EMDR Therapy Quarterly

In conversation with Heena Chudasama (Chair of the EDI Committee) earlier this month, she brought to my awareness that this issue of ETQ coincides with Black History Month and World Menopause Awareness Month. As I write today (18th October) “it is not only world menopause day but anti-slavery day too. Those who are part of the global majority (Campbell-Stephens, 2009)  i.e. people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and those who have been racialised as ethnic minorities, are amongst some of whom are particularly highlighted this month. According to the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) globally, these groups currently represent approximately 80% of the world’s population, making them the global majority now.”

I am particularly pleased then that the headline article for this issue by Olatunde Spence addresses issues about racism and racial trauma within our Association and wider within our profession. I agree with another of my correspondents that these and other issues of EDI should be talked about every month and not just confined to one month and then ignored. I am in the process of re-writing the instructions for authors and will in future be asking contributors to provide evidence of their reflective consideration to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion in their work, whether it is research, practice or opinion. As Heena says “this is important in ensuring that content is equitable and representative of all people and communities.”

I am also pleased to announce that the Spring 2024 issue will be dedicated solely to EDI topics. I am interested in hearing from anyone who is researching this area, from clients or therapists. Even if you just have a kernel of an idea, please do get in touch and let’s see if we can have a bumper issue that speaks to more people.

Also in this issue is a powerful piece by Oleen Miranda-Stone. She reports on the outcomes of a pilot service to address underlying trauma rather than symptoms in the revolving door group of clients who have experienced adverse childhood events. The reduction in PTSD scores and the concomitant improvement in functioning is statistically and clinically significant.

Thankfully, we have colleagues looking out for us too and Lee Anna Simmons and Oliver Wright have generously shared their training expertise and personal learning on recognising and preventing vicarious trauma. A new feature in this issue is called “you might also be interested in…” It appears at the bottom of each article and links to similar articles from past or present issues. Lee and Oliver have produced a comprehensive list of self-care resources which can be found at the bottom of their article. Similarly, Martina Leeven, in her Climate Change SIG update has produced a list of climate change resources.

It is good to see new writers contributing such as Romy Sherlock from the EMDR and Pain SIG  and our book reviewers this month Sonya Farrell and Andrew Wilkinson who reviews Robin Logie’s new book on EMDR supervision.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and I welcome feedback and contributions.

editor@emdrassociation.org.uk