A journey from loneliness to belonging: EMDR multi-sessions group therapy for victims of sexual assault
Description
Background and aims
The distinct advantage of EMDR group therapy is the ability to extend the effect of therapy that has been proven to be effective to large populations. Group therapy can make therapy more accessible, save patients time, shorten suffering, and may be effective since it process the trauma and offers emotional support.
Methods
The research presented uses both quantitative and qualitative measures to examine a model for EMDR multi-sessions group therapy we developed in our work with victims of sexual assault. The uniqueness of the model lies in the innovative use of EMDR in a group setting, in the use of mixed methods, and in the creation of an adapted and a comprehensive response to post-traumatic symptoms.
Results
The results show a decrease in somatic and post-traumatic symptoms, and increased levels of functioning, post-traumatic growth and hope. The participants' narrative clearly points to the fact that they experienced group cohesion, sense of belonging and partnership alongside trust in the group’s work. Most of the participants report that the use of EMDR Therapy in the group setting led to the development of a new view of the traumas, their consequences and the patterns created by them.
Conclusions
We suggest that EMDR multi session group therapy and the group cohesion it creates can improve treatment of trauma victims.
Abstract topic
Group Therapy, mixed methods research
The distinct advantage of EMDR group therapy is the ability to extend the effect of therapy that has been proven to be effective to large populations. Group therapy can make therapy more accessible, save patients time, shorten suffering, and may be effective since it process the trauma and offers emotional support.
Methods
The research presented uses both quantitative and qualitative measures to examine a model for EMDR multi-sessions group therapy we developed in our work with victims of sexual assault. The uniqueness of the model lies in the innovative use of EMDR in a group setting, in the use of mixed methods, and in the creation of an adapted and a comprehensive response to post-traumatic symptoms.
Results
The results show a decrease in somatic and post-traumatic symptoms, and increased levels of functioning, post-traumatic growth and hope. The participants' narrative clearly points to the fact that they experienced group cohesion, sense of belonging and partnership alongside trust in the group’s work. Most of the participants report that the use of EMDR Therapy in the group setting led to the development of a new view of the traumas, their consequences and the patterns created by them.
Conclusions
We suggest that EMDR multi session group therapy and the group cohesion it creates can improve treatment of trauma victims.
Abstract topic
Group Therapy, mixed methods research
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Segal, D., & Ravid, N. (2023, June). A journey from loneliness to belonging: EMDR multi-sessions group therapy for victims of sexual assault. Presentation at the EMDR Europe Conference, Bologna, Italy
Citation
“A journey from loneliness to belonging: EMDR multi-sessions group therapy for victims of sexual assault,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 9, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/28222.