AIP-based Professional Intervention Program for Adversity for trauma and stress reduction in groups: a pilot study in Ethiopia.

Introduction: Drawing from the principles of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and the AIP model, the Professional Intervention Program for Adversity (PIPA) was developed with the objective of amalgamating low-intensity group exercises into a unified framework, as a comprehensive intervention for group therapy. The PIPA Program integrates various aspects of EMDR therapy-such as stabilization, resourcing, desensitization, reprocessing, and forming beliefs about the self and future-into a cohesive program. The program's structure includes self-regulation exercises, the Pillars of Life, the Flash Technique, and the Quadrants exercise. Methods: The PIPA Program was administered to more than 220 individuals with a high probability of traumatization by the two-year civil war in Ethiopia (2020-2022). Results: The results of this study show a statistically significant improvement in PTSD symptoms on PCL-5 scores (from M = 38.58 to M = 20.59) after completing the entire PIPA Program and statistically significant lower SUDS scores within the program segments of the Flash Technique and the Quadrants exercises. Discussion: Future studies should explore the long-term effects of the PIPA Program and its broader application across different therapeutic contexts. The findings suggest that the PIPA Program is a promising group-based intervention for trauma treatment that is safe and effective, especially in non-clinical settings and for culturally diverse populations.

O uso do EMDR na terapia de casais / The use of EMDR in families and couples therapy

O presente trabalho pretende mostrar a validade do EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – Dessensibilização e Reprocessamento por meio de movimentos oculares) como um instrumento útil em terapias de casais e famílias, quando experiências traumáticas do passado estão dificultando o relacionamento entre seus membros. Ressaltam como essa abordagem tem-se mostrado eficaz no tratamento dos Transtornos de Estresse Pós-Traumáticos (TEPT) e em todas as disfunções dele decorrentes. Discutem o conceito de trauma e a forma como, junto com as vivências traumáticas, se mantêm inalteradas as memórias e as emoções a ela associadas, bem como as crenças negativas construídas a partir delas. As autoras relatam dois casos clínicos e ilustram como esse recurso pode ser utilizado. Finalmente, consideram a importância da integração de diferentes teorias e técnicas por parte dos terapeutas contemporâneos para um atendimento mais eficaz de seus pacientes.

The present paper intends to show the validity of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a useful tool in therapies of couples and families, when traumatic experiences from the past are making difficult the relationship between its members. It stands out how this approach has revealed efficient in the treatment of Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated disfunctions. It talks over the concept of trauma and the way how, with traumatic experiences, the memories and the emotions connected to them, as well as the negative beliefs created from them remain unchanged. The authors report two clinical vignettes and illustrate how this resource can be used. Finally, they take into account the importance of integrate different theories and approaches by contemporary therapists for a more efficient assistance of their patients.