Healing Trauma: From Global Roots to Regional Action

Strengthening Communities Through Connection

TRNA is part of a global movement supporting trauma recovery, EMDR training, and community resilience for people affected by crisis.

The Origin of EMDR Humanitarian Programs

EMDR humanitarian work began in 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing, when volunteer clinicians provided free trauma treatment with strong outcomes. This success led to the growth of EMDR disaster-response programs worldwide.

Global Expansion

EMDR teams now support communities affected by natural disasters, conflict, and humanitarian crises through rapid trauma care and clinician training. In 2014, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs received UN Special Consultative Status for its global impact.

The Birth of TRNA

TRNA was created to coordinate EMDR-trained responders across Australia. What began as a small volunteer initiative is now a national network of more than 1,000 clinicians supporting communities during bushfires, floods, and emergencies.

Our mission is to keep EMDR training and crisis support accessible, ensuring evidence-based trauma care reaches those who need it most.

Shared Vision

TRNA works with Trauma Aid International and global partners to strengthen trauma-recovery skills and support community resilience.

Our EMDR Training Program & Beginnings

We deliver the full 50-hour EMDR Training Program, developed by Roy Kiessling (EMDR Consulting, USA) and approved by EMDRIA. Training is offered as a five-day intensive or in flexible formats across weekdays, weekends, or online to meet community needs. Our goal is to strengthen long-term community resilience by supporting clinicians to advance toward EMDR consultant roles.

TRNA’s training foundation began with Rotary-supported initiatives. Funding from the Rotary Club of Melbourne enabled early EMDR training for child therapists responding to family violence. In 2018, Rotary Melbourne sponsored specialist training for clinicians supporting refugee communities at Foundation House.

Following the 2019–2020 bushfires, Rotary Districts 9800 and 9820 awarded grants to train mental health workers in affected regions. Despite COVID lockdowns, more than 70 clinicians were trained across Bairnsdale, Wangaratta, and Bega with support from leading EMDR educators.

Our Past Projects

Program Growth (April 2024) — In April 2024, three of our team, Anna Antoine-Cooper, Dee Cooper, and Pam Brown, became EMDRAA Accredited Trainers. This has allowed us to deliver more targeted EMDR Training programs designed to meet diverse community needs.

Bright (June 2024) — TRNA trained 31 clinicians as part of the Rotary Bushfire Recovery Program, contributing to 97 clinicians trained across East Gippsland, Wangaratta, Bega, and Bright.

Launceston (November 2024) — Our first Tasmanian EMDR training brought practitioners together for five days of immersive, Beliefs-Focused EMDR learning.

Ballarat (July 2025) — Regional EMDR training strengthened clinical practice and supported the creation of the Central Victoria EMDR Peer Group.

Devonport (October 2025) — TRNA returned to Tasmania to deliver a full EMDR training program, providing 10 hours of group consultation and strengthened regional support.

Mittagong (November 2025) — Our end-of-year EMDR training in the Southern Highlands offered a restorative learning environment for clinicians deepening their EMDR skills.