EMDR therapy and treatment of child victims of violence in peace and war
The paper deals with the analysis of experiences in the application of EMDR therapy in working with children who were victims of trauma and violence in war and peace. The effectiveness of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) lies in the effect of bilateral stimulation on brain neurophysiological mechanisms of traumatized children. EMDR treatments, as well as CBT therapy, have shown success in working with children with PTSD based on several criteria. However, analyzes show that positive effects are achieved with the application of EMDR in a shorter time, and the results are more permanent and stable. Based on the results published in numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, in 2013 the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended EMDR therapy for the treatment of PTSD in children, adolescents and adults. Exposure to war stress in all wars, in all areas, leaves severe consequences, especially for children. The increase in traumatic events in recent years creates a great need for preventive action and the application of EMDR to eliminate the consequences of children's exposure to trauma in war and peacetime conditions. The national EMDR associations of Russia and Serbia are increasingly focusing their activities on working with children who are victims of violence in war and peace. The mentioned advantages and facts were one of the reasons for the organized inclusion of EMDR therapy in work with trauma victims of mass murders that happened in May 2023 in Serbia. The treatment is very responsible and complex, but it shows significant effects. The evaluation is ongoing and will provide valuable experience in this area.
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(1) This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Contract No. 451-03-66/2024-03).
(2) Prepared as a part of the project „Popularization of science and scientific publications in the sphere of psychology and social policy“, conducted at the University of Niš – Faculty of Philosophy (No. 336/1-6-01).
(3) Prepared within the framework of the project "Psychosocial support aimed at the prevention of PTSD" in the realization of EMDR Serbia, which is supported by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the organization Reconstruction Women's Fund.