Course Description

This presentation delves into the integration of anti-oppressive perspectives within ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and EMDR, fostering inclusivity and empowerment. The approach acknowledges the pervasive impact of systemic inequalities, power dynamics, and diverse identities, aiming to establish a therapeutic environment that empowers culturally inclusive clients. Therapists, through KAP and EMDR, learn to navigate clients’ cultural backgrounds sensitively, creating a healing space that honors individual autonomy while addressing trauma through the lens of intersectionality. This encourages clients to challenge oppressive narratives and reconstruct their identities. By embodying cultural humility, therapists help create containers that provide transformative healing experiences. The presentation explores strategies for creating a culturally sensitive environment in KAP sessions, examining how EMDR sessions can be tailored to incorporate intersectional perspectives. Therapists will comprehend the fundamentals of an anti-oppressive approach and its applicability to KAP and EMDR therapies, considering historical and systemic factors, such as racial trauma, during preparation, dosing, and integration.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe the fundamentals of an anti-oppressive approach and its applicability to KAP and EMDR therapies.
2. Participants will be able to explore strategies for creating a culturally sensitive and empowering environment within KAP sessions, considering historical and systemic factors, including but not limited to racial trauma.
3. Participants will be able to examine how EMDR sessions can be tailored to incorporate intersectional perspectives, including KAP, enabling clients to reclaim agency and challenge oppressive narratives during the healing process of preparation, dosing, and integration.

Presenter(s)

Candace Oglesby, LCPC

Candace Oglesby, LCPC, is the program director for the Fluence Trainings Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) certificate program and a licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She began her career as a psychedelic-assisted therapist in 2020 and became an EMDR-Approved Consultant in 2023. In working with trauma survivors, Candace primarily uses EMDR and internal family systems (IFS). In addition, she is the founder and owner of Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC, a consulting business that provides support to individuals and businesses looking to deepen their understanding of mental health while also providing support and resources to historically marginalized communities.

Dante Brown, LCPC

Dante Brown, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). He has an extensive background of working with survivors of trauma, including clients in private practice, residential treatment settings, and school settings. Dante is EMDR certified and a consultant in training. He also supports EMDR basic training weekends and facilitates anti-racism training series.