Description

The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) is an evidence-informed, EMDR-based approach designed to support individuals following acute stress or critical incidents. Participants learn how acute stress impacts the brain and nervous system and how bilateral stimulation supports natural stress-processing mechanisms.

This workshop includes both the educational component and a guided ASAP session as part of the training experience. This course is educational and supportive in nature and does not replace therapy or clinical treatment.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion, participants should be able to:

• Recognize common acute stress reactions following overwhelming events.
• Understand how acute stress affects the brain and nervous system.
• Explain the role of bilateral stimulation in stress processing based on principles from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
• Identify the appropriate use and scope of ASAP.
• Demonstrate the step-by-step structure of an ASAP session.
• Use Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) check-ins to monitor wellbeing.
• Apply grounding and stabilization techniques.
• Increase confidence in responding to acute stress using a non-clinical protocol.