Safeguarding Psychological Well-being in the Face of Natural Disasters and Man-made Crises

Long before the coronavirus pandemic was upon us, there were volunteer EMDR therapists, working in informal teams, to address the psychological trauma affecting survivors and emergency responders following disasters in their communities. These teams first came together in direct response to devastating events such as school and workplace shootings, bombings, violent conflicts, hurricanes and wildfires in their communities. Many of the teams have stayed together—formalizing their purpose and extending their reach to include education and training.

Today you will find active EMDR Trauma Recovery/Crisis Response Networks and Teams all across North America and around the world. Their local focus makes them quick to respond in an emergency. Their ongoing presence enhances a community’s trauma prevention and disaster preparedness efforts.

We encourage EMDR therapists to consider joining a local team or network for mutual support, skill development and the deep satisfaction that comes with helping to restore emotional balance and enhance psychological health after disaster.

Contact Information for Regional EMDR Trauma Response Teams and Networks

UNITED STATES:

State of California:    The Northern California  Trauma Recovery Network:  http://norcal-emdr-trn.weebly.com

Ohio,  Kentucky, and East Indiana Trauma Recovery Network offers pro-bono EMDR therapy.  Coordinator, Kasey Frazee Katz, LPCC.  (513) 392-4984

Louisiana Trauma Resource Network (TRN): Serving first responders –fire services, law enforcement, emergency medical and mental health professionals– dealing with recent, service-related trauma by providing up to 10 pro bono EMDR sessions. Contact: LouisianaTRN@gmail.com

Massachusetts, Boston TRN:  Boston Area Trauma Recovery Network serves those in need during both response and recovery phases of natural and man-made disasters and high stress community events. Contact bostonareatrn@emdrhap.org

Missouri.  Greater St. Louis MO Trauma Recovery Network.:   http://stlemdr.com    Coordinator:  Laurie Furman  , MSW  (314) 993-7616

New York City  Trauma Response Network:    http://www.nyctrn.org       Coordinator:    Linda Kocieniewski, LCSW  (212) 949-0381

Texas, Austin: The EMDR Austin Area Response Team provides EMDR therapy n response to community emergencies in and around Austin, Texas. Contact co-founders Zahira Melendez and Lynne Levinson at emdr.art@gmail.com

Virginia:  The Virginia Community Response Network provides free EMDR treatment to frontline healthcare providers and responders:   http://vcrn.org   Email: contact@vcrn.org  Phone: 434-202-6322

Washington, Southwest:  The Southwest Washington Trauma Response Network (SWWTRN) is offering pro-bono EMDR therapy to frontline medical providers and first responders. Serving Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties. Contact   Joe Klemz : joek@reallifecounseling.us for more information or to receive services.

 

UNITED KINGDOM

The  Trauma  Response Network UK is a registered charity associated with  EMDR Association UK.     It was “born out of the Manchester Arena bombing [and} is providing the first online platform for rapid, free ‘mental health first aid’ in response to the corona virus pandemic.  ”    There are several hundred members of this  Network.  Website:    https://www.traumaresponsenetwork.org

 

 

(If you are a member of a regional TRN or CRN not listed here, please send send information for posting to emdrdisaster@gmail.com)