Early EMDR Intervention (EEI): A Summary, a Theoretical Model, and the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP)

Abstract

This article examines existing early EMDR intervention (EEI) procedures, presents a conceptual model, and proposes a new comprehensive protocol: the Recent-Traumatic Episode protocol (R-TEP). A review of research and important professional issues regarding application and parameters are presented. The commonly used EEI protocols and procedures are summarized, with the inclusion of descriptive case examples from the Lebanon war and a review of related research. Then a theoretical model is presented in which traumatic information processing is conceptualized as expanding from a narrow focus on the sensory image (perceptual level) to a wider focus on the event/episode (experiential level) and finally to a broad focus on the theme/identity (meaning level). The relationship of this model to the Recent-Traumatic Episode protocol is articulated and case examples are presented. Theoretical speculations are discussed relating to attention regulation and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Further research is encouraged.