Trauma & Grief Institute
© 2024 by Trauma & Grief Institute.
Deeper Group Processing
At TGI, we provide the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) as part of our trauma recovery services. Developed by Dr. Ignacio Jarero and Lucina Artigas, this evidence-based protocol is designed for individuals and groups facing prolonged or repeated trauma. While the ASSYST procedure offers immediate psychological first aid, EMDR-IGTP-OTS is a deeper intervention tailored to address ongoing traumatic stress and cumulative trauma.
What You Can Expect
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Group Setting: Participants engage in trauma processing alongside others but focus individually on their own experiences.
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Guided Techniques: Facilitators use methods like drawing, the Butterfly Hug for bilateral stimulation, and structured reprocessing to support healing.
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Deeper Healing: Designed for cumulative trauma, EMDR-IGTP-OTS helps address interconnected memories, reducing distress and building resilience.
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Non-Verbal Format: Personal sharing is not required, ensuring emotional safety for participants.
What can this approach be helpful with?
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Chronic Exposure to Trauma: Refugees, displaced populations, and those affected by long-term political or social instability.
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Ongoing Violence: Survivors of domestic violence, interpersonal violence, or unsafe environments.
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Cumulative Stress: Frontline workers, caregivers, and emergency responders facing repeated exposure to distressing events.
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Mass Disasters: Communities recovering from earthquakes, floods, fires, or other large-scale crises.
Natural Disasters
Communities and individuals impacted by events like fires, floods, or earthquakes.
Vicarious Trauma
Professionals or caregivers exposed to others' trauma, such as healthcare workers or therapists.
Direct Trauma
Those who have experienced a recent traumatic event.
Burnout
Those experiencing emotional exhaustion from prolonged stress or caregiving roles.
Workplace Incidents
Employees and teams affected by layoffs, accidents, or crises.
Schools
Students, teachers, and administrators dealing with emergencies, bullying, or community tragedies.
Frontline Workers
Emergency responders, healthcare providers, and other professionals in high-stress environments.
Survivors of Violence
Individuals navigating the aftermath of interpersonal violence or abuse.
Refugees and Displaced Populations
Those coping with the stress of forced migration or resettlement.
Legal or Advocacy Groups
Clients facing stressful legal proceedings, such as court testimonies or custody disputes.
Community Groups
Neighbourhoods or organizations recovering from violence, accidents, or adverse events.
Psychological First Aid
At TGI, our Critical Event Response services are designed to provide immediate and compassionate support for individuals and groups facing the aftermath of traumatic events. A cornerstone of this service is the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization (ASSYST) procedure, developed by Dr. Jarero. This evidence-based approach helps reduce symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offering timely relief and emotional stabilization.
ASSYST has been successfully used to address:
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Trauma from violence, abuse, or natural disasters.
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Anxiety and distress related to life transitions or difficult conversations.
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Vicarious trauma for frontline workers and first responders.
Our Critical Event Response services are more than interventions—they’re a pathway to resilience, helping individuals and communities recover and rebuild.
Let us help you navigate the most challenging moments with expertise and care. Contact us to learn more about how our Critical Event Response services can support your needs.
At TGI, we are committed to providing trauma-informed care that meets the unique needs of individuals and communities. Whether you need immediate support through ASSYST or deeper healing with EMDR-IGTP-OTS, we are here to guide you on your path to recovery.
Contact us today to learn how these services can support you or your organization.
What You Can Expect
The ASSYST procedure offers a structured and supportive approach to help individuals and groups manage the effects of trauma. It is based on EMDR principles but is not EMDR therapy or traditional talk therapy. During an ASSYST session, participants will:
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Follow guided self-tapping techniques, designed to calm the nervous system and reduce emotional and physical distress.
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Participate with cameras on (for online sessions) to ensure connection and support from the facilitator.
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Experience a process that is non-intrusive and does not require sharing personal details or discussing traumatic events.
This approach is designed to provide immediate relief by addressing the body's stress response and helping participants regain a sense of stability and control. Whether in-person or online, ASSYST sessions create a safe space for recovery.
How Critical Event Response Services Help
Our services aim to fill the gap between immediate physical first aid and deep psychotherapy. The ASSYST procedure is ideal for:
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Individuals struggling with panic, freeze responses, or overwhelming emotions after a traumatic experience.
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Groups in workplace or community settings needing emotional processing and stabilization after a crisis.
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Preparation for further therapeutic work, such as EMDR, by helping clients expand their emotional resilience.
With ASSYST, we can reduce distress quickly, making symptoms more manageable and preventing long-term complications like PTSD.
