EMDR Treatment of Recent Events and Community Disasters

Abstract

This special issue on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of recent events and community disasters gathers information on the application of EMDR in situations of extreme chaos, disaster, violence, and war. The authors provide a global perspective, writing from Israel, Palestine, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, the United States, Italy, and Mexico. The material provided in this special issue is illuminating and inspiring. The accounts of volunteer work in hazardous and challenging situations, the vibrancy and dedication of EMDR therapists, the innovative, positive, and creative responses to appalling devastation and terror-filled memories are compelling and impressive. It is uplifting to see such efforts being made to alleviate human suffering. The new protocols are promising, but research is needed to ensure that they are evaluated and tested so that the best treatment possible can be provided to this very vulnerable population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)