EMDR Therapy Program for Advanced Psychosocial Interventions Provided by Paraprofessionals

Effectiveness of trained/supervised paraprofessionals in using EMDR Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) to reduce work-related PTSD symptoms.

Article Abstract

“The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effectiveness of specially trained and supervised paraprofessionals in administering the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) to reduce work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The 2 paraprofessionals in this study were specially selected and trained in the application of the EMDR-IGTP and then provided treatment in an uncontrolled clinical trial to 37 clients from 3 non-governmental organizations in Bolivia. The participants were adult staff members (protective services workers, caregivers, psychologist, lawyers, and social workers) who provided care to children and adolescents with severe interpersonal trauma. Four EMDR-IGTP sessions within a parallel 2-week period were administered for each randomly assigned group. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was administered at pretreatment and 30 and 90 days’ posttreatment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined that PCL-5 score means differed statistically significantly between time points F(2, 72) = 574.53, p < .001, ηP2 = .94. The study presents preliminary evidence scaling up EMDR therapy in a low- and middle-income country, making it possible to reach larger numbers of people in a shorter time, thereby offering an operational advantage. The study has limitations specially related to the size of the sample, the use of only one measure, and the lack of comparison with a control group or treatment. Further studies are required to present large samples with more measures and comparison of results with another therapy or control group.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Jarero, I., Rake, G., & Givaudan, M. (2017). EMDR Therapy Program for Advanced Psychosocial Interventions Provided by Paraprofessionals. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(3), 122–128. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.3.122

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.