Articles

Article 1: The effectiveness of online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing 2.0 Group Protocol on post-traumatic stress disorders symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress in individuals who have experienced a traffic accident: a randomized-controlled study

Authors: Alişan Burak Yaşar, İbrahim Gündoğmuş, Derin Kubilay, Görkem Alban Tunca, Ersin Uygun, Zeynep Zat Çiftçi, Önder Kavakcı

Date: 2025

What was done?
This study examined the effectiveness of the EMDR 2.0 Group Protocol (EMDR 2.0 GP), delivered online to individuals who had experienced traffic accidents, compared to another psychosocial training program for stress management (mhGAP).

How was it done?
Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received EMDR 2.0 therapy, while the other participated in the World Health Organization’s stress management training. Levels of anxiety, stress, and trauma symptoms were assessed at three points in time: before the intervention, immediately after, and one month later.

What was found?
The group that received EMDR 2.0 showed a significant reduction in anxiety, stress, and trauma-related symptoms. However, no significant differences were observed in depressive symptoms.

What does it mean?
Online EMDR 2.0 group therapy may be an effective approach for reducing stress and anxiety symptoms following events such as traffic accidents. Given its accessibility and cost-effectiveness, this method holds potential for broader implementation.

Article 2: The Effectiveness of Online EMDR 2.0 Group Protocol on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Individuals Who Have Experienced a Traffic Accident: A Preliminary Study

Authors: Alişan Burak Yaşar, Önder Kavakcı, Zeynep Zat Çiftçi, Görkem Alban Tunca, Ersin Uygun, İbrahim Gündoğmuş, Derin Kubilay, Yasemin Aksöz, Hakan Deveci, Emre Konuk

Date: 2023

What was done?
This pilot study examined the effects of EMDR 2.0 group therapy on symptoms of depression, stress, and post-traumatic reactions in seven individuals who had previously experienced traffic accidents.

How was it applied?
Participants received three online sessions of EMDR 2.0 group therapy (with a total duration of 3.5 hours). Symptoms were assessed at three time points: before the intervention, one week after, and one month later.

What was found?
Following the intervention, participants showed: A marked reduction in levels of depression and stress and decreases in trauma-related symptoms, including re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

What does it mean?
This study suggests that EMDR 2.0 may also be effective when delivered in a group format and can help reduce psychological symptoms in individuals exposed to trauma. The findings are promising and highlight the need for future large-scale studies.

Article 3: Transforming Trauma: The Role of EMDR in Treating Borderline Personality Disorder

Authors: Derin Kubilay

Date: 2025

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense emotional fluctuations, difficulties in relationships, and, at times, self-harming behaviors. It is often associated with adverse childhood experiences and a lack of adequate emotional attunement.

Although various psychotherapy approaches have been applied to BPD, trauma-focused therapies have gained increasing prominence in recent years. Within this context, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as an effective method designed to reduce the impact of past traumatic experiences.

This review summarizes how EMDR therapy can be adapted for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, the contexts in which it has shown effectiveness, and the scientific evidence supporting its use. Integrating EMDR into individualized treatment plans may offer the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with BPD.

Article 4: A Review of Panic Disorder and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Authors: Alişan Burak Yaşar, İbrahim Gündoğmuş, Sinem Yılmaz, Derin Kubilay, Ersin Uygun, Önder Kavakcı

Date: 2025

What was examined?
This study investigated the effectiveness of the Group Flash Technique in reducing exam anxiety among university students. Exam anxiety is a common problem that negatively impacts students’ performance and cognitive functioning.

How was it done?
A single group session was conducted with 35 psychology students from Istanbul Gelişim University and Bilgi University. The Flash Protocol—consisting of eye movements, bilateral stimulation (tapping), and the recall of positive memories—was administered. Exam anxiety levels were assessed before and after the intervention.

What was found?
By the end of the study, participants showed significant reductions in: Exam anxiety levels, Hyperarousal symptoms (such as tension and feelings of panic), Emotional reactivity

Conclusion
This pilot study suggests that the Flash Technique, when applied in a group setting, may be a feasible, effective, and safe intervention for exam anxiety. Future research with larger and clinical samples, as well as studies exploring its long-term effects, is recommended.

Article 5: Impact of Group Flash Technique on Reducing Exam Anxiety in Students

Authors: Simay Yılmaz, Merve Kabadayı, Derin Kubilay

Date: 2025

Panic Disorder (PD) is a significant mental health problem that can severely impact both social and occupational functioning. One of the most widely used and effective treatments for this disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more adaptive ones. It also gradually exposes individuals to feared situations, enabling them to remain calmer during panic episodes.

In recent years, third-wave therapies—such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)—have also been shown to alleviate panic symptoms and support the long-term maintenance of treatment gains.

In conclusion: CBT and related approaches are highly effective and reliable methods for managing panic disorder.