African American narratives of trauma: An EMDR approach to tapping into the strengths of Black love
A culturally relevant model of applying EMDR for building self-efficacy, worth, trust, and intimacy within Black romantic partnerships.
Chapter Abstract
“The intergenerational history of racial oppression and injustice for Black Americans is cumulative and traumatic. High rates of trauma combined with a disparity in mental health care can leave many Blacks without adequate resources to cope with the magnitude of the distress they experience. As a result, when those with traumatic pasts enter relationships, they are often underprepared for the demands of maintaining emotional connection and the synergistic effect of their pain. This chapter explores Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) as a critical approach needed to address trauma’s neurological, emotional, and relational impact. It provides a culturally relevant model of applying EMDR to create a healing space for building self-efficacy, worth, trust, and intimacy within Black romantic partnerships.”
—Description from publisher
Chapter Access
Purchase/Subscription Required
Shepard, A., & McKay, K. (2023). African American narratives of trauma: An EMDR approach to tapping into the strengths of Black love. In Y. Cooper & E. Holmes (Eds.), Black couples therapy: Clinical theory and practice. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, pp.235-252. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/9781009205665.015
Book Description
“Most research and couple therapy modalities tend to be normed on white European American couples and fail to include research on Black couples. This volume fills a void in the theory, research, and practice of couples therapy where clinicians have historically not been specifically trained to provide culturally responsive care when addressing the unique experiences and needs of Black couples. It aims to provide students, researchers, and allied mental health professionals with greater awareness, knowledge, and competency in working with Black couples. It assists therapists in developing a working alliance with Black couples and places an emphasis on cultivating environments that are instrumental to decreasing relationship distress and disconnection. Black Couples Therapy provides a comprehensive overview of the research and theory behind race and collective identity as well as romantic coupling, illustrated by examples of practice.”
—Description from publisher
Date
August 20, 2023
Creator(s)
Alice Shepard, Katherine McKay
Topics
Intergenerational Trauma
Client Population
Couples, Racial/Cultural/Ethnic Groups
Extent
18 pages
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
APA Citation
Shepard, A., & McKay, K. (2023). African American narratives of trauma: An EMDR approach to tapping into the strengths of Black love. In Y. Cooper & E. Holmes (Eds.), Black couples therapy: Clinical theory and practice. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/9781009205665.015
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Chapter
Access Type
External Resource