Three Case Reports Illustrating the Use of the Protocol for Recent Traumatic Events Following the World Trade Center Terrorist Attack

Abstract

Following the attacks on the New York World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program initiated a response establishing the New York City Disaster Mental Health Recovery Network. The network provided coordination and assistance to local psychotherapists who volunteered to provide treatment to individuals directly affected by the tragedy. The psychotherapists utilized both the EMDR standard protocol and the EMDR Recent Events protocol during the initial aftermath and ongoing recovery at the World Trade Center site. The development of the network is reviewed, and detailed descriptions are provided regarding three cases to illustrate the use of the EMDR Recent Events protocol. The research findings reported by Silver, Rogers, Knipe, & Colelli (2005) that demonstrated support for EMDR as a postdisaster treatment are summarized. Further research is recommended.