What is the ASAP acute stress adaptive protocol?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately one in three first responders develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during their career. The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) was developed as a crucial early intervention tool to help this high-risk population and others process trauma quickly and discreetly.

Quick Summary

An EMDR-based intervention, the Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) helps process traumatic and stressful events, especially for first responders, using bilateral stimulation without extensive discussion of event details. It builds resilience and mitigates the risk of long-term mental health injuries, like PTSD.

Key Points

EMDR-Based Intervention: ASAP is a therapeutic protocol that uses principles from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help process traumatic events.
Designed for First Responders: Developed specifically for high-stress professions, ASAP provides a culturally competent and discreet way for emergency personnel to address trauma.
Silent Processing: A core feature of ASAP is that it allows for the reprocessing of traumatic memories without the need for extensive verbal disclosure, which protects privacy and reduces the risk of re-traumatization.
Rapid and Effective: Many participants experience significant relief and a reduction in symptoms in a short amount of time, sometimes in as little as one session.
Promotes Resilience: By addressing and resolving acute stress early, the protocol helps build resilience and prevents the onset of chronic mental health issues like PTSD and burnout.
Uses Bilateral Stimulation: The protocol employs bilateral stimulation, such as following visual cues, to facilitate the brain's natural adaptive information processing.
Applicable in Group and Individual Settings: ASAP can be administered to individuals or in group settings, making it a versatile tool for different organizational needs.

The Origins and Purpose of the ASAP Protocol

The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) emerged from the need for a targeted, efficient, and culturally competent therapy for first responders. Developed by a former law enforcement officer and EMDR consultant, Sonny Provetto, in collaboration with trauma experts, ASAP is specifically tailored to address the unique and recurring trauma that emergency personnel face. This early intervention protocol aims to prevent acute stress from evolving into chronic conditions like PTSD, burnout, and severe anxiety. Unlike traditional therapy, which can be lengthy, ASAP is designed for rapid relief, often producing noticeable shifts for clients in just one or two sessions.

The Neurobiological Foundation: Adaptive Information Processing

At its core, ASAP relies on the same theoretical framework as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. The AIP model posits that the brain has a natural, inherent ability to process and resolve traumatic experiences. However, when an incident is overwhelming, this process can be disrupted, causing the traumatic memory to become “stuck” with its original emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations. ASAP helps jumpstart this natural healing process through bilateral stimulation, which assists the brain in reprocessing the traumatic material and integrating it into an adaptive, resolved state.

Phase 1: Resource Building and Screening

The ASAP process begins with a crucial initial phase focused on stabilization and resource development. This stage serves two key functions. First, participants learn essential mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to help them manage their emotional distress and build internal resilience. These tools are critical for enhancing self-soothing capabilities and preparing for the next phase. Second, Phase 1 acts as a screening tool, allowing trained peer supporters or clinicians to identify individuals who may be experiencing more severe traumatic stress and require additional, specialized support.

Phase 2: Silent Trauma Processing

Following resource building, the protocol moves into the silent trauma processing phase. This stage is a defining feature of ASAP and is particularly valuable for first responders who may prefer a non-verbal approach to healing. Participants concentrate on their traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following visual cues with their eyes. Because they do not need to verbally recount the traumatic event, the risk of re-traumatization in a group setting is significantly reduced. This silent, focused work helps the brain digest and desensitize the stressful event, integrating the memory in a way that minimizes its emotional charge.

Key Advantages of the ASAP Protocol

Culturally Competent: Developed by a first responder for first responders, the protocol acknowledges the unique culture of high-stakes professions and offers a discreet method of processing trauma.
Rapid Relief: Many individuals report a significant reduction in symptoms in as little as one or two sessions, which is a major advantage for those in demanding, high-stress roles.
Non-Verbal Processing: The silent nature of the trauma processing minimizes the need to re-tell traumatic narratives, protecting confidentiality and reducing the chance of secondary trauma.
Versatile Delivery: ASAP can be administered effectively in a variety of settings, including individual and group sessions, and can be used as part of a department's ongoing wellness program.
Peer-to-Peer Support: Trained peer supporters can facilitate the protocol, fostering a supportive and trusting environment that can resonate more with individuals hesitant to seek clinical help.

Comparison: ASAP vs. Traditional Talk Therapy


Feature	Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP)	Traditional Talk Therapy
Mechanism	Employs bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories.	Typically relies on verbal processing and cognitive restructuring.
Discussion	Minimal to no verbal retelling of the traumatic event.	Extensive verbal discussion of the traumatic experience is often required.
Speed	Often provides rapid relief, potentially in a single session.	Can take several weeks, months, or years to see significant progress.
Delivery	Designed for both individual and group administration.	Primarily conducted in one-on-one sessions with a therapist.
Privacy	The silent processing phase ensures a high degree of privacy.	Privacy is maintained within the therapeutic relationship, but requires verbal disclosure.
Ideal For	Early intervention after acute trauma for high-exposure populations.	Broad range of mental health issues, including more chronic or complex trauma.

Implementing ASAP for Long-Term Mental Wellness

For high-stress organizations and first responder departments, implementing the ASAP protocol can be a powerful strategy for promoting employee well-being and reducing the prevalence of PTSD and burnout. Departments can incorporate ASAP into their wellness programs by offering regular drop-in sessions or making it available immediately following critical incidents. Organizations can also train peer support teams in the protocol, ensuring that confidential, effective assistance is readily available from trusted colleagues. Training for this initiative is often available through organizations like the Vermont Center for Responder Wellness.

Conclusion: A Proactive Tool for Resilience

The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol represents a significant advancement in trauma intervention, offering a rapid, non-invasive, and effective tool for managing the effects of acute stress. By harnessing the brain's innate healing capabilities through EMDR-based techniques, ASAP provides a pathway for individuals, particularly first responders, to process trauma without having to relive the details verbally. This approach not only offers rapid relief but also builds resilience, helping to protect against the long-term consequences of occupational stress. For organizations and individuals alike, understanding and utilizing the ASAP protocol is a proactive step toward prioritizing mental wellness in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ASAP protocol is an evidence-supported, EMDR-based intervention used to help individuals, especially first responders, process stressful and traumatic events and prevent long-term mental health conditions like PTSD.

ASAP works by using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements) to help the brain's natural adaptive information processing system reprocess traumatic material silently, without requiring the individual to verbally describe the event in detail.

The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol was developed by Sonny Provetto, a former police officer and EMDR consultant, in collaboration with trauma experts Professor Derek Farrell and Professor Paul Miller.

While based on EMDR principles, ASAP is specifically modified as an early intervention for high-stress populations and is designed to be administered silently by trained peers or clinicians in group or individual settings soon after a critical incident.

A typical ASAP session lasts approximately 45-60 minutes and includes an introduction, stress management exercises, adaptive processing rounds, and a closing activity.

Yes, a significant benefit of ASAP, particularly for first responders, is that the silent, non-verbal processing of trauma helps maintain confidentiality, as participants do not need to share sensitive details.

Yes, while designed for early intervention, the ASAP protocol is also versatile and can be used to help process older traumatic events that a person may be struggling with.

ASAP was developed for first responders but can be helpful for any individuals dealing with an acute stress reaction, burnout, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress injury, and can be offered by trained clinicians or peer supporters.