Due to the fragmented nature of recent traumatic memories, the EMDR basic protocol is often not ideal for processing recent traumatic events. Early EMDR Interventions treat the traumatic event as a fragmented experience, not fully consolidated into long-term memory and therefore process different parts of the event separately in order to facilitate full integration and consolidation.
Two Early EMDR Interventions are described below.
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol
In 2008, Elan Shapiro and Brurit Laub developed the EMDR Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP). This early intervention protocol is used throughout the world to help survivors of disasters. The protocol is also used in outpatient psychotherapy practices to help clients with a broad range of recent traumatic incidents. R-TEP starts with grounding and calming strategies, then utilizes a flexible approach to processing that can be tailored to the client’s needs.
R-TEP addresses the entire trauma episode, from the beginning of the traumatic event through the present, including all ongoing and future concerns. This approach recognizes that processing the aftermath of the original incident is often necessary to achieve adaptive resolution. Since traumatic stress often continues beyond the initial event, this protocol is especially helpful in these situations.
Group Traumatic Episode Protocol
The Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) is an adaptation of R-TEP designed for groups. G-TEP utilizes a worksheet that incorporates present, past, and future resources and disturbing elements of the traumatic episode. Participants can draw or write headlines to fill out the worksheet. G-TEP is primarily a desensitization procedure. The processing has a narrow focus on the disturbing elements of the trauma interspersed with continual reminders of coping resources. This helps participants stay within their window of tolerance throughout the processing of the traumatic episode.
Source:
https://www.emdria.org/publications-resources/practice-resources/emdr-early-intervention/
The Northern New Jersey Crisis Recovery Network (NNJCRN) is a local group of EMDR therapists who volunteer to provide free early intervention services after a community crisis.
The goal is to help individuals and groups to recover from disasters in Northern New Jersey, by providing Early EMDR Intervention to help enhance coping and build resilience. EMDR is a powerful tool for battling the after-effects of trauma. Local therapists and organizations work together to provide assistance to those who need it.
As a coordinator of the NNJCRN, it is my privilege to help in times of crisis.
For further information go to: http://nnjcrn.org