An African-Centered Perspective on Bilateral Stimulation and Healing

Course overview

The four healing arts of drumming, dancing, storytelling, and silence are the foundational practices in indigenous approaches to healing. This presentation specifically explores the rich tradition of drumming and dancing, both bilateral practices, in African cultures. Content is also delivered, with an experiential component, on story telling and silence. Historical, anthropological, and psychological connections are explained, with numerous opportunities to connect personally with the material. Implications for EMDR therapists, specifically in our ever-evolving inquiry on mechanisms of action in EMDR therapy are discussed. Themes of empowerment for BIPOC clients are highlighted through cultural connection and attunement, specifically through the practice of self-tapping or personal drumming within EMDR therapy as options for BLS/DAS. Supporting BIPOC clients in exploring the connection to their indigenous origins, and the healing practices that accompany those origins, can be critical to the trauma recovery process. Participants will also have a chance to discuss the content in small breakout groups that challenge them to consider the role of the EMDR therapist as an agent of change in a diverse world. This day- long course is led by the teaching wisdom of Dr. Kellie Kirksey, an African American EMDR and expressive arts therapist with extensive training and personal practice in the healing traditions of African and India. EMDR therapy author/ trainer and expressive arts therapy trainer Dr. Jamie Marich joins to offer her commentary from an EMDR therapy perspective. The co-presentation components will offer participants a model for how therapists can better serve their BIPOC clients in trauma-focused care.