Course Description

This presentation will outline how compassion-focused EMDR group intervention is used in the treatment of PTSD and Moral Injury. It will highlight the core aspects of the Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) – a modification of the Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP) developed in conjunction with first responders and emergency workers. Additionally, the integration of core elements from Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is also used to address community trauma factors and moral injury. This presentation will outline how this intervention is used as part of a four day, intensive treatment intervention. It will also present research data from an ongoing research trial exploring the effectiveness of this treatment intervention with first responders and emergency workers from Vermont, USA. The study is a collaboration between the Vermont Centre for Responder Wellness (USA) and Northumbria University (UK).

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to explore the core attributes and distinctiveness between PTSD and moral injury.
2. Participants will be able to critically consider the core elements of EMDR group intervention and compassion-focused intervention.
3. Participants will be able to analyse and reflect upon the empirical finding of an ongoing cohort study exploring the use of Compassion Focused EMDR Group intervention for First Responders and Emergency Workers.

Presenter(s)

Derek Farrell, Ph.D.

Derek Farrell, Ph.D., MBE, is a professor in trauma psychology and veterans affairs, Northumbria University, United Kingdom. Dr. Farrell is an EMDR Europe Accredited Senior Trainer, President of Trauma Aid Europe and the Trauma Response Network Ireland. He is also co-editor of the Journal of EMDR Practice & Research , and the “Oxford Handbook of EMDR.” Additionally, he has been involved in many trauma capacity building projects worldwide.

Sonny Provetto, LICSW

Sonny Provetto, LICSW, is a social worker and EMDR Consultant at the Vermont Centre for Responder Wellness. As an expert and pioneer working for various law enforcement agencies, he offers training and treatment intervention around stress and trauma. His expertise is in program and policy development and the treatment of PTSD, trauma disorders, early interventions, and group treatment.

Johnny Moran, H. Dip, MA, BCH, CI

Johnny Moran, H. Dip, MA, BCH, CI, is an accredited EMDR Europe Consultant for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as an EMDR Europe Accredited Trainer and EMDRIA EMDR Consultant. He is an accredited psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Irish Council of Psychotherapy. Johnny is also Treasurer for Trauma Aid Europe, and Network Coordinator for Trauma Response Network Ireland. He has also been involved in several trauma capacity-building projects.