Report on ASSYST Group Therapy Protocol for Survivors of Nepal Bus Accident

Introduction

On August 23, 2024, a tragic bus accident occurred in Nepal, claiming the lives of 25 individuals, all from a small town called Varangaon in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra, India. This devastating event had a profound impact on the affected community.

Proposal and Implementation

In response to this tragedy, a proposal was presented to Dr. Parul Tank, President of EMDR India, to conduct a group therapy session for the survivors and relatives of the deceased. Dr. Tank enthusiastically endorsed the initiative and offered her full support.

Under the guidance of Dr. Dushyant Bhadlikar, an ASSYST group protocol was implemented on September 26, 2024. The session was attended by approximately 50 individuals, facilitated by Varangaon Civil Society, a local NGO.

Outcomes

The participants reported positive feedback following the group therapy session. Few individuals who completed the PCL-5 questionnaire demonstrated improvement in their scores after participating in the ASSYST protocol. For those who did not experience immediate relief, individual ASSYST protocols were conducted, resulting in notable reductions in trauma symptoms.

Conclusion

The ASSYST group therapy protocol proved to be a valuable tool in providing support and healing to the survivors and families affected by the Nepal bus accident. The positive outcomes and feedback from participants highlight the effectiveness of this approach in addressing the psychological impact of traumatic events.

Acknowledgments

The success of this initiative was made possible by the invaluable contributions of Dr. Parul Tank, Dr. Sushma Mehrotra, and Dr. Dushyant Bhadlikar. Their encouragement, expertise, and support were instrumental in ensuring the well-being of the affected community.