We explore the intersection of culture and trauma healing through the lens of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Our guest expert, EMDR Certified Therapist, Trainer and Consultant, Jessica Crunkleton, LMFT, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, CADAC II, shares insights into how EMDR, a powerful therapeutic approach, can be adapted to be culturally sensitive, ensuring that clients from diverse backgrounds feel seen, understood, and respected throughout their healing journey.

We delve into the importance of cultural awareness in trauma therapy, addressing how different cultural beliefs, values, and experiences influence the healing process. From understanding cultural nuances to integrating cultural competence into EMDR practices, this conversation provides valuable tools for clinicians and educators.

Whether you are a mental health professional looking to enhance your practice or someone curious about how therapy can better align with your cultural identity, this episode offers meaningful perspectives on fostering inclusivity and healing in trauma therapy. Please tune in to learn how culturally sensitive EMDR therapy can empower individuals to overcome trauma in ways that honor their unique cultural stories. 

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
• Antiracism Resources, EMDRIA 2020
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

In this insightful episode, we explore the unique challenges faced by caregivers of neurodivergent individuals and how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can provide critical support. Our guest, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant Christine MacInnis, LMFT,  discusses how this therapeutic approach can help caregivers process trauma, manage stress, and enhance their emotional resilience.

Whether you are a parent, family member, or professional caregiver, this episode offers valuable information on how EMDR can help you navigate the complexities of caregiving while maintaining your well-being. Tune in for practical insights on balancing compassion with self-care, and learn how EMDR can unlock emotional healing for caregivers in the neurodivergent community.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Society UK 
• PDA North America
• Neurodiversity Affirming EMDR Group on Facebook (licensed professionals only)
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

In this episode, we dive into the power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an innovative approach to transforming how professionals in high-stress careers cope with trauma and emotional strain. From first responders and healthcare workers to corporate leaders and military personnel, those in high-pressure jobs often carry a heavy emotional burden. EMDR has been shown to effectively reduce the lasting impact of traumatic experiences, helping individuals process and heal from stress-related trauma.

Our guest, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Consultant Christopher Brown, LCSW,  shares insights on how this technique works, why it’s especially beneficial for those in high-stress professions, and how it can help individuals build resilience, improve mental health, and enhance performance. Whether in a demanding career or simply looking for ways to manage stress more effectively, this episode offers valuable tips on maintaining mental wellness in today’s fast-paced world. Tune in to learn how EMDR could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more balanced mindset.

Resources

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
• Christopher Brown's Decision Tree
• Neurobiological correlates of EMDR monitoring - an EEG study, (Pagani study mentioned), Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Rome, Italy.
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy for healing spiritual trauma. Many individuals experience profound emotional pain and confusion from harmful religious/spiritual/cult experiences, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and disillusionment. We explore how EMDR can help process and reframe these traumatic memories, allowing individuals to regain a sense of peace and spiritual well-being. Through expert insights from EMDR Certified Therapist, Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Jamie Marich, LPCC-S, REAT, RYt-500, we uncover how this therapeutic approach can guide individuals on a journey of healing, self-empowerment, and reclaiming their relationship with spirituality. Please tune in to learn how EMDR offers a path to overcoming spiritual wounds and finding deeper meaning in your personal faith journey.

Resources

• You Lied to Me about God: A Memoir
• The EMDR Learning Community, Rotem Brayer
• EMDR Therapy for Religious and Spiritual Trauma, Let's Talk EMDR Podcast, Season 2, Episode 22,  EMDRIA, Nov 2023
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

In this episode, we dive into how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can effectively treat sleep disorders. Many people struggle with sleep due to trauma, anxiety, or unresolved emotional issues. EMDR, a well-known therapy for trauma, has proven to help individuals break free from the cycle of sleeplessness caused by these factors.

Our guest experts, EMDR therapist Dr. Jaan Reitav and psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Celeste Thirwell explain the science behind EMDR therapy and how it can help reprocess distressing memories and emotions that disrupt sleep patterns. We discuss how EMDR calms the nervous system, reduces hyperarousal, and promotes healthier sleep habits.

Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, nightmares, or anxiety-driven sleep disturbances, this episode will provide valuable insights into how EMDR therapy can be a transformative tool for achieving restful, restorative sleep.

Tune in to learn how this innovative therapy can help you sleep better and wake up refreshed.

Resources

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• Sleep Foundation 
• Putting Trauma to Sleep 
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

We delve into the essential role of advanced resourcing techniques within Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating addictions and compulsions. Our guest, EMDR Certified Therapist Gerard Ilaria, LCSW, shares insights on how EMDR’s resourcing phase can help create safe, stable, and adaptive emotional resources for clients struggling with addictive behaviors.

We discuss how integrating these advanced resourcing techniques allows therapists to build clients' internal strength and resilience, providing them with coping mechanisms that support long-term recovery. The episode explores the science behind resourcing, practical strategies for EMDR practitioners, and real-world examples of how these approaches have transformed clients' therapeutic journeys.

Whether you are an experienced EMDR therapist or beginning to explore its potential for addiction treatment, this episode will deepen your understanding of the vital role resourcing plays in healing deep-rooted compulsions and behaviors. Tune in for an in-depth conversation that offers both theoretical frameworks and practical tools to enhance your EMDR practice.

Resources

• Addictions Toolkit (login req)
• OnDemand Library for Summit and Conference sessions and continuing education credit
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• EMDR Therapy and Addictions Episode with Julie Miller, Let's Talk EMDR Podcast, September 1, 2022
• EMDR Therapy, Addictions & Mindfulness with Dr. Stephen Dansiger, Let's Talk EMDR Podcast, September 15, 2022
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful therapeutic technique, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), focusing on how it can help young adults navigate the complexities of mental health. From trauma to anxiety, depression, and past emotional wounds, EMDR offers a unique approach to healing by unlocking the brain’s ability to process and heal from distressing memories. Our guest, EMDR Certified Therapist Elyse M. Kaplan, explains how it works, its benefits, and why it is especially effective for young adults who may be struggling with unresolved trauma or current life stressors. We also discuss real-life stories of myths that she has counteracted with her clients. Learn about healing and recovery, hope, and practical insights for those considering EMDR as a path toward mental wellness. Whether you are a young adult or someone supporting a loved one, this episode is a valuable resource for understanding the transformative potential of EMDR therapy.

Tune in to learn how EMDR can help you reclaim emotional balance and find a healthier, happier life.

Resources 

• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Online EMDR Therapy Resources
• Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
• EMDR therapy may help with trauma and anxiety. What you need to know. The Washington Post, July 14, 2023. 
• The Counseling Center Group's EMDR Therapy page
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 17,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of trauma, migration, and healing through the lens of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Our guest, EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant Liliana Baylon, LMFT-S, RPT-S, an expert in trauma-informed care, discusses how EMDR can help migrants process and overcome the deep psychological scars often associated with displacement, displacement, and the search for a new life. From the harrowing experiences of war and violence to the challenges of resettlement and cultural adaptation, EMDR therapy offers a unique approach to help individuals heal from traumatic memories and rebuild their emotional well-being.

We dive into the science behind EMDR, its global impact, and how mental health professionals are adapting the therapy for diverse cultural contexts. Whether you're a mental health professional, a migrant, or someone simply curious about trauma recovery, this episode provides valuable insights into the healing process for those facing the challenges of global migration. Join us as we discuss practical tools, inspiring success stories, and the hope that lies within the therapeutic process. 

• How EMDR therapy works and its effectiveness in trauma recovery
• Understanding the specific trauma faced by migrants and refugees
• The role of cultural sensitivity and adaptation in EMDR therapy
• Real-world success stories from migrant communities
• Practical advice for mental health practitioners working with diverse populations

Please tune in to learn more about how EMDR therapy is transforming the lives of migrants around the world and empowering them to move past the trauma of displacement.

Resources

• EMDRIA™ Toolkits (log-in req on most items)
  • Children's Toolkit
• Ana Gomez, MC, LPC, website 
• Jackie Flynn, EdS, LMHC-S, RPT-S website
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA™ Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist® Directory lists more than 16,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA™ Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

We explore the powerful role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in helping veterans heal from trauma, PTSD, and the invisible wounds of war. We sit down with Dr. Timothy Vermillion, a veteran and  EMDR Certified therapist for the Veterans Administration (VA), to discuss how EMDR can offer life-changing results for those struggling with the aftereffects of combat and military service.

We’ll also explore veterans' challenges when navigating the VA, from securing mental health care to understanding the complex processes and systems in place to support them. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or someone who works with veterans, this episode offers valuable insights into how EMDR therapy works, how it can be accessed, and how the VA is evolving to better meet the needs of those who’ve served.

Listen in for:

• What is EMDR therapy, and how does it help veterans process traumatic memories?
• Common struggles veterans face when seeking mental health care
• How to navigate the VA system and access the support you need
• Personal stories of veterans who’ve found healing through EMDR

If you or someone you know is a veteran seeking support, this episode provides practical information, expert advice, and inspiration for the road to healing.

Resources

• U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs 
• National Center for PTSD
• EMDR for PTSD, National Center for PTSD video (whiteboard), YouTube, 2018
• The Development and Uses of Blind to Therapists EMDR Protocol, The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research, 2013, 7(2), 95–105.
• Call Sign Wizard Podcast
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA Library 
• EMDRIA Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist Directory lists more than 16,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
• EMDRIA Foundation

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.

This thought-provoking episode explores the transformative potential of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for incarcerated individuals. Join us as we delve into the unique challenges faced by those in prison, including trauma, mental health struggles, and the stigma of incarceration. 1.8 million people are incarcerated in the U.S., and each year, 650,000 people reenter society and return to their communities. Many have high ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences Scores) and childhood neglect histories, contributing to the likelihood of reoffending.

We speak with Dr. Sandra Paulsen and Ret. Lt. Ken Gardner, a 34-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department who became an EMDR therapist, discusses how this innovative therapy can help inmates process traumatic experiences and foster resilience. Tune in to understand the significance of mental health support for those behind bars and the hopeful possibilities that EMDR therapy can offer in breaking the cycle of trauma and recidivism. Whether you are a mental health advocate, a corrections professional, or simply curious about this approach, this episode will inspire you to reconsider the narrative around rehabilitation and healing in the justice system.

Resources

• The EMDR Therapy butterfly hug method for self-administered bilateral stimulation, Jarero, I., & Artigas, L. (2021), Iberoamerican Journal of Psychotraumatology and Dissociation, 10(1).
• How does bilateral stimulation work in EMDR therapy? [video], Miller, P. (2023). Mirabilis Health Institute
• EMDR Therapy for PTSD, Focal Point Blog, June 14, 2024, discusses the ACEs Study. 
• Behind Locked Doors: EMDR Therapists Working with Incarcerated People to Intervene in Generational Trauma and Relieve Suffering [online course for EMDR therapists], The Steve Frankel Group, LLC, EMDRIA Credit Provider.
• Dr. Sandra Paulsen's books mentioned during this episode. 
• Dr. Jaak Panksepp, Panksepp, J., and Biven, L. (2012). The Archaeology of Mind: Neuroevolutionary Origins of Human Emotion. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA Library 
• EMDRIA Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist Directory lists more than 16,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.