Course Description

This presentation addresses the experiences and research of LGBTQPIA2S+ individuals and community who have, are, or are at risk for experiencing domestic violence. We review the literature-supported best practices and share years of experience working in the community with EMDR therapists who wish to provide culturally and ethically responsive therapy. The myths, unique factors that can lead to violence, risk assessment, safety planning, multi layered oppression, and culture are discussed. Discriminatory practices contributing to domestic violence are also covered to expand the knowledge base of those therapists working in the area of domestic violence or with LGBTQPIA2S+ individuals and community.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to articulate common concerns and experiences reported by LGBTQPIA2S+ who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence when seeking EMDR therapy.
2. Participants will be able to discuss factors that are unique to LGBTQPIA2S+ individuals experiencing domestic violence and thus enhance their effectiveness and support of the community through EMDR therapy.
3. Participants will be able to implement ethical and culturally responsive EMDR Therapy to LGBTQPIA2S+ individuals and community experiencing or at risk for domestic violence.

Presenter(s)

Sue Genest, MSc., CCC

Sue Genest, M.Sc., 1st Class Honors BA, CCC, RCC., Director of Life Journeys Counselling and Training. Genest is an EMDRIA-approved training provider and teaches EMDR Basic and Advanced. Genest has over 34 years of experience in the mental health field; Indigenous education; Federal and Provincial corrections; health educator; child worker (Community; Children’s hospital); disability care provider; research in mental health and medical faculty (pediatrics; bioethics). Genest has won numerous awards for her academic work. She has published, presented, and taught University classes in the areas of EMDR, 2SLGBTQ+; counselling skills, lifespan development, holistic health, pediatrics, qualitative research, sexuality, career counselling.

Jane Oxenbury, M.Ed., R. Psych.

Jane Oxenbury, M.Ed., R. Psych. works extensively with LGBTQ* addressing same-sex domestic violence, bullying, harassment, and Gender Dysphoria. She has given numerous workshops: counselling techniques, sexual identity, domestic violence, childhood abuse, trauma, anger management, assertion, and communication. Currently volunteer positions: Calgary Police Service, Gender and Sexual Diversity Advisory Board, and the Alberta Health Services Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Provincial Council. I am a member and train members of the Canadian & World Professional Association for Transgender Health. I have co-authored several publications related to LGBTQ* including “Counselling Lesbians” (2005); “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Individuals” (2015), and “Creating a Healthy relationship” (2018).