Bridging Worlds: EMDR Therapy, Neurodiversity, and Perinatal Mental Health
05/15/25 • 69 min
In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, neurodiversity-affirming care, and perinatal mental health. Join us as we dive deep into how trauma-informed, affirming approaches can transform care for neurodivergent individuals navigating pregnancy, birth, and post-partum experiences. With our three guests, all of whom are neurodivergent, EMDR Certified Therapists and Consultants in Training Erin Wheeler and Skylar Ibarra, and EMDR Certified Therapist, Approved Consultant Jane Kosloff, we unpack:
- How EMDR can support trauma healing in the perinatal period
- The unique challenges and strengths neurodivergent people may face during pregnancy and parenthood
- What does it mean to offer truly affirming care that respects sensory needs, communication styles, and identity
- Practical insights for therapists, birth workers, and healthcare providers looking to support clients through a neurodivergent and trauma-informed lens.
Whether you're a clinician, a new parent, or someone passionate about inclusive mental health, this conversation provides a compassionate and enlightening exploration of the intersections between neuroscience, identity, and healing.
Resources
- What Is EMDR Therapy?
- Online EMDR Therapy Resources
- Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
- The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
- EMDR Therapy and Neurodiversity, Go With That MagazineTM , Volume 30, Issue 1, Q1/Winter 2025, EMDRIA (members only)
- Myth Busters: Myths Standing Between EMDR Practitioners and their Autistic and ADHD Clients | Part 1, Focal Point Blog, March 21, 2025, EMDR International Association
- Myth Busters: Myths Standing Between EMDR Practitioners and their Autistic and ADHD Clients | Part 2, Focal Point Blog, April 18, 2025, EMDR International Association
- Neurodiversity Affirming EMDR Group on Facebook (licensed professionals only)
- EMDRIATM Online Perinatal Community and Neurodiversity Community (members only)
- Thomas Zimmerman
- Understanding the Neurodiversity-Affirming Philosophy of Care Course, Touchstone Institute, with this episode's guests, on demand
- EMDRIATM Library
Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.
In this powerful episode, we explore the intersection of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, neurodiversity-affirming care, and perinatal mental health. Join us as we dive deep into how trauma-informed, affirming approaches can transform care for neurodivergent individuals navigating pregnancy, birth, and post-partum experiences. With our three guests, all of whom are neurodivergent, EMDR Certified Therapists and Consultants in Training Erin Wheeler and Skylar Ibarra, and EMDR Certified Therapist, Approved Consultant Jane Kosloff, we unpack:
- How EMDR can support trauma healing in the perinatal period
- The unique challenges and strengths neurodivergent people may face during pregnancy and parenthood
- What does it mean to offer truly affirming care that respects sensory needs, communication styles, and identity
- Practical insights for therapists, birth workers, and healthcare providers looking to support clients through a neurodivergent and trauma-informed lens.
Whether you're a clinician, a new parent, or someone passionate about inclusive mental health, this conversation provides a compassionate and enlightening exploration of the intersections between neuroscience, identity, and healing.
Resources
- What Is EMDR Therapy?
- Online EMDR Therapy Resources
- Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
- The Journal of EMDR Practice & Research®
- EMDR Therapy and Neurodiversity, Go With That MagazineTM , Volume 30, Issue 1, Q1/Winter 2025, EMDRIA (members only)
- Myth Busters: Myths Standing Between EMDR Practitioners and their Autistic and ADHD Clients | Part 1, Focal Point Blog, March 21, 2025, EMDR International Association
- Myth Busters: Myths Standing Between EMDR Practitioners and their Autistic and ADHD Clients | Part 2, Focal Point Blog, April 18, 2025, EMDR International Association
- Neurodiversity Affirming EMDR Group on Facebook (licensed professionals only)
- EMDRIATM Online Perinatal Community and Neurodiversity Community (members only)
- Thomas Zimmerman
- Understanding the Neurodiversity-Affirming Philosophy of Care Course, Touchstone Institute, with this episode's guests, on demand
- EMDRIATM Library
Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.
Previous Episode
Navigating Thorny Topics: How Social Media Influences Us in the EMDR Therapy Room
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the intersection of social media, thorny topics, and the practice of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Social media can amplify sensitive issues, creating emotional triggers that can seep into the therapeutic space. How do EMDR therapists approach these thorny topics—sensitive, triggering, or uncomfortable subjects—while maintaining a safe and supportive environment?
With EMDRIA Certified TherapistTM and Approved ConsultantTM Rotem Brayer, we explore the challenges that EMDR therapists face when dealing with topics that are often shaped or influenced by online discourse, such as identity, cancel culture, political divides, and trauma responses. How do therapists navigate these conversations when social media discussions have left deep emotional marks on clients?
Join us as we unpack the ethical considerations, techniques, and strategies used in the EMDR therapy room to address these complex issues while protecting the therapeutic relationship. Featuring expert insights, real-life examples, and thoughtful discussion, this episode offers valuable takeaways for clinicians and those navigating their healing journeys.
Please tune in for a deep dive into how we can maintain empathy, safety, and healing in the age of digital influence.
Resources
- What Is EMDR Therapy?
- Introduction to EMDR Therapy (video), EMDRIA, 2020
- Focal Point Blog
- EMDRIATM Library
- EMDRIATM Practice Resources
- EMDRIA Foundation
- EMDR Learning Community (Clinicians Only)
- Brayer, R. (2023). The Art and Science of EMDR: Helping Clinicians Bridge the Path from Protocol to Practice
- Dent, A. (2025). Using Spirituality in EMDR Therapy. Taylor & Francis.
- Newport, Cal. (2020). Digital minimalism: on living better with less technology . Penguin Business.
- Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.
- Netflix (2020). Social Dilemma [Documentary Social Dilemma].
- Follow @EMDRIA on X, @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay
Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.
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