Authors
Sabrina Mahmood^1,2Hanna Egli³, Zsuzsa Kalo^2
1Doctoral School of Psychology
²Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
³Trauma-Aid Hap, Switzerland

Background and aims
For war survivors, traumatic stress is a risk factor for developing PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. EMDR-IGTP has been adapted for early intervention globally [1] and used effectively with refugees [2]. However, there is a dearth of a qualitative study to explore the experiences of EMDR-IGTP with war survivors. Therefore, we aimed to explore African and Ukraine participants’ experiences of EMDR-IGTP in reducing trauma symptoms and emotional disturbance levels.

Methods
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyze data from 12 individual semi-structured interviews with participants (Seven Ukrainian mothers and five international students of Ukraine) who received three times EMDR-IGTP for their trauma symptoms in Hungary as a humanitarian service.

Results
Three main themes emerged: 1. Positive self-changes 2. Positive feedback-Tools of EMDR-IGTP. 3. Trauma symptoms reduction. Subthemes are perceptions of self, sense of security, and plan, stabilization exercises, drawing images, butterfly hugs, proper sleep, nightmares reduction, and out of fear of death, which are presented in figure 1.

Conclusions
EMDR-IGTP can be experienced as a significant change, embedding a novel psychosocial program led to participants’ reduced distress, identification of personal strengths, and increased hope for the future. This study adds to the existing research that uses the EMDR-IGTP with positive results.

Abstract topic
Using the EMDR-IGTP with Ukraine War Survivors

3 Learning objectives
1. Some implications for practice and future research
2. A novel qualitative study of the effectiveness of EMDR-IGTP
3. Understanding the need for mental health support for refugees.