Cultural Competence and Healing Culturally Based Trauma with EMDR Therapy: Innovative Strategies and Protocols

Underscoring the importance of cultural competence, this groundbreaking book focuses on using EMDR therapy with specific populations, particularly those groups typically stigmatized, oppressed, or otherwise marginalized in society. Drawing on social psychology research and theory as well as social justice and social work principles, it delivers general protocols for EMDR intervention for recovery from the internalized effects of cultural mistreatment. Employing best-practice methods for cultural competence as EMDR therapy is introduced to new cultures worldwide, the editor and esteemed EMDR clinician/authors relay their experiences, insights, and guidance; and lessons learned through trial and error while adapting EMDR interventions for cross-cultural competency and therapeutic effectiveness. The text defines cultural competence and validates the need for a multi-culturally aware approach to psychotherapy that embraces authentic social identities and attends to the impact of socially based trauma. Chapters address using EMDR therapy to heal the trans-generational impact of Anti-Semitism, working with the LGBT population, treating an immigrant woman suffering from social anxiety, healing individuals with intellectual disabilities, the traumatizing effects of racial prejudice, harmful cultural messages about physical appearance, EMDR therapy attuned to specific cultural populations and socially based identities, and many other scenarios. The text is replete with step-by-step treatment guidelines to help clients recover from traumatic life events, dos and don’ts, and common adaptive and maladaptive cultural beliefs. Key Features: Defines cultural competence and validates the need for a multi-culturally aware approach to psychotherapy Offers innovative protocols and strategies for treating socially based trauma within the EMDR model Presents best practice methods for cultural competence Includes step-by-step treatment guidelines and dos and don’ts Written by highly esteemed EMDR clinician-authors

About the Author

Mark Nickerson, LICSW, is a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience. He practices as a trauma treatment specialist in Amherst, MA. Mr. Nickerson is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Michigan School of Social Work. He is on the faculty of the EMDR Institute and the EMDR Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program, for whom he provides basic and advanced EMDR training sessions. He is a past president of the EMDR International Association, where he has served on the Board for the past 5 years. Mr. Nickerson conducts EMDR and other training sessions nationally and internationally on topics including treatment for problem behaviors and problematic anger; cultural competence and treating culturally based trauma and prejudice; conflict resolution; serving the needs of veterans and their families, and the effective use of EMDR protocols.

Trained as a social worker, Mr. Nickerson has a long-standing commitment to integrating the psycho and the social in his clinical work and teachings, as well as a passion for breaking down the barriers that divide people. Mr. Nickerson cofounded the Men’s Resource Center of Western MA, a unique organization that developed violence intervention services and offered support and educational services for men. He is the Director of Parent Education for the Hampshire County Court’s Bar Association, where he has developed two national award winning innovative programs designed to reduce and resolve interpersonal conflict. Mr. Nickerson is author of The Wounds Within (2015: Skyhorse, woundswithin.com), an exposé on the challenges for war veterans and their families. He also provides training sessions with the Veterans Education Project (markinickerson.com).