EMDR & Racial Identity

As an EMDR therapist, I resource my BIPOC clients in various ways. First, I help them explore their racial identity, including their attitudes and beliefs about it and when and how their beliefs differ. I also use a culturally specific version of EMDR and other culturally sensitive interventions to help them understand and strengthen their racial identity. Overall, I enjoy helping my BlPOC clients identify external resources that serve and don’t serve their positive racial identity. We explore how they can limit their exposure to 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, and poetry), cultural celebration and joy, and opportunities to show strength, including service, leadership, and character, 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).

Article Source: 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