The Global Burden of Trauma through the Lens of EMDR Therapy

Abstract

The global burden of psychological trauma presents significant challenges on a myriad of different levels, including the individual, family, community, occupational, societal, and political levels. Whether it is a high-, middle-, or low-health economy, a persistent factor is when demand for resources significantly outstrips supply. Improving global access to empirically supported psychological treatment interventions presents significant logistical, operational, and political challenges. The reliance purely on highly qualified mental health workers to meet the multi-faceted needs of trauma beneficiaries is both unreasonable and, for the foreseeable future, not realistic. One potential consideration, supported by the World Health Organization, relates to "task shifting." With appropriate levels of triage, risk assessment, referral pathways, consultation support, and clinical supervision, essential skills can be moved to allied community workers and first responders. The chapter outlines the core dimensions of the global burden of trauma and concludes with ways in which the EMDR therapy community could respond to meet this issue. Challenges are outlined across multiple levels, from local to global, to inform practical solutions to support scalable and sustainable trauma care. Challenges will be outlined on many levels; nonetheless, despite being a problematic issue, solutions are required.