IEDTA Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As EDT therapists and trainers we value all people. In this regard, IEDTA is committed to examining issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at all levels of our community. As in all human endeavors, we recognize the blind spots in our organization with regard to DEI. We will seek to improve diversity, equality, and inclusion in clinical care, training, and research. We are exploring inequitable power dynamics and forms of oppression and marginalization with humility, openness, and accountability.

IEDTA therapies could play a powerful role in individual healing from the experiences of oppression and marginalization through experiential emotion processing. We are working towards increasing racial diversity and inclusiveness to marginalized groups.

The Diversity Committee is now a permanent Committee of the IEDTA, dedicated to facilitating member inclusivity and more effective clinical practice for all manifestations of intersectional identity, i.e. the overlap of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, socio-economic status, religion/spirituality, and ability.

The IEDTA Board is taking steps to

• gather feedback from our community regarding our members' experience of marginalization and inclusivity;
• receive education and training in equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• make structural changes to the organization that will facilitate consistent communication and accountability regarding DEI issues including education;
• and incorporate a special topic on diversity at the 2022 IEDTA conference.

We welcome IEDTA therapists interested in joining these efforts. If you are interested, please email diversity@IEDTA.net.