WHAT DOES THE ASAP TRAINING INSTITUTE DO?
Shifting How We Think About FIRST Responder Mental HealtH
At VCRW we apply two evidence-based modalities: the Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol, aka ASAP, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, to create a powerful system for treating trauma and moral injury.
First Responders have unique skills and needs with heightened exposure to trauma and risk of developing PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Alcoholism, and other trauma-related symptoms.
Early intervention is key to preventing and mitigating PTSD in First Responders (Russ, 2022). We’ve created a culturally competent and simple tool and are now offering trainings to help make this tool available for as many First Responders as possible.
Trainings are typically weeklong workshops focused around Res at our Headquarters in Colchester, Vermont or onsite at your department.
Custom peer support consulting and partnerships available.
Experience the transformative potential of ASAP Training and empower your first responders to navigate traumatic stress with resilience and strength.
OUR MISSION
Break the stigma around mental health in emergency responder culture and communities
Empower our community with training, education, and systemized support so no responder’s mental health is neglected
Help First Responders and their community access and apply the latest in trauma therapy to help affected workers heal
ASAP PEER TRAINING BENEFITS
It’s
PROACTIVE
Why wait until a critical incident happens? ASAP can be used as peers start to struggle, making recovery easier and less complex.
Trauma-informed Psycho-ed
✓ Understanding stress and trauma
✓ Exploring PTSD and its ill effects
✓ Examining how the repeated exposure leads to psychological vulnerability and what to do about it
✓ Learning why stress and trauma are different
It’s
CONFIDENTIAL
Recent court rulings have highlighted that ASAP is a beneficial option for offering psychological support after a critical incident without necessitating participants to discuss the traumatic event.
Avoids vicarious trauma. No sharing of sensitive information.
ASAP Facilitation
✓ Learn to administer a group ASAP for large and small groups after a critical event
✓ Engage in one-on-one ASAPs with individuals for day-to-day support
✓ Hold proactive drop-in ASAPs for your department
It’s
EFFECTIVE
ASAP reduces PTSD symptoms by 44%
EMDR Stabilization Techniques
✓ Calm Safe Place/State
✓ 3-Minute Meditation
✓ Future Template
✓ Balanced Breathing
✓ Breathwork
✓ Abdominal Breathing
✓ Lightstream
✓ Container Exercise
✓ Positive memory with Bilateral Stimulation
(Berg et al., 2003; Charbonneau, 2000; Violanti, 2018; Conner et al., 2001; Leadman et al., 2013)
It’s
RELEVANT
ASAP was specifically developed for Peer Support, being the sole EMDR-based group intervention tailored for para-professionals. Originated by a former police officer and EMDR consultant, it addresses the increasing demand for safe and efficient interventions for first responders.
Total Peer Support Training
✓ We train teams in understanding the basics of peer support, its policies, and procedures
✓ We assist teams in developing systems that address the day-to-day stress and trauma
✓ Teams develop skills on how to provide emotional support to peers, when needed
One-On-One
Peer Support
Addressing small “T” traumas has been challenging for Peer Support due to the lack of suitable and effective interventions. ASAP fills this gap by providing a confidential, relevant, and efficient psychological intervention tailored to the responder population.
Working one-on-one with a peer as soon as they begin to struggle is much more effective and easier to resolve than letting issues accumulate. This approach represents the best in peer support.
Elan Shapiro
“I think your project [ASAP] is an important adaptation. Clearly based on G-TEP, incorporating TSR modules for peer-lead groups is pioneering pilot work in line with Francine’s vision & legacy & to be encouraged.
Research is required with all modifications of evidence based protocols.”
~ Elan Shapiro
Elan Shapiro
The EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) was developed in 2013 by Elan Shapiro as a group-based adaptation of the EMDR Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), originally created by Elan Shapiro and Brurit Laub in 2008. This innovative group intervention builds on the foundational work of Francine Shapiro, the originator of EMDR therapy.
The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) was derived from Elan Shapiro’s pioneering contributions to early EMDR intervention and the G-TEP model, further evolving the approach to meet the unique needs of first responders through structured, peer-delivered applications.
GET INVOLVED
There are many ways to support our First Responders and break the stigma around mental health