Trauma can affect individuals, families, organizations, and entire communities. Whether it results from a natural disaster, community violence, workplace incident, military experience, school crisis, or ongoing exposure to stressful circumstances, traumatic experiences can leave lasting emotional and physical effects.
Sometimes trauma happens to one person. Other times, an entire group of people experiences the same overwhelming event or lives through similar traumatic circumstances.
When trauma affects multiple people, accessing appropriate mental health support can be challenging. Traditional individual therapy remains an important treatment option, but specialized Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) group protocols offer additional ways to provide trauma-informed care.
Three important EMDR-based group approaches are:
- ASSYST-Group: Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization – Group.
- G-TEP: Group Traumatic Episode Protocol.
- IGTP-OTS: Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress.
Although these approaches share foundations in EMDR therapy, each has a different purpose and application. Understanding their differences can help individuals, clinicians, and organizations identify appropriate trauma treatment options.
What Is EMDR Group Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process distressing memories and experiences.
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that traumatic experiences can remain insufficiently processed and continue to influence emotional, cognitive, and physiological responses.
EMDR group therapy adapts specific EMDR principles and procedures for use in a structured group environment.
One important feature of many EMDR group protocols is that participants can work with their own distressing experiences without having to disclose the personal details of their trauma to the entire group.
This can help create opportunities for trauma-focused support while respecting individual privacy.
Group EMDR approaches may be considered following:
- Natural disasters and community emergencies.
- School and workplace traumatic incidents.
- Community violence.
- Military-related traumatic experiences.
- Refugee and displacement experiences.
- Repeated exposure to traumatic circumstances.
- Other overwhelming or life-changing events.
The choice of protocol depends on the type of trauma, the needs of participants, clinical assessment, and the provider's training.
1. ASSYST-Group: Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization
ASSYST-Group, also known as ASSYST-G, stands for Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization – Group.
Developed by Dr. Ignacio Jarero, ASSYST-G is an EMDR-based early intervention approach designed to address acute stress reactions following traumatic or overwhelming experiences.
After a traumatic event, individuals may experience significant emotional and physical distress. These reactions can include:
- Intrusive thoughts and memories.
- Anxiety and heightened alertness.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Emotional overwhelm.
- Irritability and fear.
- Physical tension and distress.
- Difficulty returning to normal activities.
ASSYST-G provides a structured group-based approach to addressing trauma-related distress and supporting stabilization.
Who May Benefit From ASSYST-Group?
ASSYST-G may be considered for groups affected by:
- Natural disasters, including floods, hurricanes, and fires.
- Community violence and critical incidents.
- School shootings and other school-related crises.
- Workplace accidents.
- Emergency response incidents.
- Refugee and displacement-related experiences.
- Other acute traumatic events.
What Makes ASSYST-Group Valuable?
One of its important applications is the ability to provide early trauma-focused support to multiple individuals following a shared or significant traumatic experience.
Rather than requiring every participant to receive an individual intervention, ASSYST-G provides a structured format for group delivery.
Potential advantages include:
- Timely access to trauma-focused intervention.
- Support for individuals experiencing acute stress.
- A structured approach to reducing distress.
- Greater accessibility for affected communities.
- Identification of individuals who may need additional treatment.
ASSYST-G is an early intervention approach, not a substitute for comprehensive PTSD treatment or ongoing individual therapy when clinically indicated.
2. G-TEP: Group Traumatic Episode Protocol
G-TEP stands for Group Traumatic Episode Protocol.
Developed by Dr. Elan Shapiro, G-TEP is a structured EMDR-based group intervention designed to help individuals process distress associated with traumatic or life-changing events.
A distinctive feature of G-TEP is its use of a structured worksheet that allows participants to work privately with their own traumatic experiences.
Participants do not have to share the details of their memories with other group members.
How Does G-TEP Work?
G-TEP adapts elements of the EMDR approach for group settings.
The intervention incorporates:
- Preparation and resource development.
- Structured individual reflection.
- Identification of distressing aspects of an event.
- Clinician-guided bilateral stimulation.
- Monitoring and closure.
Participants follow the structured process while working with their own experiences.
The clinician facilitates the intervention and monitors the group's emotional safety and individual responses.
Who May Benefit From G-TEP?
G-TEP may be appropriate for individuals affected by:
- A shared traumatic incident.
- Community violence.
- Natural disasters.
- Workplace or organizational trauma.
- Refugee-related traumatic experiences.
- Significant accidents.
- Other overwhelming life events.
Potential Benefits of G-TEP
Privacy: Participants can work with their own memories without having to disclose the details to the group.
Structured support: A defined protocol provides a framework for trauma processing.
Individualized experience: Each participant works with their own traumatic memories and responses.
Group connection: Participants can receive support alongside others with similar experiences.
Accessibility: Group delivery may allow more individuals to access structured trauma-focused support.
G-TEP can be a useful option when individuals have experienced a traumatic episode and need structured support in a group setting.
3. IGTP-OTS: Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress
IGTP-OTS stands for Integrative Group Treatment Protocol adapted for Ongoing Traumatic Stress.
The original Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (IGTP) was developed by Dr. Ignacio Jarero and Dr. Lucina Artigas. IGTP-OTS builds on this group treatment approach to address the needs of individuals experiencing prolonged, repeated, or ongoing traumatic stress.
This distinction is important.
Not all trauma results from one isolated incident. Some individuals experience repeated exposure to distressing circumstances over months or years.
Examples include:
- Ongoing community violence.
- Prolonged displacement.
- Refugee and humanitarian crises.
- Repeated exposure to traumatic events.
- Military-related ongoing stress.
- Chronic interpersonal violence.
- Communities affected by continuing instability.
What Makes IGTP-OTS Different?
While some trauma interventions focus on a particular traumatic incident, IGTP-OTS recognizes that ongoing trauma can involve multiple experiences and accumulated distress.
The approach is designed to address the complexity of prolonged traumatic stress within a structured group treatment framework.
It incorporates EMDR principles and group-based therapeutic activities while considering the cultural, social, and environmental circumstances affecting participants.
Who May Benefit From IGTP-OTS?
IGTP-OTS may be considered for individuals and communities experiencing:
- Repeated traumatic exposure.
- Ongoing community crises.
- Long-term displacement.
- Prolonged humanitarian emergencies.
- Continuing environmental or social threats.
- Other circumstances involving persistent traumatic stress.
Potential Benefits of IGTP-OTS
- Recognizes the cumulative effects of repeated trauma.
- Provides a structured group treatment approach.
- Supports individuals experiencing prolonged traumatic stress.
- Offers an alternative to approaches focused exclusively on one traumatic event.
- Can be adapted to different populations and cultural contexts by appropriately trained clinicians.
When traumatic circumstances are still occurring, physical safety, access to resources, and ongoing stabilization must remain priorities.
Understanding the Differences: ASSYST-Group vs. G-TEP vs. IGTP-OTS
Although all three approaches are connected to EMDR, they are designed for different clinical circumstances.
| EMDR Group Protocol | Primary Focus | General Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASSYST-Group | Acute stress stabilization | Early intervention following traumatic experiences |
| G-TEP | Traumatic episode processing | Individuals affected by a traumatic or life-changing event |
| IGTP-OTS | Ongoing traumatic stress | Repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences |
Which EMDR Group Protocol Is Appropriate?
The most appropriate intervention depends on the circumstances and clinical needs of the participants.
For example:
- A community affected by a recent disaster may benefit from consideration of ASSYST-Group.
- Employees affected by a significant workplace incident may be considered for G-TEP.
- A population experiencing prolonged displacement or repeated traumatic exposure may be considered for IGTP-OTS.
These are illustrative applications, not automatic treatment recommendations. Qualified clinicians must assess suitability and determine the appropriate intervention.
Why Choose EMDR Group Treatment?
Trauma can create feelings of isolation, fear, disconnection, and helplessness.
Group-based EMDR approaches offer additional opportunities for individuals to receive structured trauma-informed support.
1. Greater Access to Trauma Support
When multiple individuals experience a crisis, group interventions can help organizations provide timely support to affected populations.
2. Privacy and Personal Boundaries
Certain EMDR group protocols allow individuals to work with their memories without sharing the details of their traumatic experiences with others.
3. Reduced Feelings of Isolation
Participating in a supportive group environment may help individuals recognize that they are not alone in their emotional responses.
4. Structured Therapeutic Support
These protocols provide trained clinicians with organized approaches for addressing traumatic stress in group settings.
5. Support for Communities and Organizations
Group EMDR approaches may be considered by schools, hospitals, community organizations, emergency response teams, and other groups affected by traumatic experiences.
Is EMDR Group Therapy Appropriate for Everyone?
No. Although group-based EMDR interventions can provide valuable support, they are not appropriate for every individual or every situation.
Before participation, clinicians should consider:
- Current emotional and physical safety.
- Individual trauma history and symptoms.
- Ability to participate in a group setting.
- Current risk and stabilization needs.
- Cultural and language considerations.
- Confidentiality and informed consent.
- Availability of individual follow-up care.
Some individuals may require individual EMDR therapy, additional stabilization, psychiatric support, or other specialized treatment.
Group therapy should never be used to pressure individuals into discussing experiences they are not ready to share.
The Importance of Qualified EMDR Clinicians
ASSYST-Group, G-TEP, and IGTP-OTS are specialized protocols that require appropriate training.
Clinicians must understand the intervention they are delivering, its intended population, procedures, contraindications, and safety considerations.
Effective group trauma treatment involves:
- Careful screening.
- Informed consent.
- Appropriate group preparation.
- Clinical monitoring.
- Respect for confidentiality.
- Appropriate closure.
- Follow-up and referrals when necessary.
The goal is to create a safe, supportive, and professionally guided environment that respects the unique experiences of each participant.
Healing Together: A Different Approach to Trauma Recovery
Trauma affects people in different ways. Some individuals struggle following one overwhelming event, while others experience the cumulative effects of repeated or ongoing traumatic circumstances.
Having different EMDR group treatment options allows clinicians to consider interventions that better reflect these differences.
ASSYST-Group, G-TEP, and IGTP-OTS each provide distinct approaches to addressing traumatic stress:
- ASSYST-Group focuses on acute stress stabilization.
- G-TEP focuses on distress associated with traumatic episodes.
- IGTP-OTS addresses ongoing and prolonged traumatic stress.
While no single treatment works for everyone, these specialized approaches expand the possibilities for providing trauma-informed support to individuals and communities.
Healing does not have to happen alone. With appropriate clinical care, compassionate support, and evidence-informed treatment, individuals and communities can take meaningful steps toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Group Therapy
What is ASSYST-Group therapy?
ASSYST-Group is an EMDR-based early intervention approach designed to help groups experiencing acute stress reactions following traumatic or overwhelming events.
What does G-TEP stand for?
G-TEP stands for Group Traumatic Episode Protocol. It is a structured EMDR-based group intervention developed by Dr. Elan Shapiro.
What does IGTP-OTS stand for?
IGTP-OTS stands for Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress. It is designed for individuals and populations experiencing prolonged or repeated traumatic stress.
Can participants discuss their trauma in front of the group?
Certain EMDR group protocols are designed so participants can work privately with their own experiences without having to disclose the details of their traumatic memories to the group.
Can EMDR group therapy help with PTSD?
Group-based EMDR protocols have been studied for trauma-related symptoms, including PTSD. However, the research evidence varies by protocol and population. Individual assessment is important to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Are ASSYST-Group, G-TEP, and IGTP-OTS the same treatment?
No. They are different protocols with different purposes. ASSYST-Group focuses on acute stress stabilization, G-TEP addresses traumatic episodes, and IGTP-OTS addresses ongoing traumatic stress.
Who can provide these EMDR group interventions?
Appropriately trained and qualified mental health professionals who have received training in the specific protocol should deliver these interventions.
Take the Next Step Toward Trauma Recovery
If you or your organization has been affected by a traumatic event, exploring appropriate trauma-focused treatment options may be an important step toward recovery.
Whether the need involves acute stress, a traumatic episode, or ongoing traumatic experiences, EMDR-based group approaches offer additional ways to provide structured, compassionate support.
Contact our practice to learn more about EMDR group treatment options, professional services, and available support.
Together, we can create opportunities for healing, resilience, and recovery.