Amid the growing uncertainty the coronavirus pandemic has introduced to the lives of millions, psychotherapy has become a key approach for maintaining the public’s mental wellness. The work of volunteer therapists from a Turkish association was recently included in the leading academic journal Springer for their exemplary research on online therapy. The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) method used by the Turkish EMDR Association Trauma Healing Group helps health care workers on the frontline in the fight against the outbreak, their families and civil servants overseeing the struggle.
EMDR is said to be a significant therapy approach as it works in no more than five sessions and proves effective as psychological support, especially after disasters or in other extraordinary times like the pandemic.
The group reaches out to everyone in close contact with patients and potential cases in a wide range of sectors from health care to law enforcement and crisis management.
Emre Konuk, director of the Turkish EMDR Association Trauma Healing Group, told Anadolu Agency (AA) on Monday that disasters inflict massive damage but that their program helps people gain experience in how to reduce suffering. The association, with its nearly 2,000 volunteer members, offers therapy for those fighting disasters and pandemics.
