EMDR Treatment of Recent Events and Community Disasters

This special issue on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of recent events and community disasters gathers information on the application of EMDR in situations of extreme chaos, disaster, violence, and war.The authors provide a global perspective, writing from Israel, Palestine, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, the United States, Italy, and Mexico.They describe the effectiveness and utility of EMDR in treating severe distress subsequent to experiences of overwhelming terror, loss, and despair.This is a vital topic, suggesting the possibility of reducing exceptional emotional disturbance, helping restore function and stability to individuals and communities.The reports from these authors are encouraging and hopeful, stimulating thought and suggesting direction and guidance for future research.