EMDR therapy in a cultural, global context: Cultural adaptability

This chapter discusses the cultural relevance and adaptability of EMDR therapy in a global, cultural context.

Chapter Abstract

“This chapter discusses the cultural relevance and adaptability of EMDR therapy in a global, cultural context. The rapid spread of EMDR therapy throughout the globe is attributed to factors including the need for effective trauma treatment, ways in which the theory and methods of EMDR therapy can be readily administered and adapted across cultures, and the effective leadership of EMDR therapy proponents who have effectively trained and supported EMDR practitioner communities with a purpose of reducing global suffering. Additionally, the chapter depicts ways in which EMDR practitioners can integrate best practices in culturally competent service delivery within EMDR therapy to maximize its multicultural clinical impact and to provide equitable access to treatment across cultures. Culturally attuned adaptations are recommended across the eight phases of EMDR interventions and examples are provided. The power of cultural resources is emphasized. The need for social connection and characteristics of social information processing are offered to enrich the EMDR Adaptive Information Processing model and inform the assessment and treatment of social and culturally based trauma.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

Purchase/Subscription Required

Nickerson, M. (2025). EMDR therapy in a cultural, global context: Cultural adaptability. In D. P. Farrell, S. J. Schubert, & M. D. Kiernan (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of EMDR therapy. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192898357.013.31

Book Information

—Description from publisher