The Unshakable Strength of Triangles: A Lesson from EMDR Crisis Interventions

Ah, Google—our trusty go-to for life’s burning questions! And once again, it’s confirmed something I’ve known since my school days: the triangle is the most stable shape around. Why? Because it’s strong, balanced, and perfectly distributes forces across all three sides. It’s why triangles hold up everything from bridges to towers—and, it turns out, even some of our best ideas!

I was reminded of this recently while reflecting on a heartwarming project I worked on with my Bulgarian colleagues in 2023. After the earthquake in Turkey, I was asked to provide training for bilingual Bulgarian-Turkish EMDR therapists, who were ready and willing to jump in and help. That’s when the incredible Dr Ignacio Jarero (aka Dr Nacho) stepped in, offering pro bono training in his Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization (ASSYST) Treatment Intervention.  This approach could be used by both EMDR-trained and non-EMDR therapists, making it a perfect fit for the moment.

What made this project extra special was the global team behind it. From Auckland, New Zealand (hello from me!), to Sofia, Bulgaria, to Dr Nacho and his co-trainer Nicole in Mexico City, we formed a triangle of sorts—three points connecting across continents. Together, we brought “head, heart, and hands” (knowledge, attitude, and skills) to the table, working in harmony to deliver the EMDR-based crisis intervention. And while our team didn’t end up travelling to Turkey, we found a way to put our skills to use in a Bulgarian village devastated by floods. The intervention was a resounding success, so much so that our results were presented at the Psychological Congress in Bulgaria and even published in the Congress Monography!

Just like the trusty triangle that never wobbles, our EMDR work has stood firm, delivering hope and healing wherever needed. And honestly, isn’t it nice to know that something as simple as a triangle can hold up not only bridges but also the spirits of entire communities? Warm, strong, and always there when you need it—just like us, with a little extra joy and heart.

Oh, and if you're curious about the study we did in Bulgaria, feel free to check it out—in English or Bulgarian. Enjoy the read!