The world's population is experiencing high levels of trauma and trauma responses. Climate change, the recent pandemic, and war, in addition to interpersonal violence within the home, is leading to a need that far outstrips available resources. Clinicians have struggled to meet the needs of their communities for some time. With increasing risk of natural disasters, continued gun violence, and worsening mental health among the young, clinicians need an evidence-based approach that addressed the problem of trauma at scale. Many clinicians hesitate to add group work to their practice. They may feel unprepared for working with children in times of crisis, may feel they do not have the space or setting appropriate for group work, or they may not know about options available to them. 

By learning about group EMDR for youth and families, clinicians will be better equipped to introduce group EMDR work into their practice. Building skills in practice will increase clinician confidence and competence, allowing them to feel more confident leading groups during disaster response. Experienced clinicians become confident volunteers thar bring healing to their communities, maximizing resources while minimizing compassion fatigue. 

This slides presentation will educate clinicians about the research base supporting the use of EMDR Therapy for treating children and for use in treating disasters impacting large groups of people. Clinicians will be introduced to available protocols, when and how they might be implemented, and specific skills necessary to build confidence working with groups of children, teens, and families. The goal of this presentation is to inspire, build confidence, and assist clinicians feel ready to move into group EMDR work.  

*Content Warning: This story contains graphic depictions of traumatic events, including natural disaster events, death of a parent, among other stories relevant to curriculum which may be upsetting to readers with personal experiences of trauma. Please proceed with caution.