Every Memory Deserves Respect (EMDR)

Starting November 2024, Action for Women will launch EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as part of the Pomegranate Project's mental health pillar. 

What is EMDR?
EMDR, created by Francine Shapiro in 1987, is a powerful therapeutic approach designed to ease the suffering associated with traumatic memories, particularly for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Groundbreaking research shows that EMDR can deliver the benefits of psychotherapy in just a few sessions, transforming lives.

Why are we offering EMDR?
Since we began our mission in Greece in January 2016, we have met thousands of survivors of conflict, violence, and persecution. Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing human rights crises of our time, with UNFPA reporting that nearly 736 million women—almost one in three—have faced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. This risk intensifies in displacement situations, where women often find themselves isolated and without resources. In Greece, refugee and asylum-seeking women face a grim landscape of GBV, including domestic violence, trafficking, sexual / labour exploitation.

The scars of GBV can be deep and debilitating, often leading to severe psychological challenges like PTSD. Survivors frequently grapple with shame, guilt, and societal rejection, making it difficult to seek help. When they do reach out, they often prefer female staff, emphasizing the need for trust and safety—elements that require time and consistent support.

Our Pomegranate Project exemplifies a holistic approach to empowerment and protection, run by an all-women team in a nurturing, trauma informed and survivor-centric environment. Through our mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) pillar, we proudly stand out as one of the few NGOs in Greece offering unlimited therapy sessions, understanding that each survivor's healing journey is uniquely their own.

Our licensed psychologist, Evangelia, has dedicated four years to working exclusively with GBV survivors. In the operational year 2023-2024, we provided an impressive 650 hours of individual therapy to 35 women from diverse backgrounds.

1. Navigating Life and Healing
   For many survivors, the challenge of living as an asylum seeker or recognized refugee in Greece often overshadows their need to process trauma. Everyday concerns—like finding work, securing education, and obtaining housing—can disrupt their therapeutic journeys.

   Unfortunately, mental health providers often focus on short-term crisis interventions that stabilize emotional states rather than offer the long-term psychological care necessary for true recovery. Survivors of severe trauma, including those who have experienced rape or torture, require ongoing support.

2. Greece at the Heart of the Global Refugee Crisis
   As of early 2023, Greece continues to be a critical entry point for refugees, with over 42% being mothers, women, and children. Many flee their homes due to forced marriages, armed conflict, child recruitment, female genital mutilation, extreme poverty, and the impact of climate change.

   Yet, as the crisis persists, interest from international media and donors has dwindled. Many large NGOs have scaled back or closed entirely, leaving smaller organizations like ours to shoulder an increasing burden. We are committed to evolving from grassroots efforts to stable, sustainable organizations that can navigate this prolonged crisis effectively.

Photo credits: https://voaak.org/what-is-emdr-therapy

With limited resources and a growing population of refugees at risk for PTSD, it’s imperative that we innovate our approaches to provide efficient, impactful interventions. EMDR allows for the processing of traumatic memories in just a few sessions, bypassing the lengthy exposure required by other therapies. This method helps survivors reclaim their lives by transforming painful memories into manageable experiences.

While EMDR is still gaining traction in Greece, we are determined to raise awareness of its effectiveness. Our goal is to inspire interest in our outcomes, foster research, and build a supportive network that enhances care for those who need it most.

You can be a part of this transformative journey. Help someone begin their healing today by supporting our work and consider becoming a monthly donor, or connect with us if you’re an EMDR practitioner.

Join us in making a difference!

Gabrielle Tay
Founder - Action for Women
Co-founder, Director - The Pomegranate Project