Humanitarian Assistance Program

(HAP)- EMDR Pakistan Association

The EMDR Pakistan Association is proud to launch its Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), a national initiative to provide trauma-informed psychological support to individuals and communities affected by crises, disasters, and conflict across Pakistan. Rooted in the principles of evidence-based EMDR therapy, this program focuses on building capacity, ensuring access, and promoting long-term psychological resilience.

Objectives of the Program

Support Trauma-Affected Populations:

Deliver free, culturally adapted trauma support services, including screening and stabilization, to communities impacted by adversity.

Capacity Building of EMDR Practitioners:

Train EMDR therapists across Pakistan in group protocols such as ASSYST-Group and EMDR-IGTP-OTS, enabling them to offer immediate stabilization and psychosocial support in emergency contexts.

Establish Referral Pathways:

Create structured referral systems for individuals requiring one-on-one EMDR therapy, ensuring continuity of care and ethical treatment standards.

Volunteer Mobilization & Registry:

Maintain an updated national registry of trained EMDR volunteer therapists, strategically linked to provincial focal persons for coordinated regional response.

Collaborations & Partnerships:

Build strategic alliances with national organizations, including disaster management authorities, mental health institutions, and NGOs, to expand outreach and integrate trauma care into existing services.

Monitoring & Feedback:

Implement standardized assessment protocols (including IES-R and DASS21) to record outcomes, monitor effectiveness, and share reports with national and international stakeholders.

Implementation Approach

The Humanitarian Assistance Program will be implemented through a phased strategy to ensure preparedness, professional training, and sustainable delivery of trauma services across Pakistan.

1. Preparation Phase:

  • A national volunteer registration process is underway, with EMDR-trained practitioners signing up to participate.
  • Volunteers will be connected with provincial focal persons to coordinate regional efforts.
  • Development of essential program materials including a concept paper, research synopsis, and standardized assessment tools will ensure consistent data collection and evaluation.

2. Training by National Trainers:

  • Regional trainings will be conducted by EMDR Pakistan’s Master Trainer, Dr. Khadija, and her team.
  • These sessions will focus on equipping practitioners with skills to deliver group-based stabilization protocols effectively online.

3. Training by International Experts:

  • International EMDR trainers Dr. Nacho and Nicolle, will lead online training sessions on protocols such as ASSYST-Group and EMDR-IGTP-OTS.
  • The training will include video-based learning, live interactive discussions, guided group practice, and peer-to-peer exercises.
  • A follow-up session will be held to address clinical questions and offer ongoing support.

4. Intervention Delivery & Referrals:

  • Trained volunteers will begin offering services in their respective regions, delivering group-based support online
  • Individuals requiring further care will be referred to qualified EMDR volunteer therapists for one-on-one intervention.

5. Monitoring, Reporting & Feedback:

  • Data from each phase will be collected using validated tools and compiled into comprehensive reports to inform ongoing strategy and engage stakeholders.

Our Vision

Through HAP, EMDR Pakistan envisions a trauma-informed, resilient society where mental health support is readily accessible in times of crisis. We are committed to empowering local professionals and working collaboratively to expand healing across communities in need. We warmly invite local and international stakeholders to partner with us in advancing this mission of healing, hope, and humanitarian service.

Dr Sawera Mansoor
President EMDR Pakistan