EMDR Individual Protocol for Paraprofessional Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial With First Responders

Traumatized first responders were randomly assigned to receive EMDR-PROPARA or supportive counseling. EMDR-PROPARA group showed benefits.

Article Abstract

“The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) individual protocol for paraprofessional use in acute trauma situations (EMDR-PROPARA) is part of a project developed at the initiative of Dr. Francine Shapiro. This randomized clinical trial examined the effectiveness of the protocol administered by experienced EMDR therapists. There were 39 traumatized first responders on active duty randomly assigned to receive two 90-min sessions of either EMDR-PROPARA or of supportive counseling. Participants in the EMDR-PROPARA group showed benefits immediately after treatment, with their scores on the Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT) showing further decreases at 3-month follow-up. In comparison, supportive counseling participants experienced a nonsignificant decrease after treatment and an increase in the SPRINT scores at the second follow-up. The significant difference between the two treatments provides preliminary support for EMDR-PROPARA’s effectiveness in reducing severity of posttraumatic symptoms and subjective global improvement. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the efficacy of this intervention.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Jarero, I., Amaya, C., Givaudan, M., & Miranda, A. (2013). EMDR Individual Protocol for Paraprofessional Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial With First Responders. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(2), 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.7.2.55

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.