HAP Movement Worldwide

Origins of the the HAP Movement

EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP) began in 1995 as a response to the Oklahoma City bombingin the United States. An FBI agent who had previously received EMDR therapy called requesting help, stating that the local mental health professionals were overwhelmed by the task. After a needs assessment, approximately 100 volunteer clinicians trained in EMDR therapy were rotated in to provide pro bono treatment for the bombing victims and front-line responders. A program evaluation indicated that over 80% achieved beneficial treatment effects within three sessions, in agreement with the results of a randomized study published the same year (Wilson, Becker & Tinker, 1995).

Subsequently, free trainings in EMDR therapy were offered and provided to 290 clinicians in collaboration with local agencies. The feedback was so positive that a 501 (c) 3 organization was soon established.

EMDR HAP is the web site for Trauma Recovery – the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs.

HAP in Europe

EMDR Europe HAP is a network organisation responsible for the promotion and development of EMDR, as an evidence based, empirically supported psychotherapy, in assisting communities affected by the consequences of psychological trauma.

In Europe, HAP Europe has found that the best way of providing EMDR training and support is to have long-term relationships with a sponsoring body in the partner country.

Various countries in Europe have their own HAP organisations for example, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Holland and the UK.

This has resulted in projects in for example: China, Indonesia, Ukraine, India, Palestine, Pakistan, South America and Cuba and led to EMDR becoming increasingly well known across several continents.

Trauma Aid UK (formerly HAP UK & Ireland)

As an independent organisation, Trauma Aid UK began its first overseas project in Bosnia- Hercegovina.

In Association with EMDR HAP and EMDR Europe, a number of British representatives have worked with international colleagues on projects in India, Palestine and Jordan.

EMDR Asia was launched at their first conference which was held in July 2010 in Bali. EMDR Asia is the culmination of HAP projects in India, Pakistan, Indonesia and China. The next major goal for HAP will be to establish EMDR Africa by 2015.

Trauma Aid UK are keen to expand our training programme to include not only overseas work but also to work nationally. Our growth requires resources in terms of money and time and for this we need the support of our members.