Making Trauma Healing More Accessible: Understanding EMDR and the Butterfly Hug
In a world where traumatic experiences are sadly all too common—whether due to violence, illness, disaster, or loss—finding accessible and effective mental health support is more important than ever. One approach that continues to stand out for both its effectiveness and adaptability is EMDR therapy, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Recently, researchers Dr. Ignacio Jarero and Dr. Lucina Artigas compiled a bibliography of over 90 scientific studies that document the impact of EMDR protocols in a variety of global contexts. This blog post is designed to make that body of work more accessible for people both familiar and unfamiliar with EMDR. Whether you are a mental health professional, a trauma survivor, or simply someone curious about new therapeutic methods, this is for you.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that result from disturbing life experiences. At its core, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically in the form of eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues—to help the brain process and reframe traumatic memories.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on verbalizing the trauma and more on how the brain can process it in a safe and contained way. This has made it particularly effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related issues.
The Power of Protocols: Breaking Down the Research
The bibliography compiled by Dr. Jarero and Dr. Artigas includes clinical trials, field studies, and international applications of various EMDR protocols. Here’s a breakdown of the main approaches and how they are being used:
1. ASSYST: Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization
The ASSYST protocol is designed for early intervention, meaning it can be used soon after someone experiences trauma. It has been applied in diverse contexts, including:
Mental health support during COVID-19 lockdowns
Treatment for healthcare workers and first responders
Psychological care for refugees and victims of violence
Interventions for children and adults with non-recent trauma
One of the major strengths of ASSYST is that it can be provided remotely and in group settings, making it accessible even in emergencies or low-resource settings.
2. The Butterfly Hug: A Simple, Self-Administered Tool
The Butterfly Hug is a self-soothing technique that involves crossing the arms over the chest and gently tapping the shoulders—like giving oneself a hug. Developed as part of EMDR protocols, it’s easy to learn and can be used by children, adults, and even healthcare professionals.
Research shows that the Butterfly Hug helps reduce anxiety, increase self-acceptance, and provide emotional grounding. It has been used in:
Schools to help students manage academic stress
Hospitals to support nurses and doctors
Families coping with separation, illness, or grief
The simplicity of the Butterfly Hug makes it particularly powerful. People can use it anytime, anywhere, without needing a therapist present.
3. EMDR-PRECI: Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents
This protocol is specifically designed for those who have recently experienced traumatic events such as natural disasters, violence, or mass casualties. It provides a structured way to process the event quickly, potentially reducing the risk of developing long-term PTSD.
Studies have shown EMDR-PRECI to be effective with:
Survivors of massacres
First responders in crisis zones
Families of individuals with severe mental health needs
4. EMDR-IGTP: Integrative Group Treatment Protocol
When trauma affects large communities—such as war survivors, refugees, or those recovering from natural disasters—group-based treatment can be both efficient and therapeutic. EMDR-IGTP has been applied around the world, including:
Earthquake survivors in Italy and Turkey
Refugee children in Ethiopia and Spain
Adolescents and women recovering from abuse and exploitation
Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
In many cases, this group protocol has been led by trained paraprofessionals, which expands its reach and scalability, especially in under-resourced settings.
Why This Matters
These EMDR-based methods are backed by science, tested globally, and adaptable to different populations and situations. They can be used in-person or online, in individual or group formats, and by trained professionals or paraprofessionals. This flexibility is key to making trauma treatment available to more people—especially those who might not have access to traditional therapy.
A Path to Healing
The message behind all this research is clear: trauma recovery doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach. With tools like the Butterfly Hug and protocols such as ASSYST and EMDR-IGTP, individuals and communities around the world are finding effective ways to process their pain and regain control of their emotional lives.
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma—recent or past—these EMDR methods may offer a practical and evidence-based path toward healing.
For those interested in exploring the full list of studies and clinical trials, the complete bibliography is available on ResearchGate.