Heart to heart: Group EMDR support in emergencies
Description
Background and Aims
Emergencies such as natural disasters and mass attacks impose significant psychological burdens, often leading to PTSD. For instance, a study on the Norwegian shooting attack reported PTSD rates six times higher than in the general population. Recent events in the Czech Republic, including the Moravian tornado (2021), the Faculty of Arts shooting (2023), and the floods (2024), underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent long-term emotional and psychological challenges. EMDR therapy has proven effective in addressing trauma at both individual and group levels, benefiting adults and children and facilitating community-level interventions.
Methods
This workshop explores the use of EMDR techniques (ASSYST, IGTP-OTS, and resource-focused protocols) in large-group crisis interventions (80–150 participants). It highlights neurobiological principles that foster self-regulation and safety, with a special focus on supporting children and families in affected areas. Practical demonstrations will showcase methods for organizing group interventions and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Outcomes
The workshop will share findings illustrating how EMDR-based group interventions enhance psychological stability, resilience, and recovery for individuals and communities affected by crises.
Conclusions
Incorporating EMDR techniques into crisis management is vital for trauma processing, resilience building, and community recovery.
Emergencies such as natural disasters and mass attacks impose significant psychological burdens, often leading to PTSD. For instance, a study on the Norwegian shooting attack reported PTSD rates six times higher than in the general population. Recent events in the Czech Republic, including the Moravian tornado (2021), the Faculty of Arts shooting (2023), and the floods (2024), underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent long-term emotional and psychological challenges. EMDR therapy has proven effective in addressing trauma at both individual and group levels, benefiting adults and children and facilitating community-level interventions.
Methods
This workshop explores the use of EMDR techniques (ASSYST, IGTP-OTS, and resource-focused protocols) in large-group crisis interventions (80–150 participants). It highlights neurobiological principles that foster self-regulation and safety, with a special focus on supporting children and families in affected areas. Practical demonstrations will showcase methods for organizing group interventions and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Outcomes
The workshop will share findings illustrating how EMDR-based group interventions enhance psychological stability, resilience, and recovery for individuals and communities affected by crises.
Conclusions
Incorporating EMDR techniques into crisis management is vital for trauma processing, resilience building, and community recovery.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Cepelikova, Z. (2025, June). Heart to heart: Group EMDR support in emergencies. Presentation at the 25th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Prague, Austria
Collection
Citation
“Heart to heart: Group EMDR support in emergencies,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed May 16, 2026, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/29759.