Course Description

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities face challenges due to systemic inequality, cultural stigmas, and historical trauma. EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool for healing in these communities. This presentation explores how EMDR can be applied effectively and sensitively within diverse cultural contexts. Our goal is not to represent any specific culture. Instead, we aim to offer practical strategies to enhance treatment with culturally sensitive practices. While there may be some shared experiences among many individuals in these communities, each person and family will have unique needs. This presentation will advocate for a client-centered approach within AIP conceptualization and EMDR treatment.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe the role and importance of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) in EMDR therapy.
2. Participants will be able to identify at least three strategies and practical ways to increase IDEA when practicing EMDR therapy with diverse and minoritized populations with attention to BIPOC communities.
3. Participants will be able to describe at least three practical ways to modify the phases of EMDR therapy to create a safe therapeutic environment where clients from diverse backgrounds can fully engage in EMDR therapy.

Presenter(s)

Jose Carbajal, PhD, LCSW

Jose Carbajal, PhD, LCSW, is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin State University. Jose has authored over 40 studies and delivered numerous professional presentations and training sessions. Jose’s research focus is on the interventions clinicians use to treat trauma, neuroscience, and faith. Jose has over 15 years of clinical practice as well as extensive teaching experience leading seminars and workshops. His clinical specialties include trauma, recovery from sexual abuse, domestic violence, and substance use. Dr. Carbajal is an EMDRIA-approved trainer and consultant.

Yunetta Spring Smith

Yunetta Spring Smith is a dedicated EMDR clinician, trainer, and consultant with extensive experience helping clients heal from childhood trauma. With a passion for practical, client-centered approaches, she integrates EMDR therapy to empower individuals in overcoming challenges and building resilience. Yunetta specializes in resource development, cultural humility, and tailoring EMDR for BIPOC communities, ensuring therapy honors each client’s unique identity and lived experiences. She focuses on helping clinicians “rewire” healing pathways by uncovering hidden resources and fostering groundbreaking growth. Through workshops and consultations, she supports therapists in building confidence, increasing competence, and creating lasting change.

Kaysspayki Shelley Pompana Spear Chief

Kaysspayki Shelley Pompana Spear Chief, Clinical MSW, RCSW, EMDR Consultant, Hypnotherapist, Somatic Therapist, specializes in working with complicated and complex trauma-related disorders due to the traumatic history of residential school, boarding schools, sixties scoop and more. Shelley won the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Indigenous Practice Award for 2022. She is an international presenter who speaks about First Nations trauma. She has presented with Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Sandra Paulsen, and Dr. Laurel Parnell. In addition, she recently completed a book with Dr. Sandra Paulsen, “Indigenous Trauma and Dissociation: Healers, Psychotherapy and the Drum.