EMDR Therapy Quarterly

What a rich and nourishing conference, with the values of the Association clearly radiating through the presentations. As shared by Russell Hurn, President of EMDR UK Association and an active member of the EDI Committee, creating a place of belonging, collaborative development, and growth is central to his vision for the next two years. 

The EDI Committee has been focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion across the Association for the past four years, since its genesis and establishment as a formal committee within the Association. The committee reports to, supports, and advises the Board on EDI practice. While we are still in our infancy, we have witnessed significant change in just four years, achieved through the dedication of volunteers serving as committee and board members. We would like to commend and thank all Association volunteers for their continued commitment. 

It was wonderful to connect with colleagues both nationally and internationally at the conference. I had the pleasure of chairing Peter Pruyn’s presentation and spending time getting to know Karsten R. Böhm, Silva Neves, and Amal Wartalska over the two days. It was also a pleasure to meet Eugene Ellis, the founder of The Black African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN), who was invited to attend the conference by Russell Hurn. It was wonderful to meet other members of BAATN too. The conference brought together a host of diverse, thought‑provoking, and challenging perspectives. 

Conference 2026 

The 2026 Bristol conference featured: 

• Silva Neves, presenting on relationships, gender, and sexuality 

• Amal Wartalska, presenting on socially inflicted trauma, which she introduced in the special EDI edition (April 2024) 

• Peter Pruyn, an ally and advocate for women’s and reproductive health, exploring how menstrual pain can be addressed using EMDR 

The science and research committee (SRC) presentation similarly encouraged further research and called on attendees to share case studies and research findings. We noted that the presentation on psychosis underrepresented those from minoritised groups who are often over‑represented within mental health services. Once again, minoritised communities risk being marginalised or perceived as ‘hard to reach’ when in fact may be ‘easy to ignore’. The EDI Committee strongly encourages members to report on their work in the form of research, case studies, and presentations, particularly if you are working with marginalised and silenced groups in your services. You can also reach out to the SRC and EDI committee to discuss this further and share your views. 

The SRC and Dean Whybrow (ETQ Editor) are keen to hear your stories and research. Dean is happy to support submissions, and the SRC is also willing to assist where possible. 

Recruitment: join the EDI Committee 

We are currently recruiting two additional members to join the EDI Committee who are committed to EDI practice and research. Please find the link below for further information and how to apply: 

EDI Committee recruitment

A multimedia approach and having a voice 

As you are aware, the Association is committed to a multimedia approach to both supporting and listening to our membership. The EDI Committee continues to source and deliver content with a particular focus on working with marginalised and underserved groups, adapting and developing EMDR practice. 

If you are an EMDR therapist, practitioner, consultant, or trainer and would like to contribute, we would be delighted to hear from you. 

Please reach out to: 

• Dean Whybrow with ETQ contributions or publication ideas 

• Heena Chudasama for webinar ideas and conference contributions 

• Russ Hurn for podcast ideas 

We would also welcome your suggestions for conference topics and speakers related to equality, diversity, inclusion, and social Justice. 

Extraordinary stories 

The EDI Committee would love to hear about your work, or from clients who may wish to share their extraordinary stories. Contributions can take the form of podcasts or written pieces for the ETQ. 

We are actively seeking interviews to help amplify lived experiences and share stories of how EMDR is being used around the world. Our approach is intentionally collaborative and co‑produced. 

Extraordinary stories podcast series 

Please contact us if you are interested in being involved or have a story to share. 

Awareness days 

We aim to work with Special Interest Groups and Regional Groups to highlight awareness days and months. Aisha Docrat will be leading this work. While we may not be able to promote every event, highlighted topics will be rotated. 

If you have any queries, please contact Emma Mullins Crocker. Katy Bell will also continue to support and promote the work in this area. 

Accessible answerphone 

To increase accessibility, the Association’s answerphone has been live since May 2023. 

Accessible answerphone: 0151 372 6802 

This service is available for members who are unable to email. Please note that it is not monitored at weekends or during holiday periods, and responses may take a few days. 

If possible, please email admin@emdrassociation.org.uk 

A process of reasonable adjustments and mitigating circumstances is available to members. Please contact admin to be directed to the appropriate person. 

Heena Chudasama 

HChudasama@emdrassociation.org.uk 

EDI Committee Past Chairperson 

EDI Committee member