EMDR therapy in a cultural, global context: EMDR therapy interventions for culturally based trauma and adversity
This chapter advocates for the greater recognition of Culturally Based Trauma and Adversity (CBTA) within the field of trauma-informed treatment in general as well as within EMDR therapy.
Chapter Abstract
“This chapter advocates for the greater recognition of Culturally Based Trauma and Adversity (CBTA) within the field of trauma-informed treatment in general as well as within EMDR therapy. A primary premise of this chapter is that the pervasiveness of CBTA is vast, under-recognized, and disproportionally undertreated within trauma treatment services. A proposed definition of CBTA acknowledges the stress, suffering, and internalized psychophysiological injury caused by social, cultural, and societal dynamics. Ten specific themes of CBTA are described. Understanding the characteristics within these themes can help clinicians better assess when CBTA is a primary or secondary cause of an individual’s clinically significant mental health symptoms and stressors. Acknowledging a person’s difficulties as consequences of societal conditions and context can reduce self-blame and open avenues for resiliency building. As an evidence-based trauma intervention, CBTA informed EMDR therapy can be used as an intervention to relieve the impact of CBTA and build resilience. However, this requires active inclusion of CBTA criteria in clinical assessment and treatment focus. Additionally, culturally attuned treatment methods and a commitment to equitable service provision to diverse populations is required to provide sufficient and accessible trauma treatment to address the global reality of culturally based trauma and adversity.”
—Description from publisher
Chapter Access
Purchase/Subscription Required
Nickerson, M. (2025). EMDR therapy in a cultural, global context: EMDR therapy interventions for culturally based trauma and adversity. 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/9780192898357.013.60
Book Information
About the Book
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—Description from publisher
—Description from publisher
Date
November 19, 2025
Creator(s)
Mark Nickerson
Client Population
Racial/Cultural/Ethnic Groups
Practice & Methods
AIP, Case Conceptualization, DEI/IDEA, Efficacy, Your EMDR Practice
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Rights
Copyright © Oxford University Press 2025
APA Citation
Nickerson, M. (2025). EMDR therapy in a cultural, global context: EMDR therapy interventions for culturally based trauma and adversity. 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/9780192898357.013.60
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Chapter
Access Type
External Resource
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