Presenter: Lashanna Alfred
Date:
Friday, November 6, 2026, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern
Description:
This training explores the intersection of culture, race, and trauma in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with Black clients. Participants will examine the impact of historical, racial, intergenerational, and systemic trauma on mental health and treatment engagement. The course will provide culturally responsive strategies for adapting EMDR treatment planning, case conceptualization, and reprocessing while honoring clients’ lived experiences, cultural strengths, and resilience. Through discussion, case examples, and practical application, clinicians will increase their confidence in delivering trauma-informed and culturally affirming EMDR interventions with Black individuals and communities.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the impact of racial, historical, intergenerational, and systemic trauma on the mental health experiences of Black clients.
- Describe key cultural considerations that influence EMDR case conceptualization, therapeutic alliance, and treatment engagement with Black clients.
- Apply culturally responsive EMDR strategies when addressing trauma memories, negative cognitions, and present-day triggers related to racialized experiences.
- Evaluate opportunities and challenges in integrating cultural humility, anti-racist practices, and client strengths into EMDR treatment planning and reprocessing
References
Jennifer Mullan
Mullan, J. M. (2023). Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice. W. W. Norton & Company.
My Grandmother’s Hands
Menakem, R. (2017). My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. Central Recovery Press.
Francine Shapiro
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.