EMDR Therapy Quarterly

We are now in autumn, a season that has brought with it many global developments. Many people are feeling displaced and unsafe. Once again, we are reminded that those who are marginalised are often the most vulnerable, and they continue to experience this reality across the world.

We acknowledge the recent demonstration and the broader conversation it has sparked around equity, justice and the lived experiences of people of colour in the UK. These events have deeply affected many in our community, including our members, clients and colleagues.

As an association dedicated to equality, diversity and inclusion, we reaffirm our stance against all forms of discrimination and injustice. We stand in solidarity with those impacted and recognise the importance of creating safe, respectful and inclusive spaces for healing and dialogue.

We would like to take this moment to reiterate our:

• EDI Policy: Our commitment to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion across all levels of our work. 
• Statement of Respect and Wellbeing: Our dedication to ensuring psychological safety and mutual respect for all. 
• Diversity and Cultural Awareness: Our ongoing efforts to challenge systemic inequities and promote cultural humility.

Statements

Our mission is to alleviate suffering and promote personal growth in those who have experienced trauma and other adverse life events by providing skilful, compassionate and effective EMDR therapy. Many members, both individually and collectively, have met with us and contact us, including a collective letter from 80 Association members regarding how the Association should comment on the conflict in Gaza. We appreciate and value members’ contact and time in collaborative working. The Board is trying to work collectively with our members, with guidance from our legal team in this area. As a charity, it is important that we do not take a political stance, but we also want to be able to support our members. Fiona Corbett, a member of the EDI Committee, has collated a list of resources for those impacted by or supporting those impacted by the conflict in Gaza. These can be found on the forum. The Board has also issued a statement regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Aisha Docrat is also working with some members of the Association to deliver a webinar relating to this complex area, providing a place and space for collaborative dialogue.  

Multimedia approach and having a voice

As you are aware, we aim to take a multimedia approach to both support and listen to our membership. The committee continues to source and deliver a multimedia approach, with a particular focus on working with marginalised and underserved groups, adapting and developing our EMDR practice. If this is something you could offer and you are an EMDR therapist, practitioner, consultant or trainer, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please reach out to:

• Dean Whybrow with contributions or to share ideas for publication in the ETQ.
• Heena Chudasama for webinar ideas and conference contributions.
• Russ Hurn for podcast ideas.

We would also like to hear about what you would like to see at the conference, including topics and speakers regarding equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice. Please contact Heena Chudasama.

CPD

A number of CPD events are available, which you can access here.

Regional groups (RGs) and special interest groups (SIGs)

Please connect with us to discuss collaborations in events that align with your SIG and RG.

Awareness days

We aim to work with SIGs to highlight awareness days and months. SIGs and RGs have already shared the events they would like to promote. Aisha Docrat will be leading this with SIGs and RGs. While we may not be able to promote every suggested event, we will rotate the highlighted topic.

In the meantime, please contact Emma Mullins Crocker with any questions. Katy Bell and David Leck will also be working with the Association to support and promote the work in this area.

Bursary to come

The Association has agreed to offer some bursaries to support access to standard EMDR training, child and adolescent EMDR training, relevant books and clinical supervision. We are currently developing a process and would welcome support from any member with experience of bursary and grant application procedures. Please email Heena Chudasama.

Accessible event guidance

Guidance on accessible event planning has been shared on the forum. Where possible, this will be added to the EDI webpage along with other resources.

Forum

The EMDR UK Forum is a great place to share ideas, experiences and resources. The Association aims to develop a safe space to explore issues relating to EDI, while working towards fully integrating EDI throughout the forum. Fiona Corbett and Karen Crowe regularly share resources on the EDI section of the forum.

Join the Board

It is now time to start considering nominations for joining the EMDR UK Association Board. I asked members to start thinking about this as a real option. It is important that the Board represents the diversity of our membership, and as such, I request that members volunteer to join the Board. The Board secretary, Louise Mackinney, will send an invitation for nominations to all Association members. I would urge you to apply.

Accessible answerphone

To increase accessibility to the Association, an answerphone has been live since May 2023.

Accessible answerphone number: 0151 372 6802

This is an accessible answerphone line for those who cannot email the Association. The answerphone will not be monitored on weekends and during holiday periods. Please be mindful that queries will be responded to as soon as possible but may take a few days. If you are able to email, please do so at admin@emdrassocation.org.uk.

Please be aware there is a process of reasonable adjustments and mitigating circumstances that members can access. Please contact admin@emdrassociation.org.uk to be directed to the right person in relation to your query.

If you have any thoughts or concerns, or would like to contribute to the conversations, please get in contact or share your voice via:
 

Forum

Chair of the EDI committee: Emma Mullins Crocker

Heena Chudasama (She/Her)

HChudasama@emdrassociation.org.uk

Past Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee