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Chapter 7: Dismantling Prejudice with EMDR Therapy

DOI:

10.1891/9780826163424.0007

Authors

  • Nickerson, Mark

Abstract

This chapter explores applications of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to dismantle social prejudice. A fundamental contributor to culturally based trauma and adversity (CBTA) is social prejudice as it fuels discrimination and the mistreatment of others. A broad approach to reducing CBTA must include addressing social prejudice and systemic oppression. This chapter provides an extensive review of the research within the field of social psychology, including discussion of social information processing that contributes to in-group and out-group bias and can inform the EMDR Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. EMDR originator Francine Shapiro’s teachings are highlighted as they depict distorted perception consistent with social prejudice. Evidence-based strategies for treating social prejudice beyond EMDR therapy are included. The chapter features the author’s methods which have been used and developed for over 15 years within the EMDR treatment model. These include resource-based methods to reduce bias as well as reprocessing strategies. A protocol for dismantling social prejudice is described with an adaptation that introduces the use of negative and positive externalized cognitions (ENC/EPC) to aid with useful clinical modifications. Clinical examples and a review of research conducted with EMDR clinicians depict the capacity of EMDR methods to reduce social prejudice and discriminatory behaviors.