Healing Behind Bars: EMDR Therapy for Incarcerated Individuals

This thought-provoking episode explores the transformative potential of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for incarcerated individuals. Join us as we delve into the unique challenges faced by those in prison, including trauma, mental health struggles, and the stigma of incarceration. 1.8 million people are incarcerated in the U.S., and each year, 650,000 people reenter society and return to their communities. Many have high ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences Scores) and childhood neglect histories, contributing to the likelihood of reoffending.

We speak with Dr. Sandra Paulsen and Ret. Lt. Ken Gardner, a 34-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department who became an EMDR therapist, discusses how this innovative therapy can help inmates process traumatic experiences and foster resilience. Tune in to understand the significance of mental health support for those behind bars and the hopeful possibilities that EMDR therapy can offer in breaking the cycle of trauma and recidivism. Whether you are a mental health advocate, a corrections professional, or simply curious about this approach, this episode will inspire you to reconsider the narrative around rehabilitation and healing in the justice system.

Resources

• The EMDR Therapy butterfly hug method for self-administered bilateral stimulation, Jarero, I., & Artigas, L. (2021), Iberoamerican Journal of Psychotraumatology and Dissociation, 10(1).
• How does bilateral stimulation work in EMDR therapy? [video], Miller, P. (2023). Mirabilis Health Institute
• EMDR Therapy for PTSD, Focal Point Blog, June 14, 2024, discusses the ACEs Study. 
• Behind Locked Doors: EMDR Therapists Working with Incarcerated People to Intervene in Generational Trauma and Relieve Suffering [online course for EMDR therapists], The Steve Frankel Group, LLC, EMDRIA Credit Provider.
• Dr. Sandra Paulsen's books mentioned during this episode. 
• Dr. Jaak Panksepp, Panksepp, J., and Biven, L. (2012). The Archaeology of Mind: Neuroevolutionary Origins of Human Emotion. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• Focal Point Blog
• EMDRIA Library 
• EMDRIA Practice Resources
• EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist Directory lists more than 16,000 EMDR therapists.
• Follow @EMDRIA on X,  @EMDR_IA on Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.