Embracing EMDR as a Latina Clinician: Empowering BIPOC Clients on the Path to Healing

Embracing EMDR as a Latina Clinician: Empowering BIPOC Clients on the Path to Healing

As a Latina clinician, I have seen how trauma can deeply affect people from communities that are often overlooked. Since I was an intern, I have worked with people of color and immigrants who don’t have enough access to mental health services. Growing up, I had my own experiences with cultural and language barriers, so I understand the challenges my clients face when looking for mental health support. This personal connection made me want to learn about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.

EMDR is a type of therapy that has been proven to help with many mental health issues, like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. What makes EMDR special is that it helps clients process and integrate upsetting memories, which frees them from the emotional and physical responses that were holding them back.

In my work, I’ve found that EMDR is really effective at helping my clients of color who have experienced complex trauma. This could be from racial discrimination, the trauma of immigration and being displaced, or wounds that have been passed down through families. EMDR provides a powerful path for healing and feeling empowered.

One of the best things about EMDR is that it can work even when there are language and cultural barriers. It taps into the brain’s natural way of processing information, so clients can access and reprocess traumatic memories without a lot of talking. This has been life-changing for my clients who struggle to express themselves in a non-native language or who feel misunderstood by clinicians from a different background.

Through EMDR, I’ve seen my clients regain their sense of control, resilience, and self-worth. They’ve been able to let go of the debilitating shame and fear that once controlled them, and instead feel more autonomous and in charge of their own lives. For many, this has been a transformative journey, allowing them to break free from trauma and build a brighter future.

As a Latina clinician, I’m honored to guide my clients on this path of healing and growth. EMDR has not only empowered my clients of color, but it’s also deepened my own understanding of the unique challenges our communities face. By using EMDR, I can provide more culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care, which helps improve the well-being and empowerment of the people I work with.

In a world that often ignores or silences the voices of people of color, EMDR is a powerful tool for reclaiming one’s story and breaking free from trauma. As a Latina clinician, I’m committed to continuing this important work, using EMDR to create a more just, equitable, and healing-focused mental health system for all.

 

Written by: Danielle Mendez

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Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, LPC-S

Amber holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Oklahoma and holds Supervisor credential for Texas. Amber is an EMDRIA consultant and trainer. She has over a decade of experience in the trauma field in work with uniformed services, domestic violence, childhood trauma and abuse, and recent mass trauma events. Amber provides consultation for EMDRIA certification, for consultants-in-training, and supervision for LPC-Associates. Amber continues to research the benefits of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. Her goal is to help build strong clinicians who are well versed in trauma interventions to better support their clients. Amber sees a limited number of clients with a focus on trauma work, she is also a Certified Career Counselor and Certified through EAGALA to provide equine-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Jose Carbajal, LCSW

Dr. Jose Carbajal, a U.S. Army veteran, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a master’s in theological studies from Baylor University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive teaching experience, Jose specializes in trauma, sexual abuse recovery, domestic violence, and substance abuse. His research focuses on trauma interventions, neuroscience, and faith. He is EMDR Certified, an Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, with numerous publications and professional presentations to his name.

Dr. Amanda Martin, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN

Amanda Martin holds a PhD in Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. With over 14 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals and families in residential and outpatient settings. Amanda also provides supervision for EMDR certification, EMDR consultants-in-training, and LMFT-Associates. Her mission is to help people find a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling path in life. Her warm, supportive, and interactive counseling style incorporates Symbolic Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, HeartMath, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Collaborative Problem Solving.

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