Course Description

The AIP model applies across cultures, races, ethnicity, and generations. Attunement to these distinctions should guide our use of EMDR therapy’s eight phases in addressing the traumas and adverse life experiences within these critical social contexts. This panel discussion—featuring Evelyn Wright, LCSW; Diane DesPlantes, LCSW; Kaitlyn Kuo, Psy.D. and Cecelia Penailillo, LMFT—highlights and attempts to familiarize attendees with clinically relevant racial, cultural, generational and immigration concerns often present yet frequently unrecognized or misunderstood when viewed cross-culturally or interracially in servicing the BIPOC community. This discussion focuses on some of the unique racial/ethnic/cultural interplays that influence clinical aspects of the Black, Latinx and Asian Pacific communities and impact EMDR therapy in Phases one through eight. With understanding and awareness clinicians can more effectively utilize EMDR’s three-pronged approach in helping clients negotiate racial trauma within American culture.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to recognize the internalized beliefs held by people of color in a manner sensitive to the historic traumatic events of racial oppression within the AIP model.
2. Participants will be able to demonstrate advanced recognition of racial and culturally related issues and assess related components that present clinically when working within Phases 1 through 3 of the standard EMDR protocol.
3. Participants will be able to adapt EMDR standard protocol within the cultural/racial context to address client needs and to utilize EMDR therapy when reprocessing the internalized effects of racially-based trauma.

Presenter(s)

Evelyn Wright, LCSW

Evelyn Wright is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who upon graduating from the University of Southern California became involved in trauma and play therapy with abused and neglected children at UCLA’s Department of Pediatrics in 1998. After transitioning to private practice she continued to specialize in trauma and child therapy. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist and CIT, and a former member of the Board of Directors and past-president of EMDRIA. Recognizing the multicultural value of EMDR therapy, she is committed to advancing its utilization among communities of color and to its growth among BIPOC clinicians.

Diane DesPlantes, LCSW

Diane DesPlantes is a psychotherapist for over 25 years specializing in trauma. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of NJ, a member of the National Association of Social Workers and has a Certification in Clinical Social Worker Supervision. She earned her Bachelors at Fordham University and a Master’s from Hunter College Graduate School of Social Work in New York City. She served five years on EMDRIA’s Board of Directors, is an EMDR Certified Therapist, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer who has specialized in basic training for clinicians of color.

Kaitlyn Kuo, Psy.D.

Kaitlyn Kuo is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her PsyD from the CSPP at Alliant International University in 2015 and her Master from the Chinese Cultural University in Taiwan where she is also licensed. She is CEO of Kaitlyn Kuo and Associates which specializes in working with Asian American children, women, and families. Her doctoral dissertation examined acculturation, enculturation, ethnic identity, and attachment styles among immigrants. Her work has centered around immigration and trauma related issues as well as promoting Asian mental health awareness. Her work has appeared in the New Tang Dynasty Television and STUF Life Education Society.

Cecilia Penailillo, LMFT

Cecilia Penailillo is a LMFT who was born and raised in South America. Cecilia experienced the obstacles of the US immigration process first hand. Therefore, she takes special interest in working with those negatively impacted by immigration issues. She understands and works with the emotional challenges faced by those traumatized due to racial discrimination and assists individuals and families seeking permanent residence in the U.S. She conducts immigration evaluations and participates in immigration hearings as an expert witness in matters of deportation, asylum and US permanent residence petitions.