EMDR & Racial Identity

As an EMDR therapist, I resource my BIPOC clients in a myriad of ways. I help them explore their racial identity, including their attitudes and beliefs about it. EMDR is particularly effective because it relaxes the amygdala and allows clients to process what’s troubling them. When we experience trauma (including racial trauma), the amygdala becomes activated and the memories get stored in the parts of our brain responsible for survival. That’s why when a person experiences racism, it can result in hyper vigilance and anxiety when they’re around people who resemble their perpetrators. EMDR cuts the time of talk therapy in half by allowing clients to process their memories somatically and mentally, henceforth alleviating them from hyper arousal and triggers. For my BIPOC clients, I use a culturally specific version of EMDR and other culturally sensitive interventions to help them strengthen their racial identity. I enjoy helping my BlPOC clients identify external resources that serve their positive racial identity. We explore how they can limit their exposure to racial stereotypes (especially negative ones) and identify positive images and messaging about their culture. Studies show that positive social support, creative cultural expression (art, movement, theatre), cultural celebration and opportunities to show strength, including service and leadership are protective factors that help support BIPOC folks racial identity.

For Your Reflection

1) What’s important to you about having a racial identity?

2) What messages about your racial identity have you received that still impact you today?  

3) What parts of your identity are most important to you? (ex: gender, spirituality, race, parent).

Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press. 

Turner, E. A., Harrell, S. P., & Bryant-Davis, T. (2022). Black Love, Activism, and Community (BLAC): The BLAC Model of Healing and Resilience. Journal of Black Psychology, 48(3-4), 547-568. https://doi.org/10.1177/00957984211018364