Culturally Relevant Trauma Therapy
Emdr Africa Conference 2025
Join the leading voices this October for transformative insights and networking.
Agenda
Conference registration Verification and Guest seating
Speech by the EMDR Global Alliance President Dr Andre Montiero, EMDR Africa and EMDR Uganda Representatives.
Cultural performance
Clinical presentation: Cultural adaptations in EMDR with children and adults in Africa.
Prof Femke Bannink Mbazzi & Anne Dewailly – EMDR Africa- Uganda /EMDR Europe
1. Aspects of the practice of EMDR therapy in Madagascar by • Dr. Hasina Andrianarivony Bakohariliva, EMDR Madagascar
2.Exploring EMDR therapists' perspectives and experiences in Nigeria by Aboh Ogbole, PhD student Ghent University, Nigerian Armed Defence Forces (online)
3. PTSD among healthcare professionals working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Cameroon by • RevFr. Dr. Siver Kibu, PhD student, Daystar University Kenya
Official Conference Photo
PTSD in refugees and displaced populations in East Africa using EMDR Therapy by Kizito Wamala & Joyce Laker – EMDR Uganda
Activity by Team EMDR Kenya
EMDR & psychosis by Prof David van den Berg – EMDR Europe – the Netherlands
Suki Jaffe
Clinical presentation – EMDR Four Field with children and adults by Dr Gisela Roth – EMDR Africa - Kenya
EMDR therapy with human rights defenders by Vivian Olgah Kudda Mukiibi – EMDR Uganda
1. Adverse Childhood Events in medical students in Ghana by Dr. Dzifa Abra Attah – University of Ghana
2. Efficacy of EMDR on post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety disorders among orphaned children in institutions of care in Kiambu county, Kenya by Dr. Arlene Nduku, PhD, EMDR Kenya
3. Exploring the impact of trauma on ADHD presentation and the efficacy of EMDR by Zawadi Kimari, PhD student, EMDR Kenya
PTSD and disgust after sexual violence, experiences from Botswana and Rwanda by Jannetta Bos – EMDR Europe – the Netherlands
Online livestream EMDR informed interventions for problematic anger and violent aggression by Dr. Mark Nickerson EMDRIA - USA
Team Uganda
Healing together: Dyadic EMDR in a case of cross-racial adoption by Suki Jaffe EMDR Africa South Africa
Tribute to Catherine Mbau by EMDR Africa and EMDR Kenya
Next steps for EMDR Africa - Panel Discussion by Dr. Gisela Roth, Alice Blanchard, Suki Jaffe, Rev.Dismas Bwesigye, Anne Dewailly – EMDR Africa Executive Committee
Closing remarks by Invited guest
Dinner, Cultural Night and Recognition of Partners
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Presenters
Dr. Gisela Roth
Presenter
Member Executive Board of EMDR Africa. Tumaini Counseling Centre in Nairobi. She served for 34 years in Africa. She is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, EMDR trainer and spiritual formator.
Dr. Dzifa Abra Attah
Presenter
Clinical psychologist teaches at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ghana Medical School. Attah has co-authored a number of publications in peer-reviewed journals, covering topics like sexuality, abuse, digital mental health interventions, migration and cultural adjustment.
Anne Dewailly
Presenter
Clinical Psychologist- Psychotherapist-Member of the Executive Board of EMDR Africa. EMDR Europe consultant Vice President of Trauma Aid France, worked in various parts of Africa including Zimbabwe and Uganda
Kizito Wamala
Presenter
Kizito Wamala, Psychotherapist & PhD Student in Clinical Psychology. Clinical practice for over 17 years treating torture, GBV and war trauma using mainly NET, Trauma-focused ACT (ACT-T) and EMDR.
Suki Jaffe
Presenter
Clinical Psychologist EMDRIA and EMDR Africa Consultant Vice-President of EMDR South Africa, Member of the Executive Committee of Emdr Africa Private Practice in Cape Town, South Africa
Vivian O. Kudda-Mukiibi
Presenter
She currently works at the Psychology Practice at the Surgery. Clinical Psychology and Community Psychology from Makerere University.
Prof. Femke Bannik Mbazzi
Presenter
Associate Professor at the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit in Entebbe, where she heads the Disability Research Group. Clinical and educational psychologist and EMDR therapist in Kampala. At EMDR Africa she leads the research committee. Earlier this year 2025 gave a keynote presentation on cultural adaptations in EMDR at the EMDR UK conference.
Jannetta Bos
Presenter
psychotherapist and registered sexologist who has been working since August 2012 at two specialized psychotrauma treatment institutes in the Netherlands - Foundation '45 and Equator Foundation. These organizations, part of the Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, focus on treating victims of war, persecution, violence, and human trafficking. Her primary work involves providing therapy to refugees and trafficking victims.
Dr. Hasina Andrianarivony Bakohariliva
Presenter
Psychiatrist Certified EMDR Practitioner Approved EMDR Africa Consultant Vice-President of EMDR Madagascar Association
Dr. David Van Den Berg
Presenter
clinical psychologist head of the Mark van der Gaag Research Centre (MRC). leads the TopGGZ Early Detection and Intervention Team Haaglanden at the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute in The Hague, Expert in cognitive behaviour therapy, particularly for psychosis and post-traumatic stress. practitioner member of the Dutch Association for EMDR. He earned his PhD from VU University, focusing on the feasibility and safety of trauma-focused treatment for individuals suffering from psychotic disorders and chronic PTSD. Currently, David's research is primarily centered on evaluating new psycho-social interventions for individuals facing complex mental health issues.
Rev. Fr.Dr. Siver Kibu
Rev. Fr. Siver Kibuh, OFM Cap., psychotherapist, spiritual director, and member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. He holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Salt Lake College of America and is currently a Ph.D. Fellow in Clinical Psychology at Daystar University, Nairobi. Fr. Siver also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Counselling from the University of Bamenda, along with Bachelor's degrees in Philosophy from the Catholic University of Cameroon and Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome. He is a certified EMDR therapist from Divine Mercy University, USA, and an accredited counselor recognized by the Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association (KCPA). Fr. Siver serves as a visiting lecturer, counselor, and spiritual director at AOSK–Chemichemi Ya Uzima Institute in Kenya.
Zawadi Kimari
Presenter
licensed Clinical Psychologist and PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, researching the application of EMDR in treating ADHD among trauma-exposed adults. She is EMDR Level 2-trained, with additional EMDR certification in depression, complex early childhood trauma, and creative EMDR for children and adolescents.
Laker Joyce Ocen
Presenter
trained trauma counsellor working in Northern Uganda. For the last 20 years, Joyce has been working with the victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels in the area of rehabilitation of these war victims. Joyce holds a Bachelor Degree in Mathematics and Psychology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Conflict Management & Peace Studies from Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda ; and a Diploma in Trauma counselling
Aboh James Ogbole
military psychologist with the Nigerian Army and a doctoral researcher at Ghent University, Belgium. His PhD research focuses on the efficacy of trauma-focused interventions in managing PTSD among Nigerian soldiers with combat experience. The study explores prevalence rates, associated risk and protective factors, and the application of EMDR therapy in military settings.
Mark I. Nickerson, LICSW
Presenter
psychotherapist, clinical consultant and trainer who has practiced in the Amherst, MA region for 35 years, with an expertise in trauma treatment. He is an EMDR Institute Trainer, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and past Board President of the EMDR International Association.
What you will get
Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded professionals to exchange insights and foster partnerships.
Interactive Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions designed to deepen understanding and enhance skills.
Keynote Presentations
Attend inspiring talks by renowned speakers addressing significant trends and developments.
What I am looking forward to...
F.A.Q
This FAQ will be updated regularly. Please check this website for the most current information.
What is the EMDR Africa Conference?
The EMDR Africa Conference is a professional gathering focused on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy applications across the African continent. This year's conference brings together mental health professionals, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, best practices, and culturally adapted approaches to trauma treatment in African contexts.
Who should attend?
- Licensed mental health professionals
- EMDR therapists and consultants
- Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists
- Social workers and counselors
- Researchers in trauma and mental health
- Students in relevant mental health programs
- Healthcare administrators and policy makers
How do I register for the conference?
Registration is available online through our official conference website. There are limited spaces
BOOK EARLY
What does registration include?
- Access to all conference sessions and workshops
- Conference materials and resources
- Welcome reception
- Coffee breaks and networking sessions
- Certificate of attendance
- Access to recorded sessions
Are CEUs/CPD credits available?
Unfortunately No! We are working to provide continuing education units for various professional bodies in future
Will there be translation services at the Conference?
Is Uganda safe at night?
Is there comfortable accomodation near the site?
How do I access information on interesting sites in Uganda?
What airport should I fly into?
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main international airport serving Kampala, located approximately 40km from the city center.
You can use your UBER app to get to your hotel from the airport
Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
Most international visitors require a visa. Uganda offers e-visas for many countries. Check with the Ugandan embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
What health precautions should I take?
- Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry
- Consult your healthcare provider about other recommended vaccinations
- Consider malaria prophylaxis as Uganda is in a malaria-endemic area
- Bring necessary personal medicationsT
- The tap water is generally not potable use bottled water
Will there be WiFi at the venue?
Yes, complimentary WiFi will be available throughout the conference venue.
What's the time zone?
Uganda operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3.
What should I know about Ugandan culture?
Uganda is known for its warm hospitality. English is widely spoken as it's an official language. Dress modestly, especially when visiting cultural sites, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
What's the weather like in October?
October is during the short dry season with warm temperatures (20-28°C/68-82°F). Pack light, breathable clothing and a light jacket for air-conditioned venues.
Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
We are committed to making the conference accessible to all participants. Please contact us during registration to discuss any specific accessibility needs.
What's the local currency and payment methods?
- Local currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
- US Dollars are widely accepted
- Credit cards are accepted at major establishments
- ATMs are available for Visa and Mastercard
Partners
