The Group Traumatic Episode Protocol

(G-TEP)
for Early EMDR Intervention (EEI)

Elan Shapiro
December 2013

G-TEP
Field Manual
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 1
 G-TEP
1- MATERIALS & WORKSHEET

2- INTRODUCTION, PROCEDURES
& OVERVIEW
3- INSTRUCTIONS
Spoken instructions from slide 16 in Field
Manual marked with a

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 2

 KEY to ABBREVIATIONS

— G-TEP = Group Traumatic Episode Protocol

— R-TEP = Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol
— EEI = Early EMDR Intervention
— PoD = Point of Disturbance
— BLS = Bi-Lateral Stimulation
— PC = Positive Cognition
— SUD = Subjective Unit of Disturbance
— EMD = Eye Movement & Desensitization

E Shapiro 2012 ©
 G-TEP

1- MATERIALS & WORKSHEET

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 4

 G-TEP
Printed materials
(Basic G-TEP Field Manual File)
For the Group Leader: print slides 1 to 52 for Instructions and
figures (can be printed 2 to a page from the Field Manual file)

For each Participant: print a “G-TEP Worksheet“ (Slide 6)

preferably on a large paper (SR 32X45cm), for drawings &/or
writing (simple graphic sketches and/or a few words or
sentences to express and record the process). Coloured
pencils & pens. A silicon rubber wristband or a sticker

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 5

Elan Shapiro 2013 © G-TEP WORKSHEET Name
Step 3 PAST RESOURCE CONNECTION Step 4 DESIRED FUTURE
Step 7 PoD 3 …………...…[0.……..10]
*It happened & it’s over. * I survived…………………..
Name........................................ *I’m safe (enough) now, here ………………………….
*I can cope *I have strengths …………………………
*I can (learn to) choose how to respond. ……………..
*I did what I could……………………………………….
*Other………………………………………………………

Set 3 [0…….10] ; Set 6 [0…….10]

Step 8______________________________
Step 6 PoD 2 …………....…[0.…….10] EPISODE SUD…………………… [0…...10]
EPISODE PC………………………………...

Step 2 PAST ONSET EVENT Step 1 PRESENT SAFETY

before [0…...10] after [0…...10]

Heading…………………………… SAFE PLACE: Name…………………………….

Set 3 [0…….10] ; Set 6 [0……..10]

Step 5 PoD 1.…….….…..…[0……..10]

DATE THEN……………………... Set 3 [0…….10] ; Set 6 [0…….10] DATE TODAY…………………….

T R A U M A T I C E P I S O D E 6
 G-TEP

2- INTRODUCTION, PROCEDURES
& OVERVIEW

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 7

 G-TEP notes
v This protocol is a simplified adaptation of the R-TEP for use
with groups of adults, older children & adolescents who have
shared recent traumatic experiences or life-changing events
with on-going consequences that are not necessarily recent.
v The main goal here is to utilise a group framework to
efficiently & effectively process a shared Trauma Episode
to reduce traumatic stress, promote adaptive processing,
strengthen resilience and prevent post trauma complications.
v The setup is designed to provide a self explanatory package
for group leaders to use with a single worksheet arranged
spatially so as to communicate powerfully that the event is
in the past; that he/she is safe now in the present & that
there is hope for the future

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 8

 Overview of G-TEP
10 Step Procedural SEQUENCE
4
. 3 PAST
RESOURCE DESIRED
FUTURE

3 ---------------------Trauma-Episode---------------------- 4
2 PAST P5 P6 P7 1
T-EVENT Pod 1 Pod 2 Pod 3 PRESENT
SAFE PLACE

DATE DATE
THEN TODAY

2 5 6 7 1 preparation & screening

8 Episode SUD + Install Episode PC

9 Closure & Screening

10 Follow-up
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 9
 KEY to Overview of G-TEP
10 Step Procedural SEQUENCE
PART 1 PREPARATION & SCREENING:
1. 4 Elements & Safe Place Drawing/Words (share with group)

PART 2 TRAUMA EPISODE PROCESSING

2. Onset of Trauma Episode headline + DATE THEN
3. Past Resource Connection Drawing &/or Words (share)
4. Select Positive Cognition (PC) + Desired Future Drawing &/or Words
(share)
5. Scan Episode to Identify Points of Disturbance (PoDs):
PoD1 Drawing &/or Words -Desensitize with EMD strategy
6. PoD2 Drawing &/or Words -Desensitize with EMD strategy
7. PoD3 Drawing &/or Words -Desensitize with EMD strategy
8. Check Episode SUD; Installation of Episode Positive Cognition (PC)
(share)
9. Closure & Screening
10. Follow-up
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 10
 G-TEP notes
v The G-TEP could be completed in a single session of about
1-2 hours.
v However, it is recommended to divide it into 2 sessions by
doing the preparation phase (Step1) first separately, to
enable screening for those who are not ready yet to
continue to the trauma processing stage & require more
preparation or individual attention.
v Both parts can be done on the same day, or on
successive days.
v NOTE: it is recommended that the group leader should
have additional support staff when possible, to aid with
logistics & monitor for those who need assistance. The
number depending on the size & nature of the group &
circumstances.
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 11
 G-TEP

3- INSTRUCTIONS

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 12

G-TEP

PART 1

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 13

 G-TEP Notes Step 4 DESIRED FUTURE
*It happened & it’s over. * I survived…………………..
*I’m safe (enough) now, here ………………………….
*I can cope *I have strengths …………………………
vPresent the worksheet folded in 3 to width *I can (learn to) choose how to respond. ……………..
*I did what I could……………………………………….
with only Step 1 & Step 4 face up *Other………………………………………………………

to reduce visual overload

v We use Step 1 for the Present Safety preparation

Step 8___________________________
EPISODE SUD…………………….. [0….10]
EPISODE PC………………………Set 1/2/3

Step 1 PRESENT SAFETY

before [0…...10] after [0…...10]

SAFE PLACE: Name……………………………

________________________
DATE TODAY…………………….

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 14

 G-TEP notes
v {1}Extended Preparation: begins with teaching the
4 Elements Exercises
v The first 3 Elements are designed for de-arousal & stabilisation:
EARTH (a grounding exercise); AIR (a breathing exercise);
WATER (for focus & control).
v The 4th Element FIRE (or LIGHT) Fires or lights the
imagination (Resource imagery) and is to draw or write an
image of something that helps them to feel safer or calmer in
the PRESENT (Step 1 on the worksheet)
v The response to this preparation phase is diagnostic for
screening those who are not yet ready for the G-TEP
processing and need further individual attention

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 15

 POWER of IMAGINATION
Safe Place / Resource
FIRE/ LIGHT
Connection

WATER CALM, FOCUSED,

In CONTROL

AIR CENTERED
BALANCED

EARTH
GROUNDING
SAFETY in the
PRESENT

4 Elements for Stress Reduction:

Earth, Air, Water, Fire (Light)
Elan Shapiro

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 16

 EXPLANATION

v “You have all had some difficult experiences recently which

may have affected you in different ways. There may be things
that you would like to change that can’t be changed & other
things that maybe you could change but feel that you can’t.”

v “The work that we will do here may help you to know better the
difference –to find the peace to accept what can’t be changed
and to find the strength to change what can be changed.”

v “We are first going to teach you how you can keep yourself
calmer & more in control with this wristband (sticker) and the 4
Elements exercise”
E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 17
 4 Elements Exercises for Stress Reduction
(Earth -Air -Water –Fire). [Link], 2007
Extended preparation INSTRUCTIONS
(These instructions are guidelines, feel free to expand or add)
Hand out rubber wristbands (or stickers) & say:
v “Look at your wristband (sticker) and then notice how much stress/
anxiety or tension you feel right now on a scale of zero (Lo) to 10 (Hi) &
write it on Step 1 where it says “before [0….10]”………...[SHOW ]

v • 1-EARTH: GROUNDING [Attention is directed outwards via the senses to

safety in the present]
“Starting with your feet we begin with the 1st Element EARTH - place both
feet on the ground, feel the floor/ground……...& the chair supporting
you…….. take a minute to “land”, to take “time out”, to be here,
now…………… Look around & notice 3 things you didn’t notice
before………..what 3 things do you see?..........................................Now
notice what do you hear……………....…what else?……….…………………you are
here now……...and you are safe here now”
(repeat any of the instructions as you feel necessary)
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 18
 4 Elements Exercises for Stress Reduction
(Earth -Air -Water -Fire)
v • 2-AIR: Breathing & centered [Attention directed inwards to center -you
can do any breathing exercise here.].
“Now going up your body for the 2nd Element AIR : “notice your
breathing……………………………now breathe in through your nose letting the air
go all the way to your stomach as you count 4 seconds( 1..2..3..4 ) then
gently hold for 2 seconds ( 1..2 ) & then breathe out for 4 seconds (1..2..3..4)
“Let’s take a minute for about 6 deeper slower breaths like
this………………….as you come back to yourself……to your center” ………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
v • 3-WATER: Calm & controlled [Attention is directed to producing saliva,
switching on the relaxation response]
“Continue up your body to the 3rd Element WATER. Do you have a moist
mouth? …Saliva?.. when you are anxious or stressed your mouth often dries
up but when you are making saliva it is a sign that you are relaxing……take a
minute or two to make more & more saliva…………………..more & more saliva
………………..as you do this you may also notice that you have more & more
focus and control of your thoughts & body”………………………………………….
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 19
 Step 1 PRESENT Safe Place (Drawing or Words)
v • 4-FIRE /LIGHT up the path of your IMAGINATION to a SAFE PLACE
v “Now with your feet on the ground, breathing more deeply & slowly, making more &
more saliva we move on to the 4th Element: FIRE or LIGHT…. bring up an image
of a PLACE or situation that helps you to feel calmer & safer…………………….…
let’s call this your SAFE or CALM PLACE…………..… “in the Step 1 box draw &/
or write something that reminds you of this safe or calm place, situation, or
activity …………a sketch or symbol or words…………………………………notice
what you feel when you connect to that place & how you feel in your
body?”..........................
v Install with long set of Butterfly Hugs [DEMONSTRATE………………………….…]
“keep noticing how you feel in your body when you focus on your safe or calm
place”…………………… give it a name…………………. & install with another long
set of Butterfly Hugs as you say the name & focus on your safe place…………
……………...........................................................................................................
v “Look at your wristband or sticker again & notice how much stress you feel now
from zero (Lo stress) to 10 (Hi stress)…………………….& write it in the Step 1 box
where is says “after [0….10]”….. [SHOW]
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 20
 Step 1 PRESENT Safety

v INVITE GROUP SHARING of Safe/ Calm Places

“who would like to share with us their safe or calm place?”
………………………………………………………….
v “If you practice the 4 Elements exercises about 10 times a
day……every time you notice your rubber wristband (or
sticker) you can monitor your stress level from 0-10 & then
try to reduce it at least by 1 or 2 . After a week or 2 you may
be able to calm yourself more easily just by looking at &
touching your wristband”…………………………….

v Screen for participants who had difficulty reducing

their [0…..10] distress levels and who are not yet ready
for the G-TEP processing & may need further
preparation or individual attention…………………

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 21

 G-TEP

PART 2
Can be later on the same day
Or the next day

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 22

 REVIEW the 4 Elements exercise ?

If administered on the next day begin by reviewing the

4 Elements exercises (next 2 slides):

“Let’s begin now by practicing the 4 Elements exercise

you learned before…….”

If on the same day then skip the next slide………………..

E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 23

 4 Elements Exercises for Stress Reduction
(Earth -Air -Water -Fire)

v • 1-EARTH: GROUNDING “Starting with your feet we begin with the 1st Element
EARTH - place both feet on the ground, feel the floor/ground……...& the chair
supporting you…….. take a minute to “land”, to take “time out”, to be here,
now…………… Look around & notice 3 things you didn’t notice before………..what 3
things do you see?..........Now notice what do you hear?………..…what else?……….
………… you are here now….and you are safe here now”……………………………….

v • 2-AIR: BREATHING & CENTERED: “breathe in through your nose, letting the air
go all the way to your stomach as you count 4 seconds, then gently hold for 2
seconds and then breathe out for 4 seconds. Let’s take a minute for about 6 deeper
slower breaths like this…………find your center”.......................................................

v • 3-WATER: CALM & CONTROLLED “Continue up your body to the 3rd Element
WATER. Do you have a moist mouth? …Saliva?.. …….when you are making saliva
it is a sign that you are relaxing……take a minute to make more & more
saliva………as you do this you may also notice that you have more & more focus
and control of your thoughts & body”…..………………………………………………

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 24

 Step 1 PRESENT Safe Place; Date Today

v • 4-FIRE /LIGHT = Imagining the SAFE PLACE

v “…. In the Step1 box…[SHOW….]…….. look at your SAFE or CALM

PLACE drawing or words ………………….go back to your Safe Place
and notice what you feel when you look at it & think about it……………
what you are experiencing when you imagine being there……………and
how you feel now in your body?”……………………………………………

v In the Step1 box write LARGE the

“DATE TODAY” …………….

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 25

 EXPLANATION

v “What we will be doing can help your natural

system digest the things that are still disturbing
you from this difficult time /episode so that you
can regain your balance. Just notice whatever
you notice…images, thoughts, feelings, body
sensations from the memories of your
experiences…while you are sitting here
safely.....so that the past and the present become
less confused and you can begin feeling calmer,
safer and more in control here now.”

E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 26

Step 3 PAST RESOURCE CONNECTION
Name.......................................
G-TEP Notes

v Turn the folded worksheet over so that only

Step 2 & Step 3 are face up

v {2} In Step 2 the ONSET of the TRAUMA

EPISODE (a life changing event, that still
has on-going ramifications) is represented
by a heading word or words, symbol or
sketch
v the DATE THEN at which it started is
Step 2 PAST ONSET EVENT
written down.
Heading……………………………

DATE THEN……………………...

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 27

 Step 2 PAST: Onset Traumatic EVENT

INSTRUCTION

a) “Write the date (approximate) of when the first

traumatic event occurred /the troubles started/ in
the Step 2 box next to DATE THEN” [SHOW]

b) “Write a headline &/or draw something to

represent this initial traumatic event or beginning
of the Trauma Episode” (headline word or words,
&/or symbol or sketch)………………………………

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 28

Step 3 PAST RESOURCE CONNECTION
Name........................................
G-TEP Notes

v{2} In Step 3 obtain an additional

RESOURCE from the PAST with the
RESOURCE CONNECTION: asking
for a memory where they felt good
with themselves.

Step 2 PAST ONSET EVENT

Heading……………………………

DATE THEN……………………...
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 29
 Step 3 PAST RESOURCE INSTRUCTIONS

a) “ Recall a memory where you felt good about yourself in the past, where
you felt whole…………………………………………………………….
notice the feelings & sensations in your body…………”
v “in the Step 3 box [ SHOW…..] DRAW or WRITE something to represent
this good memory…………..…………a sketch or symbol or words ……….
………………………………………………..notice what you feel when you
connect to that place & how you feel in your body?”..........................
v “Lets install with a long set of Butterfly Hugs [DEMONSTRATE……………]
keep noticing the feelings & sensations in your body when you focus on
your good memory……………………………………………………………
give it a name…………………. & install with another long set of Butterfly
Hugs as you say the name & focus on that good memory……………”
v Invite GROUP SHARING of good memories
“Who would like to share with us their good memory?”
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 30
 Step 4 DESIRED FUTURE INSTRUCTIONS

a) “In the Step 4 box [SHOW…..] there is a list of

some ways of thinking. How would you like to think
about yourself and what happened? Underline
which of these ways make some sense to
you”…………

b) “DRAW or WRITE any other thoughts or pictures of

how you would like to see yourself in the future”
……………………………………………………….
c) Invite GROUP SHARING of desired futures
“Who would like to share with us their desired future?”
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 31
 G-TEP notes

v {Step
5, Step 6 & Step 7} are presented by opening
the worksheet fully & revealing the Traumatic
Episode time line:

DATE THEN……………………………DATE TODAY

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 32

Elan Shapiro 2013 © G-TEP WORKSHEET Name
Step 3 PAST RESOURCE CONNECTION Step 4 DESIRED FUTURE
Step 7 PoD 3 …………...…[0.……..10]
*It happened & it’s over. * I survived…………………..
Name........................................ *I’m safe (enough) now, here ………………………….
*I can cope *I have strengths …………………………
*I can (learn to) choose how to respond. ……………..
*I did what I could……………………………………….
*Other………………………………………………………

Set 3 [0…….10] ; Set 6 [0…….10]

Step 6 PoD 2 …………....…[0.…….10] Step 8____________________________

EPISODE SUD…………………… [0…...10]
EPISODE PC………………………………...

Step 2 PAST ONSET EVENT Step 1 PRESENT SAFETY

before [0…...10] after [0…...10]

Heading…………………………… SAFE PLACE: Name…………………………….

Set 3 [0…….10] ; Set 6 [0……..10]

Step 5 PoD 1.…….….…..…[0……..10]

DATE THEN……………………... Set 3 [0…….10] ; Set 6 [0…….10] DATE TODAY…………………….

T R A U M A T I C E P I S O D E 33
 G-TEP notes
v OnStep 5, Step 6 & Step 7 Points of Disturbance
(PoDs) are identified using “Google Search” / or Scan
and processing of each one at a time

v Self Bi-Lateral-Stimulation (BLS) is performed simply by

asking the person to touch the (PAST) “disturbance”
page & then the (PRESENT) “Safe Place” page -
alternating - and as they do this their eyes also naturally
move back & forth with their hand. They do this until a PoD
is identified then stop and draw/write it.
v OPTIONAL /alternative BLS may be used: e.g. “Butterfly
Hugs” ; self tapping on table or knees

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 34

 Self Bi-Lateral-Stimulation (BLS):
tapping with one hand while following with eyes
3 PAST RESOURCE 4 DESIRED FUTURE
. 7
Pod 3

6
2 PAST ONSET T- EVENT Pod 2 1 PRESENT
SAFE /CALM PLACE

5
Pod 1

DATE THEN………………… DATE TODAY…………..

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 35
 G-TEP notes
v The PoD is then processed in the same way. The
suggested no. of BLS for processing here is about X10 for
a set -counted out loud by the group leader (this helps
to ground in the present)
v An EMD strategy is used here for processing to keep a
relatively narrow focus & limit opening channels of
association. The instructions for the first Point of
Disturbance (PoD1) deliberately directs to identify
intrusions.
v 6 sets are suggested to reduce the Subjective Unit of
Disturbance (SUD 0-10) as far as it will go for each PoD.
v After each set of BLS the participants are asked to pay
attention to their thoughts, feelings, body sensations, to
whatever they noticed & after the 3rd & 6th sets also to re-
focus on that PoD and rate how disturbing it is now from
0-10…..then to perform another set of BLS.
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 36
 EMD Strategy

v TheEMD Strategy focuses narrowly on the

Point of Disturbance (PoD) target during phase
4 Desensitization, returning to it and checking
SUD (Subjective Unit of Disturbance) level
frequently
v Limiting associative chains

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 37

 EPISODE SCAN /GOOGLE SEARCH to identify PoDs 1, 2 & 3
EMD strategy Desensitization

Return to PoD
& check SUD
frequently
T-Episode
Point of Disturbance

PoD 1
(Target Fragment)

Set 1 “Just notice” Set 4

PoD 2
Set 2 “Just notice” Set 5
REPEAT
Focus again “Just notice” Focus again for PoD 2
on Target (PoD) Set 3 Set 6 on Target (PoD)
& check SUD & check SUD & PoD 3
PoD 3
E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 38
 Step 5 POD 1 INSTRUCTIONS (a)
1st Scan/ Google –Search with Self BLS
a) “ I am going to ask you each to touch the Step 3 box with the “Date Then”
& to follow with your eyes as you then touch the Step 1 box with the “Date
Today”, [DEMONSTRATE tapping back & forth & ensure that all do this]
now scan (or think about) the whole Episode in your mind, all that has
happened since it began up to today, (like with Google-Search on a
computer), for any disturbing picture, sound, smell or sensation that
keeps coming back, let it just pop up…then STOP & DRAW or WRITE
briefly the words or phrase to describe it in the Step 5 box
(PoD1)” [SHOW]
b) b) Give a few minutes for all to finish, repeating the
instructions if needed.
c) “How strong is that disturbance now from (lo ) 0…..10 (Hi)?
Write this number down at the top right of the Step 5
box” [SHOW]
d) Phase 4 Desensitisation with an EMD strategy (see Step 5b)
e) (If no disturbance is identified write “none” on Step 5)
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 39
 Step 5 EMD POD 1 INSTRUCTIONS (b) I
EMD Desensitisation of PoD1 with Self BLS
a) “Touch Step 5 box again [ SHOW….] & focus on that Point of Disturbance
(PoD1); notice whatever you are thinking, feeling, or sensing in your body…..
… then look at your hand while you touch the Safe Place/Date Today Step 1
box….NOW lets do this together 10 times”1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10” ……
[DEMONSTRATE tapping Step 5 & then Step 1 boxes back & forth counting
10 taps aloud & following with your eyes……..ensure that all are doing this]
b) “Take a deep breath……………………….notice whatever images, thoughts ,
feelings or body sensations came up …………………………………………..
c) “NOW lets do another set of tapping (Step 5 & then Step 1, back & forth),
counting X10 taps aloud again…..1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10 ………………..”
d) “Take a deep breath, notice whatever came up
e) Repeat this (c-d-e-f) for sets 3/ 4/ 5 & 6…………………………………………..
f) After set 3 (& set 6) say: “Re-focus now again on this original Point of
Disturbance (PoD1) & check how disturbing it feels now for you from 0-10
where zero means that you can think about it & remain calm and 10 is the
highest you know?”..... Write this [0…10] number down in the Step 5 box, on
the line next to Set 3 (& set 6)”
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 40
 Step 5 EMD POD 1 Instruction Notes (b) II

EMD Desensitisation of PoD1 with Self BLS

a) Repeat c-d-e-f in this way for a total of 6 sets, after each set
asking to pay attention to what they noticed….. any images
thoughts, feelings or body sensations ..that came up….
after the 3rd & 6th sets ask also to re-focus on the PoD1 and
rate how disturbing it is now from [0….10]

b) Begin a new Google-Search for PoD 2 (see Step 6a)

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 41

 Step 6 POD 2 INSTRUCTIONS (a)

2nd Scan/ Google –Search with Self BLS

a) “I am going to ask you each again to touch “Date Then” (in the Step 3
box) & then “Date Today” (in the Step 1 box) following with your eyes,
[DEMONSTRATE tapping back & forth & ensure that all do this] now again
scan the whole Episode in your mind, all that has happened since
then up to today, (like with Google-Search on a computer) for any
remaining Points of Disturbance that come up…………………then
STOP & DRAW or WRITE the words or phrase briefly to describe it in the
Step 6 box (PoD2)” [SHOW…..]
b) Give a few minutes for all to finish, repeating the instructions if needed.
c) “How strong is the disturbance now (lo )0…..10 (Hi)?
Write this [0…10] number down on the top right of the
Step 6 box” [SHOW……]
d) Go on to Desensitisation with EMD strategy (see Step 6b)
e) (If no PoD is identified write “none” on Step 6)
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 42
 Step 6 EMD POD 2 INSTRUCTIONS (b) I
EMD Desensitisation of PoD2 with Self BLS
a) “Touch Step 6 box [SHOW…] & focus on that Point of Disturbance (PoD2);
notice whatever you are thinking, feeling, or sensing in your body….….. then
with the same hand touch the Safe Place/Date Today Step 1 box……….
NOW lets do this together 10 times”1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10”….
[DEMONSTRATE tapping Step 6 & then Step 1 back & forth counting 10 taps
aloud, following with your eyes, ensure that all are doing this…….]
b) “Take a deep breath………….notice whatever came up………………………….
any memories, Images, thoughts, feelings, or body sensations………………
c) “NOW lets do another set of tapping (Step 6 & then Step 1, back & forth),
counting X10 taps aloud again…..1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10 ”…………………
d) “Take a deep breath……..notice whatever came up …………………………
Repeat this (c-d-e-f) for sets 3/ 4/ 5 & 6…………………………………………….
e) After set 3 (& set 6) say: “Re-focus now on this Point of Disturbance (PoD2) &
check how disturbing it feels now for you from 0-10 where zero means that
you can think about it & remain calm and 10 is the highest you know?....
Write this [0…10] number down on Step 6, next to the line of Set 3 (& set 6)”
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 43
 Step 6 EMD POD 2 Instruction Notes (b) II

EMD Desensitisation of PoD2 with Self BLS

a) Repeat c-d-e-f in this way for a total of 6 sets, after each set
asking to pay attention to what they noticed….. any
memories, images thoughts, feelings or body sensations
that came up…. after the 3rd & 6th sets ask also to re-focus
on the PoD2 and rate how disturbing it is now from [0….10]

b) Begin a new Google-Search for PoD 3 (see Step 7a)

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 44

 Step 7 POD 3 INSTRUCTIONS (a)

3rd Scan/ Google–Search with Self BLS

a) “I am going to ask you each again to touch “Date Then” in the Step 3
box & then “Date Today” in the Step1 box, [DEMONSTRATE tapping
back & forth & ensure that all do this…………….] now again scan the
whole Episode in your mind, all that has happened since then up
to today, (like with Google-Search on a computer) for any remaining
disturbance that comes up………………………then STOP & DRAW
or WRITE briefly the words or phrase to describe it at the top of the
Step 7 box (PoD3)” [SHOW]
b) Give a few minutes for all to finish, repeat instructions if needed.

c) “How strong is this disturbance now from (lo )0…..10 (Hi)?

Write this number down on the top of the Step 7 box” [SHOW….]

d) Go on to Desensitisation with EMD (see Step 7b)

e) (If no PoD is identified write “none” on Step 7)

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 45
 Step 7 EMD POD 3 INSTRUCTIONS (b)
EMD Desensitisation of PoD3 with Self BLS
a) “Touch the box labelled Step 7 [SHOW] & focus on that Point of Disturbance
(PoD3); notice whatever you are thinking, feeling, or sensing in your
body…………. then with the same hand touch the “Safe Place/ Date Today”
in the box labelled Step 1)….NOW lets do this together 10 times”
1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10”…………[DEMONSTRATE tapping Step 7 & then
Step 1 boxes back & forth ……..counting 10 taps aloud & following with your
eyes…….. ensure that all are doing this]
b) “Take a deep breath……………… notice whatever came up……………. any
memories, Images, thoughts, feelings, or body sensations………………
c) “NOW lets do another set of tapping (Step 7 & then Step 1, back & forth),
counting X10 taps aloud again…..1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10 ”………………
d) “Take a deep breath……..notice whatever came up …………………….
e) Repeat this (c-d-e-f) for sets 3/ 4/ 5 & 6…………………………………………
f) After set 3 (& set 6) say: “Re-focus now on this Point of Disturbance (PoD3) &
check how disturbing it feels now for you from 0-10 where zero means that
you can think about it & remain calm and 10 is the highest you know?....
Write this number down on Step 7, on the line of Set 3 (& set 6)”
46
G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 ©
 G-TEP notes
a) Repeat c-d-e-f in this way for a total of 6 sets, after each
set asking to pay attention to what they noticed….. any
memories, images thoughts, feelings or body sensations
that came up, after the 3rd & 6th sets ask also to re-focus on
the PoD 3 and rate how disturbing it is now from [0….10]

b) Go on to ask for EPISODE SUD on Step 8 (bottom of

Step 4 box) to check how disturbing the whole Episode is
now [0…10].
c) Participants whose Episode SUD levels are still high (>6?)
can be offered additional G-TEP sessions

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 47

 Step 8 Episode SUD INSTRUCTIONS

EPISODE SUD
a) “When you think about the whole Episode now from when
it started, up to today, how disturbing is it for you now
[0…10] where zero means that you can think about it &
remain calm and 10 is the highest you know?”
b) Write the number on the bottom of the Step 4 box on
the EPISODE SUD line” [SHOW…………………………]

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 48

 G-TEP notes
a) INSTALLATION of EPISODE POSITIVE COGNITION (PC)
in the Step 4 box -DESIRED FUTURE

v {8} Episode Positive Cognition (PC) Installation is only

done for the entire Trauma Episode after all 3 PoDs are
processed and the Episode SUD is ecological or acceptably
low (< 5?)
v If the processing of 3 PoDs was gauged to be insufficient to
integrate the whole Episode (the Episode SUD was still
high [> 6?] or the Episode PC was not accepted as valid)
for any of the participants, the procedure can be repeated
later on (e.g. the next day) as necessary.

G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 49

 Step 8 INSTALL Episode PC INSTRUCTIONS

a) “When you think about the whole Episode now, What have
you learned?”.....................how do you think about it now?”...
b) “Write this down in the Step 4 box /or circle the ways of
thinking about it listed that make more sense to you
now” [SHOW]…
c) “Then looking at your hand, touch the Step 3 & Step 4 boxes
(lingering on Step 4). Lets do this together tapping Step 3
& then Step 4, back & forth, slowly counting X10 taps aloud
[1&2&3&4&5&6&7&8&9&10]…………………….. notice how it
feels in your body” [DEMONSTRATE ensuring that all do this]
Repeat with 3 more sets……………………………….
d) Invite GROUP SHARING (of adaptive thoughts about the
future)
“Who would like to share with us what they have learned?”
a) Go on to Closure (see Step 9) G-TEP Elan Shapiro 2013 © 50
 Step 9 CLOSURE & SCREENING

a) Strong Closure: Rehearse 4 Elements

b) Additional measures if needed
c) Screening for those who may need
referral for individual attention (Difficulty
with Phase II stabilisation; SUDs don’t
reduce enough)
d) Referral for individual treatment?

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 Step 10 FOLLOW-UP & SCREENING

a) Follow-up is important
b) Check Episode SUD & PC
c) Consider additional G-TEP session /or
d) Referral for individual treatment?

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