There is an increasing awareness of the critical need to understand culture and societal context within the field of trauma intervention. With this comes the need to refine trauma conceptualization, terminology and treatment methods. This presentation offers the term culturally based trauma and adversity (CBTA) to distinguish trauma in which social, cultural or societal circumstances are a primary source of adverse consequences. Within this framework, ten distinct types of CBTA are presented along with specific examples. The sharper recognition of dimensions of CBTA can better affirm client experiences, improve assessment, clinical planning, and treatment outcomes. The term culturally based strengths and opportunities (CBSO) is also introduced to affirm culturally linked resources and resilience in the face of adversity. Considerations for the further recognition of CBTA within the field of trauma intervention are discussed. Overall, the presentation seeks to engage a collective effort to expand and advance EMDR effectiveness with CBTA.
Presented By:
Mark Nickerson, LICSW - Moderator
