Scaling Up What Works: Using EMDR to Help Confront the World’s Burden of Traumatic Stress

EMDR therapy offers a scalable intervention that combines effectiveness, efficiency & affordability for a global trauma therapy plan.

Article Abstract

“Global estimates of trauma exposure, classified under the heading “Four Violences,” demonstrate that the world faces a mental health crisis of truly epidemic proportions. Given the extent, severity, and consequences of trauma-based disorders (including posttraumatic stress disorder) worldwide for individuals, communities, and societies, the current minimal global public health response needs to be addressed. An important part of the response should involve the implementation of timely treatment both during and after a crisis. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a potentially scalable intervention that combines effectiveness, efficiency, affordability, and acceptability—essential preconditions—for launching an ambitious global trauma therapy plan. An overview of both challenges and solutions to effective scaling up and global implementation is provided, including the areas of policy, funding, and ethics. This article concludes with a list of activities (including research) that should be initiated without delay as part of starting up a global trauma therapy plan.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Carriere, R. C. (2014). Scaling Up What Works: Using EMDR to Help Confront the World’s Burden of Traumatic Stress. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 8(4), 187–195. http://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.8.4.187

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.