Utilizing responsive evaluation to explore EMDR as a culturally responsive model of therapy across Asia

Traditional therapy models often reflect Western values and norms and may be inappropriate for use with many non-Western cultures. Worldwide, therapists are beginning to examine how they can make these models culturally sensitive to minorities, immigrants, and non-Western clients; however, it is time to go beyond “being aware,” understanding and appreciating differences, and adapting individual interventions to actively responding to the needs of their clients by using models that have theoretical underpinnings, underlying assumptions, and basic tenets that are consistent with those of non-Western clients (Carlson, 1999) and promote social justice for those clients, their families, and the surrounding communities. This paper suggests the use of responsive evaluation to explore Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a culturally responsive therapy. Responsive evaluation can be used to consider each unique client and therapist context, culture, power, needs, and beliefs, and family and individual needs in determining a culturally responsive model of therapy. In this presentation, we provide therapists and scholars a model for offering culturally responsive EMDR therapy and research using responsive evaluation as a framework. An in-depth description of responsive evaluation will be provided, and explanations and examples of how it is consistent with the goals and theories underlying culturally responsive therapy will be given. Finally, concrete suggestions of how EMDR clinicians and scholars can apply this methodology will be provided. As the EMDR continues to be taught and used across Asia, it is crucial that we continue to observe and respond to the needs of clients throughout Asia.

Conference

English

Desiree M. Seponski
J. Maria Bermudez
Denise C. Lewis

Seponski, D. M., Bermudez, J. M., & Lewis, D. C. (2010, July). Utilizing responsive evaluation to explore EMDR as a culturally responsive model of therapy across Asia. Poster presented at the 1st EMDR Asia Conference, Bali, Indonesia