EMDR-Based Divorce Recovery Group: A Case Study

This case study investigated the effects of an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-based divorce recovery group, consisting of four modalities: (a) modified EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol adapted for adolescents and adults living with ongoing traumatic stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) to deal with the trauma from the divorce, (b) modified Affect Circuit Reset protocol to reduce intensity of negative affects, (c) psychoeducation on affects and divorce-related issues, and (d) small group discussion. The divorce recovery program is an attempt to provide an affordable, trauma-focused intervention for divorce recovery for low-income populations. This report summarizes the outcomes in a divorce recovery group of six women, all Chinese immigrants. Aside from one person in the midst of divorce, the group consisted of individuals divorced for 7 years or more, for whom the distress had lasted more than the 2 to 3 years typical of divorce recovery. Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rating Interview (SPRINT) scores collected at the beginning of week 2, at the end of week 7, and at the beginning of week 8 showed PTSD symptoms dropping from severe to mild. The mean SPRINT scores at 6 weeks and 13 weeks after treatment continued to decrease, approaching the no/minimal symptom range. The SPRINT scores showed a 65.6% reduction between week 2 (18.0 [SD = 8.4]) and 13 weeks after treatment (6.2 [SD= 5.5]), with a large effect size of d = 1.40, and a significant decrease of t(4)=4.0, p = .016.

Randomized Controlled Trial on the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress with Adolescents and Young Adults Patients with Cancer

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMDR-Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Twenty-three adolescents and young adults (13 male and 10 female) with different types of cancer (breast, leukemia, lymphoma) and PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and cancer treatment met the inclusion criteria. Participants age ranged from 13 to 22 years old (M = 16.71 years). Participant’s time since diagnosis varied from 2006 to 2018. Participants in treatment (N=11) and no-treatment control (N=12) groups completed pre, post, and follow up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures ANOVA showed that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS was effective in significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with symptoms maintained at 90-day follow-up and with large effect sizes (e.g., d=1.17). A comparison of the treatment and no-treatment control groups showed significantly greater decreases for the treatment group on symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This study suggests that EMDR-IGTP-OTS may be an efficient and effective way to address cancer-related PTSD, depressive, and anxious symptoms in adolescents and young adults.

EMDR Therapy Program for Advanced Psychosocial Interventions Provided by Paraprofessionals

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effectiveness of specially trained and supervised paraprofessionals in administering the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) to reduce work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The 2 paraprofessionals in this study were specially selected and trained in the application of the EMDR-IGTP and then provided treatment in an uncontrolled clinical trial to 37 clients from 3 non-governmental organizations in Bolivia. The participants were adult staff members (protective services workers, caregivers, psychologist, lawyers, and social workers) who provided care to children and adolescents with severe interpersonal trauma. Four EMDR-IGTP sessions within a parallel 2-week period were administered for each randomly assigned group. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was administered at pretreatment and 30 and 90 days’ posttreatment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined that PCL-5 score means differed statistically significantly between time points F(2, 72) = 574.53, p &lt; .001, ηP2 = .94. The study presents preliminary evidence scaling up EMDR therapy in a low- and middle-income country, making it possible to reach larger numbers of people in a shorter time, thereby offering an operational advantage. The study has limitations specially related to the size of the sample, the use of only one measure, and the lack of comparison with a control group or treatment. Further studies are required to present large samples with more measures and comparison of results with another therapy or control group.

The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Patients With Cancer

Experiencing cancer is a peculiar stressor within the infrastructure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because this debilitating disease involves ongoing stressors and is both acute and potentially chronic. The experience can include a wide range of associated adverse events, such as tumor detection, diagnosis, severity of disease, and prognosis; aggressive treatment; disfigurement and bodily dysfunction; side effects of treatment; impaired physical, social, and occupational functioning; and sometimes, recurrence and diagnosis of terminal illness. This article provides a detailed description of the clinical application of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) Adapted for Adolescents and Adults Living with Ongoing Traumatic Stress for the patients with cancer. This protocol administers the eight phases of EMDR individual treatment to a group of patients using an art therapy format (i.e., drawings) and the butterfly hug (a self-administered bilateral stimulation method to process traumatic material). A previous study (Jarero et al., 2015) showed that after 6 sessions of EMDR-IGTP, there was a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. Effects were maintained at 90-day follow-up. In this article, we discuss how this protocol can be used to effectively provide intensive EMDR treatment to large groups of patients, and we provide detailed instructions for its provision to address one of the major psychological dimensions of cancer: the ongoing traumatic stress responses experienced by patients with cancer. A clinical example illustrates the treatment process.

Pilot Research Study on the Provision of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol With Female Cancer Patients

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. EMDR-IGTP intensive therapy was administered for 3 consecutive days, twice daily, to 24 adult women diagnosed with different types of cancer (cervical, breast, colon, bladder, and skin) who had PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and treatment. The data was analyzed using factorial ANOVA with the effects of the EMDR-IGTP evaluated with the Short PTSD Rating Interview as dependent variable and group (two groups of patients: active phase and follow-up phase of cancer treatment) and time (four time points) as independent variables. Post hoc analyses were carried out. Results showed significant main effects for time and group. No significant interaction was found. Results also showed an overall subjective improvement in the participants. This pilot study suggests that intensive administration of the EMDR-IGTP can be a valuable support for cancer patients with PTSD symptoms related to their diagnosis and treatment. Further research with randomized controlled studies is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of EMDR-IGTP in this population.

EMDR Group Therapy With Women Who Were Sexually Assaulted in the Congo

Every year, thousands of women are sexually assaulted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2008, the author was invited to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assist in developing and evaluating a brief psychotherapeutic approach that could be used to effectively treat sexually assaulted women suffering from posttraumatic stress. In this field study, 37 women were assigned to receive either 2 sessions of individual therapy (n = 8) using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or 2 sessions of group therapy (n = 29) using the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP). Results of the study showed significant improvement in scores on the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) Scale. SUD scores of those receiving individual therapy showed a significantly larger decrease than scores of the group therapy participants. All women completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES) before treatment, with scores well higher than the cutoff for posttraumatic stress disorder. Women (n = 6) in the first of the 4 EMDR-IGTP groups also completed the IES measure 2 weeks after treatment completion, with a significant decrease in their scores. In addition, many of the women spontaneously reported elimination of painful body sensations after the therapy. This study suggests the value of further research and development.

The Provision of an EMDR-Based Multicomponent Trauma Treatment With Child Victims of Severe Interpersonal Trauma

This study evaluated a multicomponent phase–based trauma treatment approach for 34 children who were victims of severe interpersonal trauma (e.g., rape, sexual abuse, physical and emotional violence, neglect, abandonment). The children attended a week-long residential psychological recovery camp, which provided resource building experiences, the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP), and one-on-one EMDR intervention for the resolution of traumatic memories. The individual EMDR sessions were provided for 26 children who still had some distress about their targeted memory following the EMDR-IGTP. Results showed significant improvement for all the participants on the Child’s Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale (CRTES) and the Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT), with treatment results maintained at follow-up. More research is needed to assess the EMDR-IGTP and the one-on-one EMDR intervention effects as part of a multimodal approach with children who have suffered severe interpersonal trauma.

The EMDR integrative group treatment protocol: EMDR group treatment for early intervention following critical incidents

IntroductionThis paper presents an overview of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) that has been used since 1998 with both children and adults in its original format or with adaptations to meet the circumstances in numerous settings around the world for thousands of survivors of natural or man-made disasters and during ongoing geopolitical crisis. MethodThe author's intention is to highlight and enlightened the reader of the existence of this protocol that combines the eight standard EMDR treatment phases with a group therapy model and an art therapy format and use the Butterfly Hug as a form of a self-administered bilateral stimulation, thus providing more extensive reach than the individual EMDR application. ConclusionRandomize Controlled Trial Research is suggested to establish the efficacy of this intervention.

Helping Child Flood Victims Using Group EMDR Intervention in Argentina: Treatment Outcome and Gender Differences

A comprehensive group intervention with 124 children who experienced disaster-related trauma during a massive flood in Santa Fe, Argentina, in 2003 is illustrated, utilizing a one-session group eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol. A posttreatment session was done 3 months after the treatment intervention to evaluate results. Results of this one-session treatment procedure, utilizing the EMDR-Integrative Group Treatment Protocol, showed statistically significant reduction of symptoms immediately after the intervention. These statistically significant differences were sustained at posttreatment evaluation 3 months later, as measured by psychometric scales, and by clinical and behavioral observation. Data analysis also revealed significant gender differences. Despite methodological limitations, this study supports the efficacy of EMDR group treatment in the amelioration and prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, providing an efficient, simple, and economic (in terms of time and resources) tool for disaster-related trauma.