European journal of psychotraumatologyNov 14, 2025

How well group EMDR therapy works for forced migrants

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Updated Apr 3, 2026

Abstract

diagnoses decreased from 60.9% to 15.2% among 71 adult forced migrants receiving a modified Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP).

Significant reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms were observed, with large effect sizes across most measures.
The dropout rate was low at 15%, and session attendance was high at 80%, indicating strong acceptability of the intervention.
The study assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of a modified GTEP protocol tailored for migrant populations.
Findings support the potential use of group interventions for forcibly displaced individuals.

Simplified

The global rise in forced migration has led to increased mental health challenges among displaced populations, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and (CPTSD). (EMDR) therapy, and its group-based adaptation - the Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (GTEP) - has shown promise in addressing trauma in such contexts.This retrospective pilot study evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a modified GTEP protocol tailored for migrant populations at a regional psychotrauma centre in Europe.Participants ( = 71) were adult forced migrants (asylum seekers, refugees or undocumented migrants) diagnosed with PTSD. The intervention included psychoeducation, stabilization, and the usual eight EMDR phases, delivered in a group format. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using validated self-report measures: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), WHOQOL-BREF.Significant reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms were observed, with large effect sizes across most measures. Notably, CPTSD diagnoses decreased from 60.9% to 15.2%. The dropout rate was low (15%), and session attendance was high (80%), indicating strong acceptability. These findings suggest that the adapted GTEP protocol is both effective and feasible for use with migrant populations, including those with complex PTSD.Despite limitations such as the absence of a control group and missing data, this study provides evidence supporting the use of group EMDR interventions in real-world clinical settings for forcibly displaced individuals. Future research should include randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up to further validate these findings. Background: Objective: Methods: Results: Conclusions: N

Key numbers

60.9% to 15.2%

Decrease in Diagnosis

Percentage of participants diagnosed with before and after the intervention.

12 points

PCL-5 Score Reduction

Average decrease in PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 scores post-intervention.

15%

Low Dropout Rate

Percentage of participants who dropped out of the therapy sessions.

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How well group EMDR therapy works for forced migrants

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