EMDR
and Early Intervention / Prevention
EMDR is an individual therapy, which is commonly known as a treatment for trauma and PTSD. People often present for treatment once they are already unwell, this however does not need to be the case when early intervention and prevention are also possible.
Standard EMDR treatment has been adapted to EMD, in order to provide an early intervention and prevention treatment for people who have experienced a more recent trauma. EMD techniques can be used to target disturbing events, before they potentially manifest into PTSD.
Not all people who witness or experience a traumatic event will necessarily experience symptoms. This is perfectly human. Ongoing disturbances can include but not limited to, sleeplessness, irritability, nightmares, hypervigilance, heightened emotional reactions not present before the event, negative mood, unhelpful recurring thoughts, re-experiencing the event, triggers related to the event, avoidance, anxiety, etc.
Early intervention techniques are about the prevention of the development of mental health injury due to a build-up of stressful life events.
The time frame for treatment is generally up to 90 days after the event, however, this is a general guideline, and treatment for the event can be provided at any time afterward.
The techniques aim to return the client to a similar level of functioning as before the event.
G-TEP
Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) is an early intervention EMD therapy, which involves processing a recent traumatic episode within a group setting of between 4 to 6 people. It allows people to process an event which they have experienced together. The group members briefly share one on one with the therapist but DO NOT share any material with other group members as the processing is set up without the need for this.
G-TEP is different to debriefing sessions which people are more familiar with. It is also not like a group therapy session where people share their experiences. In G-TEP, no-one shares stories of trauma or disturbing events within the group setting; that is participants use a worksheet, processing the trauma with it’s associated thoughts, feelings and experiences within their own minds, in collaboration with the facilitator, they process the disturbing memory.
Benefits of doing G-TEP
More people can benefit from trauma treatment in a more timely manner, less likely to be on a wait list, supportive environment with people who experienced same event, reduced cost to the individual, and confidentiality of your experience as it isn’t shared within the group.
R-TEP
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) is an early intervention Eye Movement desensitisation (EMD) therapy, developed by Elan Shapiro and Bruit Laub. It is an individual treatment, the technique focuses on a recent traumatic event, where the person continues to be adversely impacted by that experience. Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is used, and a narrow focus is made onto specific points within a recent traumatic event. The processing of these events can prevent further accumulation of disturbances, thus reducing the risk of developing trauma and stress related disorders.
Emergency services personnel and other front line workers are in a unique position where they are regularly exposed to disturbing information and stressful situations. The use of early intervention techniques can be used to prevent the accumulation of disturbances occurring from regular traumatic exposure.
Examples of when to use early intervention
Any group of people who have experienced or been witness to a traumatic incident including natural disasters, witnessing a horrific incident, vehicle accidents, fire or explosion, personal accidents, violence or abuse, combat, death or serious injury.