Both partners reprocess targets simultaneously, guided by the therapist (utilizing the models GTEP or IGTP). This model is ideal for couples who share a traumatic experience and can benefit from relational healing.
GTEP can be used as an early intervention-and when used shortly following a critical incident can prevent material from being stored in a maladaptive way. GTEP reduces the distress that surrounds a recent traumatic episode, and research shows that it can decrease the onset of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use that can follow trauma. G-TEP can also be used to process memories that are not recent, that may have resulted in symptoms presenting in people's lives.
IGTP utilizes art-based reprocessing where participants use drawing and symbols to represent the traumatic experiences which facilitates the processing visually. It is self-administered bilateral stimulation, and we utilize the butterfly hug.
During this process, there is intimacy and support while each also has space to do their own internal processing.