Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is recognized as an effective and efficient treatment for trauma-related issues. This article describes an integrated EMDR and group treatment for children and adults traumatized by natural disasters in several Latin American countries. This protocol combines the eight standard EMDR treatment phases with a group therapy model. The hypothesis is that the resulting hybrid offers more extensive reach than did the original EMDR model, which was intended for use with individuals, and takes treatment efficacy and efficiency well beyond that expected from traditional group process. To illustrate the application of the model, one formally measured field study and nine pilot projects are described. The promising results of this intervention suggest that EMDR is an effective means of providing treatment to large groups of people impacted by large-scale traumatic events (e.g., natural disasters). Controlled research is needed to clarify this issue.
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