
Healing Beyond Boundaries: Culturally Sensitive EMDR Therapy
04/15/25 • 29 min
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
- EMDRIATM Library
- EMDRIATM 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 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
- EMDRIATM Library
- EMDRIATM 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.
Previous Episode

EMDR Therapy for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Clients
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
- EMDRIATM Library
- EMDRIATM 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.
Next 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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