Course Description

EMDR is an evidenced based intervention designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories. Despite EMDR’s efficacy, there are minimal references to diversity in EMDR research, and no protocol adaptations for African American clients. Without consideration of the lived experiences of African Americans or acknowledgement of stigma, shame and historical trauma, the relevance of identity, privilege and inclusion in treatment is obscured. Utilizing an Afrocentric Critical Race perspective, case studies of African American clients who received EMDR are critically examined. Emphasis is placed on clinician positionality in alleviating oppression-based trauma and clinical implications for promoting anti-oppressive EMDR practice with African American clients. Learn more in this presentation by Wendy Ashley, Psy.D., LCSW and Allen Lipscomb, Psy.D., LCSW.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe 2 ways in which historical trauma, lived experiences and stigma impact African Americans in EMDR treatment.
2. Participants will be able to identity differences between utilizing traditional EMDR and EMDR with an Afrocentric Critical Race theoretical lens.
3. Participants will be able to identify 3 aspects of clinician positionality and anti-oppressive practice that will promote efficacy in using EMDR with African American clients.

Presenter(s)

Wendy Ashley, Psy.D., LCSW

Wendy Ashley, Psy.D., LCSW is a Professor and Associate Chair of the California State University Northridge’s MSW program. Dr. Ashley maintains certifications in Diversity and Inclusion Practices from Cornell University and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has over 25 years of clinical practice experience. Dr. Ashley is the author of multiple publications, speaks at conferences nationwide and internationally, maintains a private practice and provides training for multiple organizations. Her research interests emphasize the promotion of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in practice, pedagogy and organizational culture.

Allen Lipscomb, Psy.D., LCSW

Allen Eugene Lipscomb, Psy.D., LCSW, Associate Professor in the Social Work Department. Dr. Lipscomb is a clinical psychologist by highest degree obtained and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. Dr. Lipscomb earned his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. In addition, Dr. Lipscomb received his doctorate in Psychology with a clinical emphasis in marriage, family and child psychotherapy from Ryokan College. His areas of research are centered around the psychiatric epidemiology among racialized and marginalized individuals who have experienced trauma (i.e. complex trauma, traumatic-grief and race-based trauma).