Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol
Increase resilience and heal trauma with an EMDR protocol designed by first responders, for first responders
Rationale For Using ASAP With First Responders
As a first responder, repeated exposure to traumatic events is a part of the job and can significantly increase your risk of a posttraumatic stress injury and other mental health conditions. The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) offers an effective and culturally competent way to lessen the long term impact of trauma. Two recent studies have demonstrated that the ASAP reduces PTSD symptoms by 44%. Trauma can be processed immediately following the event, or decades after the event.
A Closer Look at the Protocol
The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) was created by a former law enforcement officer turned EMDR therapist to support first responders following critical incidents. ASAP is an EMDR based technique that allows responders to tap into the brain's own reprocessing system to digest and make sense of traumatic material without discussing the details of the event, or events. Because this is done silently, ASAP can be conducted individually or in a group setting without concern of re-traumatizing those around you. Healing happens quickly, allowing responders to return to home, work and relationships feeling more like themselves.
Individual and Group Options
The ASAP can be helpful for individuals struggling with an acute stress reaction following a critical incident, burnout, anxiety, posttraumatic stress injury, and more. This is possible both in person and via telehealth.
For groups, the ASAP can be conducted following a critical incident as part of a debrief, or offered on a monthly "drop-in" basis as part of a department's wellness program.