Who We Are

What we do

Mental Health First Responders to Community Disasters

We are experienced EMDR therapists who help people and communities affected by manmade or natural disasters. Our processes have been developed internationally over thirty years by EMDR humanitarian programs. As Australia is most affected by natural disasters in rural or remote areas, we organise professional support for local mental health workers and allied health first responders as they deal with the surge in demand. 

Bringing EMDR Training to Rural and Remote Communities

We offer EMDR and additional specialised training in selected rural regions to foster positive mental health and resilience. This training is provided once the peak of the disaster has subsided, enabling local therapists to address trauma-related symptoms. Acquiring EMDR skills prepares therapists to manage a wide range of client issues stemming from adverse events, such as road accidents, assaults, sudden deaths, domestic violence, bullying, financial loss, and more.

Integrating training within the community diminishes expenses for therapists, as it eliminates the need for time off and travel, while also fostering a network of trauma-trained clinicians who can provide mutual support during disasters for a coordinated response. Communities often become insular post-disaster, opting for internal support over external therapists, hence our focus on aiding communities in achieving self-sufficiency.

Why EMDR?

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of stress-related anxiety disorders in adults and children. It is also approved by and the National Health and Medical Research Council and included in the  Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD for the treatment of PTSD symptoms. 

As clients do not have to do homework, or describe the event in detail, EMDR Therapy has been shown to be the most cost-efficient treatment for PTSD.

Mental Health Crisis

The pandemic, bushfires, floods, and other calamities have compounded the daily stressors for individuals in rural areas, leading to significant mental health impacts on many Australians. While mental healthcare professionals in Australia offer trauma-focused treatments, the availability of these services is scarce in regional and rural areas. 
 
There is a pressing need for mental health practitioners to have access to training in evidence-based trauma treatments to adequately support those in dire need.

Impact of Trauma

Most individuals recover from disasters over time, but early intervention and effective treatment can shorten this period for those overwhelmed by distressing events. Symptoms of trauma can significantly impair one's physical health, as well as family, social, educational, occupational, and other vital aspects of life. 
 
The personal toll can be immense, and the economic impact on society is significant. Providing access to local treatment can lead to healthier outcomes in the future.

Consequences

With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, it is expected that more individuals will suffer trauma. Concurrently, there is a growing recognition of the impact of interpersonal and societal violence. 
 
This is likely to result in an increased burden on mental health professionals, who are already operating at full capacity.

Our Solution

By training local mental health care professionals to deliver EMDR therapy, we build capacity for communities to treat their own members for earlier and more universal recovery outcomes.

Donate

Your donation helps us to reach areas most in need, every community therapist we train may help up to 500 people a year, every year.

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