If you’ve been invited to a G-TEP session, you may be wondering what to expect. It’s completely normal to feel a little uncertain before trying something new, especially when it involves trauma. One of the questions I hear most often is, “Will I have to talk about what happened?” The answer is no.
If you’re an employer or organization considering G-TEP for your team, this article will also help you understand how the process works and what participants can expect.
What is G-TEP?
G-TEP (Group Traumatic Episode Protocol) is a structured, trauma-informed group intervention based on EMDR therapy. It was developed to help groups of people process the effects of distressing or traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive way.
Who is G-TEP for?
G-TEP is often offered after potentially traumatic workplace events, but it can also be helpful for groups who have shared other distressing experiences. It isn’t designed to replace individual therapy when that’s needed, but it can be an effective early intervention that helps many people begin processing what they’ve experienced.
You Won’t Be Asked to Share Your Story
One of the things that makes G-TEP different from some other group trauma interventions, such as Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), is that participants are never asked to share the details of their traumatic experience with the group.
In a G-TEP session, each participant is provided with their own worksheet and silently identifies and processes the parts of the traumatic memory that they want to deal with. Every person experiences the same event differently. G-TEP allows each participant to focus on the parts of the experience that continue to feel disturbing for them, without comparing their reactions to anyone else’s.
Although everyone completes their own individual work, there is something reassuring about being alongside other people who are also taking steps toward healing. Many participants say one of the most helpful parts of G-TEP is realizing they are not alone.
What Happens in a G-TEP Session?
Throughout the session you’ll be guided through a series of structured exercises using a worksheet. At times you’ll be asked to reflect on different aspects of your experience, notice what comes up, and use gentle bilateral stimulation (tapping) while supporting your brain’s natural ability to process difficult experiences. You don’t need to know how the process works beforehand – our role as facilitators is to guide you every step of the way.
Why Am I Being Asked To Complete Questionnaires?
You may be asked to complete some questionnaires ahead of a G-TEP session. These questionnaires help us understand how participants are doing before and after the session. They also help us identify anyone who may benefit from additional support. Individual responses are confidential and are never shared with your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions About G-TEP
Will I have to share or speak in the group? You will be invited to participate by working through your worksheet within the group setting but you will never be required to speak or share any of your work during the process.
What if I Become Emotional? It’s not uncommon for tears or strong emotions to show up during the process and that’s okay. Everyone’s experience is different. Some people become emotional, while others notice very little outward reaction. Neither response tells us whether the process is “working.” Our facilitators are there to support you if you need us.
What if I Don’t Want to Participate in Part of the Exercise? Participation is always completely voluntary, and it is your choice if you do not want to complete any part of the process.
What if I don’t remember everything? That’s okay and it’s not uncommon that memories will be fragmented or out of order after a traumatic experience. Participating in a G-TEP session is designed to help your brain process the parts of the experience that continue to feel disturbing, making the memory easier to hold over time.
Is this group therapy? Although this is a therapeutic intervention provided in a group setting, it is not group therapy in a traditional sense. A more accurate description may be that it is individual therapy work being completed in a supportive, group environment.
How long will this take? A single G-TEP session takes about two hours. A second group G-TEP session may be suggested or the opportunity to access individual therapy for some participants may be recommended.
Do I need to prepare for a G-TEP session? No special preparation is required. We simply encourage participants to wear comfortable clothing, bring reading glasses if needed, and arrive with an open mind. Everything else will be explained during the session.
Is G-TEP Confidential? Before the session, participants are asked to sign a consent form that includes expectations around confidentiality. While no one can guarantee what another participant may choose to share outside the session, everyone is asked to respect the privacy of others. Only the therapist facilitators have access to questionnaires, and individual results are never shared with employers or other participants.
Key Takeaways
There is no “right” way to experience G-TEP. Some people notice significant changes immediately, while for others the benefits unfold more gradually over the days and weeks that follow. Every person’s healing journey is different.
- You will not be asked to share your traumatic experience with the group.
- Participation is always voluntary.
- G-TEP is a structured, trauma-informed intervention based on EMDR principles.
- The session takes approximately two hours.
- Our facilitators will guide you through the entire process.
- It’s normal to feel a little uncertain beforehand.
G-TEP isn’t about reliving your trauma or telling your story in front of a group. It’s about giving your brain an opportunity to process difficult experiences in a structured, supportive environment. Many people leave feeling surprised by how gentle the process is. If you still have questions before your session, please don’t hesitate to ask. Feeling uncertain is normal and we’re here to help.
Interested in Bringing G-TEP to Your Organization?
G-TEP can be offered as part of a trauma-informed response following potentially traumatic workplace events or as part of a broader organizational wellness strategy for trauma-exposed professionals.
If you’d like to learn more about whether G-TEP is a good fit for your team, we’d be happy to answer your questions. Learn more about our services for workplaces at this link.
