Diversity and inclusion of EMDR expands beyond skin color. Simultaneously, trauma prevention must be viewed from working with individuals to creating policies to better protect our communities. This course—presented by Rocio Hernández, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC—provides a framework for understanding EMDR access across categories of diversity. Special EMDR examples will show implications for immigration, unlearning racism, and ways to modify EMDR for accessibility. Virtual and in-person tools provide options for setting up culturally humble sessions that meet our clients where they are. Examples across the Spectrum of Prevention offer a perspective for rethinking the role of an EMDR therapist in trauma prevention for generations to come.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe a diversity framework to apply to EMDR Therapy to increase cultural humility and create more welcoming space for clients to address trauma.
2. Participants will be able to identify The Spectrum of Prevention using a Trauma focus for each rung of impact. Participants will be able to interact across the different levels to assess where they are already engaging in change from working with individuals to impacting policy.
3. Participants will be able to demonstrate an approach for unlearning racism and using privilege for good with their clients from a case study.

Presenter(s)

Rocio Hernández, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC

Rocio “Cio” Hernández, Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC, is CEO and founder of Got This! Inc. In her practice, Dr. Hernández offers EMDR and other modalities to replace haunting memories with a new outlook on life or to help people reach a positive life goal. Her Got This! App has now been used to lower stress and boost confidence using EMDR elements and other techniques. For over 20 years, she has worked on policy, philanthropy, public information, the Kaiser research board, teaches continuing education, and serves on the First 5 Children and Families Commission. Her goal is to diversify access to EMDR and mental health care.