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Join the West Alabama TRN

The West Alabama TRN is a chapter of the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) that consists of licensed and insured EMDR therapists across the United States and now in Alabama who have agreed to provide EMDR treatment to Law Enforcement and First Responders following natural disasters free of charge.

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When a natural disaster occurs, first responders are typically the ones arriving to the scene before anyone else. This increases a first responders risk to developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Due to this reality, the West Al TRN exists to create a space for first responders to cope and heal through TRN therapists utilizing early EMDR interventions and offering up to three sessions at no cost.

 

These sessions are intended to aid in stabilization and healing from acute stress and trauma related symptoms that first responders may be experiencing after a natural disaster.

Benefits for Volunteers

Becoming a volunteer with the West Alabama TRN provides opportunity:

  • Volunteers receive training in the neurobiology of traumatic stress, methods for stabilization and effective post-disaster treatment, techniques for working collaboratively with disaster response teams, and Early EMDR Interventions (EEIs) that can be used within hours, days, or weeks of a traumatic event. 

  • Volunteers are provided training for suicide intervention that can be used within the TRN and in everyday life.

  • Life skills learned through the TRN can increase the effectiveness of therapy within your own practice.

  • The pride that comes from working with a cohesive team to help other Alabamians in times of crisis.

Requirements for Volunteers

To volunteer with the West Alabama TRN and provide 3 pro bono (no cost) community treatment, clinicians must meet the following criteria:

  1. Complete EMDRIA Approved Basic Training and 10 hours of Consultation

  2. Prior to on-site group work, therapist must attend:

    • G-TEP, ASSYST, or Flash Technique Training​

    • Building a Team: West Alabama TRN Ready and Prepared for Disaster

  3. Current Alabama therapy license

  4. Current malpractice insurance

  5. Willingness to use forms provided by West Alabama TRN and assist in the collection of research data

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Recommendations:

  1. R-TEP, ASSYST, or Flash Technique training

  2. Complete a minimum of 100 hours direct EMDR clinical work

Volunteer for a Clinical Role

Become a volunteer EMDR clinician capable of to working with Victims of Disasters in West Alabama:

  1. Visit www.emdrhap.org

  2. Select Volunteers, then select Create Volunteer Account

  3. Create a username and password

  4. Complete the application in entirety

  5. Upon completing application, select West Alabama TRN

  6. Complete the Volunteer Form

  7. Provide the following:

    • Proof of EMDR Approved Basic Training​

    • Completion of 10 Consultation hours

    • Current licensure

    • Current malpractice insurance coverage

    • Completed Volunteer Form from www.emdrhap.com

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Expect to receive an email from the West Alabama TRN Steering Committee verifying your approved membership.

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We look forward to working with you and thank you for your commitment to supporting those in crisis.

Volunteer for a Non-Clinical Role

  1. Complete the Volunteer Form at www.emdrhap.com

  2. Complete and sign permission for background check

  3. Provide EMDR HAP with $25 background check fee and submit all necessary forms

  4. Once Application for Background Check is submitted, alert West Alabama TRN by email at westalabamatrn@gmail.com

  5. Once background check results are obtained, again email westalabamatrn@gmail.com and provide the results for review

FAQs

  • Can I provide teletherapy?

    • Absolutely!

  • What intervention do I use?

    • EMD, Flash, RTEP, GTEP, ASSYST are all appropriate interventions.

  • What is considered West Alabama?

    • Lamar, Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Greene, Sumter, Choctaw, Hale, Marengo, Bibb, and Perry.

  • What if my client needs more than 3 sessions?

    • Should the client need further treatment, please encourage the client to seek treatment from a local therapist in their area.

  • I still have more questions...

    • Please contact us as we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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