What is EMDR?

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.

Reference: the EMDR International Association

What is Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS)?

The effects of various types of negative racial events and the accompanying psychological impact, most often in the context of stress and trauma-related symptoms (Carter, 2007, 2016; Carter & Pieterse, 2020). Based on the work of Robert T. Carter and Colleagues.

Also referred to as Racial Trauma as defined by the Veterans Administration.

Here is a PDF on Race-Based Traumatic Stress from the Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.