Expanding the Trauma Recovery Network® to New Jersey
A new Trauma Recovery Network® has been established in New Jersey that’s all about healing and community support: the Trauma Recovery Network Association of New Jersey (TRN® of NJ). The Trauma Recovery Network is one of many programs led by Trauma Recovery/HAP to address the impact of trauma in underserved communities. Each TRN association is trained and ready to assist in times of emergency with pro bono services to address ongoing circumstances contributing to trauma in their local communities.
To get a deeper understanding of how the TRN of NJ came to be, we interviewed Melissa Campbell, DSW, LCSW, founding member. She shared insights on why they formed a new TRN association, the challenges they see in New Jersey, and what they plan to achieve.
Establishing a TRN in New Jersey
The TRN of New Jersey came together through a shared commitment to support communities in times of crisis. Four EMDR trained therapists from across the state responded to calls for participation through various channels, each driven by a common goal: to offer EMDR therapy to those in need following community trauma.
“We didn’t know each other before coming together on this common interest,” said Melissa Campbell. “We want to give back to the diverse state of New Jersey. When we saw the need for a TRN group in New Jersey, we jumped at the chance to coordinate care.”
Their motivation is both professional, as EMDR trained clinicians, and personal, as members of the community they will serve. They have seen firsthand how effective EMDR therapy can be for individuals dealing with trauma. “We are motivated to support others during their most vulnerable moments. Witnessing the transformative effects of EMDR on those affected by trauma has been incredibly rewarding for us as practitioners,” Melissa shared.
She added, “We are moved by the concept of the Shapiro Effect: we are merely a ripple in the change we want to see. We hope the actions we take here will have a lasting positive effect on our community.”
Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to the mission of Trauma Recovery/HAP: “to increase the capacity for effective treatment of psychological trauma in under-served communities anywhere in the world.”
Meeting the Needs of Their Community
New Jersey’s population density and diversity present unique challenges. Many areas continue to face gaps in access to care, especially in times of crisis. “New Jersey is a small but diverse and heavily populated state,” Melissa noted. “With so many resources and grants being stripped away from our residents, we don’t have the luxury to sit back and assume someone else will take action.”
For the members of the TRN of New Jersey, the goal is to create a coordinated response system that ensures no community in the state is left behind when crisis strikes.
“We would like to see a coordinated effort to address mass events in our state, spread the word about the benefits of EMDR, and overall help to create a New Jersey where people don’t have to suffer too much for too long,” said Melissa. “We’re taking care of people at their most vulnerable. We think it’s a beautiful way to support our community and everyone in it.”
By forming an organized network of trained EMDR therapists, the TRN of NJ aims to close service gaps, especially in under-resourced areas, and ensure trauma services are available when and where they’re needed most.
Calling All EMDR Clinicians: Join the Trauma Recovery Network
For EMDR clinicians interested in starting a TRN in their own communities, Melissa encourages them to take that first step.
“Trauma Recovery/HAP has a ‘user friendly’ way to start an organization in your state or community,” she said. “Regardless of where you are at in your EMDR journey, there is room for everyone. Join us today!”
To learn more about starting a TRN association in your community or getting involved in an existing TRN, click here.
Special thank you to the following individuals for contributing to this article:
Christine Galiardo, LCSW, TRN Coordinator
Chrisula Tasiopoulos, MSW, LCSW, TRN Consultant
Ana Pais, LPC, NCC, CFRC, CCTP, Founding member
Melissa Campbell, DSW, LCSW, Founding Member