EMDR Recent Event Protocol

Green leafy plant with elongated leaves on a thin stem against a light background.

R-TEP: Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol

Have you recently experienced a scary, shocking or difficult event, that you just can’t shake in the last month to 6 months? You may notice that you area:

  • Frequently thinking about the event

  • Experiencing recurring nightmares related to the event

  • Avoid anything that reminds you of the recent event

  • Seen changes in your mood and concentration since the event

  • No longer feel happiness or joy

If this is you, you might have the early signs of acute stress disorder depending on your symptoms and how long since the distressing event. Seeking early intervention can help treat current symptoms and prevent symptoms from developing into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A specific EMDR protocol called the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) was developed specifically to treat these symptoms soon after a scary event has occured.

Schedule a Free Consultation

  • The beauty of R-TEP and all forms of EMDR is that it is effective over teletherapy and therefore you can do it from the comfort of your home. No more long commutes, or trying to find a therapist nearby, just therapy where you are already comfortable. I am licensed to provide therapy for clients across Vermont and Pennslyvania whether you are in Woodstock or Villanova.

  • R-TEP is a version of EMDR therapy purposely created to treat people who have have experienced a recent traumatic event and are able to seek treatment soon after the trauma has occurred. Our brain stores traumatic material differently depending on when an event has occurred, and therefore the phases 3-8 of EMDR with R-TEP differ to accurately address traumatic memories and associated symptoms while the memory is a more malleable state.

  • Trauma can impact many different areas of our life. We might experience changes in our mood, what we think about ourselves and the world, our sleep might suffer, and we might event begin to avoid certain places, situations or people that remind us of the scary event. If you feel different after a trauma, please know that this is normal, and I can help. To learn more about how our body reacts to danger check out this post.