EMDR Therapy with an Afrocentric Critical Race Perspective

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.