EXPERIENCE ABOUT EMDR IN INDIA
With the help of EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) USA and EMDR International Association over 300 mental health professionals have been trained in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Banglore, Chennai, Srinagar, Varanasi and other parts of India EMDR therapists reached out to earthquake survivors of Gujarat in 2001 and in the southern part of India after 2004 Tsunami, thus helping 16,000 children. Currently several psychotherapists are practicing EMDR in various parts of India and forthcoming trainings will provide opportunity to the mental health professionals with psychology, social work and psychiatry background to learn hands-on EMDR therapy.
EMDR Association has been involved in healing up to 3500 children traumatized due to floods in Srinagar, Kashmir after September 2014. EMDR Association, in collaboration with Dara Shikoh Centre conducted training for mental health professionals of Kashmir and 13 EMDR practitioners from Mumbai, Delhi and Varanasi stepped in for a month long intervention using group protocols of EMDR therapy in schools. . During 2016, EMDR Association collaborated with Trauma Recovery/HAP, USA, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal) and WHO, Nepal and conducted EMDR Part1 training in Kathmandu. EMDR Association extends EMDR basic trainings to other Asian countries e.g. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Philippines, Nepal and some international trainees too attend the training conducted in India.
EMDR is successfully used after man-made and natural disaster where long drawn psychological residues are left, not easily dealt even after passing of time. Traumatic memories can affect people of all ages directly or indirectly. A team of EMDR clinicians can work in the disaster sites on consecutive days, in different settings and even under unstable conditions. EMDR interventions are high standard psychological aid to deal with psychosocial consequence. EMDR can be used early in the first stage, after some weeks and months and even after some years, if the population had not been reached before. Regarding crisis interventions with EMDR in schools, this can be structured for individual as well as for group intervention involving school authorities, teachers, parents, education department and NGOs working with children in different settings.
Eminent practitioners from United States and Europe, including specialists from Trauma recovery/HAP, have been supporting the Indian professionals from 1998 by providing training and supervision for EMDR psychotherapy.
EMDR Association is registered in India (Registered under Society Registration Act, Maharashtra State, India and Registration No.1768). Trauma Recovery/EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs USA supports the EMDR Association of India in its bid to become an organized independent body that can conduct trainings, workshops, seminars and conferences in India and other parts of Asia to share knowledge and skills among mental health professionals and to undertake humanitarian activities to address psychological trauma.
ABOUT EMDR THERAPY APPROACH:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since gained widespread recognition for its ability to transform the lives of individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
The AIP Model
EMDR therapy is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that traumatic experiences can disrupt the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate information. These unprocessed memories remain “stuck” in the nervous system, causing emotional and psychological distress. EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of these memories, enabling individuals to achieve adaptive resolution and emotional healing.
The Eight-Phased, Three-Pronged Standard Protocol of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy utilizes an eight-phased, three-pronged approach to ensure comprehensive and effective treatment. The eight phases—history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation—provide a structured framework for addressing and reprocessing traumatic memories. Each phase builds upon the previous one, facilitating the client’s journey from identifying and understanding their trauma to achieving emotional and psychological resolution. The three-pronged protocol—past, present, and future—ensures that treatment encompasses the full spectrum of the client’s experience. This involves not only reprocessing past traumatic events but also addressing current triggers and preparing the client to handle future challenges with resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms. Together, the eight-phased structure and three-pronged approach create a holistic and integrative model that effectively mitigates the distress caused by traumatic memories and promotes long-term healing and well-being.
Evidence-Based Approach and International Endorsements
EMDR therapy is not only widely practiced but also backed by substantial empirical evidence. Numerous research studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. The robust evidence supporting EMDR has led to its endorsement by several leading health organizations.
– World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO’s 2013 guidelines recommend EMDR therapy for the treatment of PTSD in both children and adults, citing its effectiveness and safety.
– American Psychiatric Association (APA): The APA recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD, highlighting its ability to rapidly alleviate symptoms.
– U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD): Both organizations include EMDR in their clinical practice guidelines as a frontline treatment for PTSD.
– National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): NICE guidelines in the UK also recommend EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD, affirming its status as a proven therapeutic approach.
Effectiveness and Applications
Numerous research studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMDR therapy in treating PTSD. Additionally, EMDR has been successfully applied to a wide range of psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and complex trauma. These endorsements reflect the broad consensus within the global mental health community regarding the effectiveness and reliability of EMDR therapy.
WHY CHOOSE EMDR?
– Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant relief from symptoms in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy.
– Non-Invasive: EMDR does not require detailed verbal descriptions of traumatic events, making it accessible for individuals who struggle to discuss their experiences.
– Holistic Approach: EMDR addresses the emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of trauma, promoting comprehensive healing.
EMDR therapy represents a powerful approach in the treatment of trauma and its related symptoms. By facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories, EMDR helps individuals regain control over their lives and fosters long-term psychological well-being.
WHERE ONE CAN USE EMDR?
The EMDR psychotherapy can be used for children and adults for behavioral, adjustment, interpersonal and emotional problems besides extreme traumatic experience resulting from natural and man-made disasters. A clinical background is necessary for proper application of the EMDR psychotherapy. This is a highly specialized therapy that requires supervised training for therapeutic effectiveness and client safety.
