Healing
“We can’t prevent traumas but is there a window of opportunity to prevent the accumulation of trauma memories?”
– Elan Shapiro
When we provide EMDR quickly, and to as many people as possible, we contribute to the prevention of suffering and the promotion of healing. Group EMDR is the new frontier in mental health provision, taking EMDR to a new level.
- With our partners we are bringing EMDR to individuals and groups in a range of settings, following workplace trauma, accidents and disasters
- We have developed models of intervention that can be used on-line and face-to-face, with individuals and groups
- We are accredited by Elan Shapiro to teach his early intervention Traumatic Episode Protocols for individuals (R-TEP) and groups (G-TEP) in Australia
- We have published research on the effectiveness of EMDR Early intervention after workplace trauma
- Studies demonstrate that after as little as two sessions of EMDR G-TEP, participants experienced reductions in PTSD, depression and acute trauma symptoms.
We continue to work with our partners to promote EMDR Early Intervention, contribute to research and innovation, and build the capacity of practitioners to provide brief, effective and timely EMDR to those who need it.
Helping
“Now is the time to be bold and responsible in our efforts to take on the trauma epidemic: to achieve maximum trauma reduction in the shortest possible time… Lest we forget: Treatment deferred is treatment denied”
– Rolf Carriere, 2014
It is a human right to have access to effective health and mental health services. We are helping extend the reach of EMDR, taking it to new areas of practice, and to communities in need. With our partners, we conduct pilot projects, develop models to deliver EMDR in innovative and culturally safe ways, and build capacity within organisations to be self-sustaining.
Helping those who help others
Helping those who help others
Workers and volunteers at the front-line support and protect others, whether they are in health, education, child protection, emergency services, military, or personal care services. But the burden of trauma on helpers is well known. Mental stress is a leading cause of health problems and costly to industry and workers alike. We partner with organisations for brief or ongoing projects, supporting those experiencing workplace trauma. Our innovative models have reduced symptoms of trauma, and been highly supported by staff. We continue to develop projects to help those who help others.
First Peoples
First Peoples
Health interventions are most successful when based on self-determination. EMDR Academy continues to advocate for the removal of barriers within EMDR training and practice. We collaborate with Indigenous mental health workers through partnership opportunities, training initiatives, projects and leadership roles.
Many welcome changes have occurred since Sue-Anne Hunter and Jenny Dwyer jointly completed a Creswick Fellowship report in 2019 titled, Helping to Heal the Trauma of Australia’s First Peoples: Toward a culturally competent EMDR download here There are now more Indigenous EMDR practitioners and others in leadership roles. However, many of the challenges remain.
Image by: Reanna Bono
Extending the Reach of EMDR
Extending the Reach of EMDR
Many communities are at greater risk of trauma, but often have little access to EMDR. There are numerous barriers including geographical location, education, health, culture, and cost. Those who are marginalised or experience structural disadvantage include the homeless, young people in out-of-home-care, First Australians, CALD communities, women and children experiencing family violence, and those who identify as LGBTQI+. Through our training and projects, we partner with individuals and organisations from diverse communities, to extend the reach of EMDR.
We share Francine Shapiro’s vision that EMDR should be available wherever it is needed. Our partnerships are central to ensuring accessible, accountable, and culturally appropriate EMDR.
Educating
“Clients are best served by clinicians who are guided by research and are willing to learn, expand their skills, and experiment with innovative methods …To reiterate more succinctly, clients are best served if their clinicians are trained”
– Francine Shapiro, 2018
EMDR Academy educates the public, decision makers and therapists, about the healing potential of EMDR. We agree with Shapiro that the basis of effective practice is good training. Our training, consultation and career development opportunities help build a network of confident and skilled EDMR practitioners and consultants.
Our Level 1 Basic training is the first step in becoming an EMDR therapist; Level 2 Advanced training equips therapists to use EMDR with more complex cases; and our Refresher course rebuilds confidence and ensures practitioners are up to date with current theories and practice.
