EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be one of the most powerful treatment methods for people with trauma experiences, and can help process our most painful and hurtful memories. Typically, EMDR is done within a one-to-one therapy setting between a trained therapist and client, but now there is another option to experience the benefits of EMDR. Providing EDMR in a group with others who share similar traumatic experiences can provide comparable benefits to individual EMDR.
Integrative Group Treatment Protocol EMDR or IGTP-EMDR was developed by Dr. Lucian Artigas, Ignacio Jarero, and other treatment professionals, as a response to help people deal with their mental health needs after going through a shared painful experience. This protocol arose out of natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Mexico, where the catastrophic devastation and loss of those events impacted the entire community. Because performing EMDR on a one-to-one basis is not always possible during large scale event, the group presentation is another option to meet mental health needs of the community. This is often due to lack of resources, lack of clinicians trained in EMDR, and lack of available space.
During the IGTP process, group participants are taught specific coping skills in order to proceed through the protocol, in addition to following the instructions of the trained therapist. Each group will have an emotional support person who can be present for group members to go to, if a group member is feeling dysregulated emotionally or needing to check in with someone. The group leader will be the main point person leading everyone through the specific steps in the protocol. Another unique aspect of this protocol, like traditional EMDR, is the lack of verbal discussion of the trauma or specific events. During the IGTP-EMDR process, participants will use paper and writing tools like crayons, colored pencils or markers in order to draw what comes up for them in a more effective and manageable way, which helps to keep them in the present moment. Finally, any drawings or pictures can be shared with staff, should the participant need help understanding the process, or if they want to further explore what is happening for them.
This year, due to COVID-19 and social distance restrictions, our group will be done online, which will increase access to anyone wishing to participate and find relief during this unique time. It can also allow people to work through their struggles from the safety of their own home. While I know not everyone has this privilege, I can also appreciate many of us has found online work to be helpful in not needing to find daycare, travel, or the other obligations needed for when we have to leave our homes.
EMDR can be an amazing way to work through trauma, which doesn’t require recounting and rehashing some really difficult situations and experiences. Now that much of therapy has gone virtual, IGTP-EMDR is a way to work through really difficult experiences such as the one we all have lived through during this time of COVID-19. I look forward to walking this journey with you to help find healing during a unique time in our lives and in our shared cultural history.
The six week group starts on April 19th, 2021 @ 5:30 - 6:30 pm, and continues once a week at the same time through May 24th, 2021. The cash rate is $240 total for those six weeks (the following insurances can also be accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, Aetna, and ASR).
For contact information, please reach out to me at laurie@allowtherapy.com. To register, email Allow Therapy’s Clinical Support Specialist: scott@allowtherapy.com, or call (877) 255-6987 to leave a voicemail.
-Laurie Eldred, LMSW, CAADC