Future Projects

Eye Movement De-Sensitisation and Reprocessing-EMDR Training Project

We aim to train clinicians to work with moderate to severe PTSD, using a recognised treatment method known as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).  PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) is a massive problem in Gaza. Reliable estimates suggest that around 700,000 people in Gaza are suffering the moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD. Apart from its debilitating effects on the individuals who suffer from it (nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, depression – any one of which can lead eventually to psychosis), the impact on the families of the sufferers is just as serious. PTSD sufferers tend to develop unpredictable behaviour, which can lead to violent outbursts and mood swings. In turn, this can terrorise other members of the family, particularly children, and trigger them, too, into traumatic stress which can last all their lives.