The EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA™) is committed to fostering a conference environment that is safe, inclusive, culturally respectful, and supportive for all attendees. This information is written specifically for the conference and is intended to complement the broader guidance and policies available on the EMDRAA™ website (https://emdraa.org/policies/). 

We welcome and respect people of all identities and backgrounds, including (but not limited to) gender, sexuality, culture, ability, neurodivergence, religion, professional role, qualifications, training pathway, and lived experience.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and recognise the importance of First Nations perspectives in shaping culturally safe and inclusive practice. We also recognise that cultural humility is strengthened through the contributions of people from all communities and lived experiences, and we encourage respectful learning and dialogue throughout the conference.

EMDRAA™ expects all members, presenters, and participants to engage in respectful and professional dialogue. Differences of perspective must be expressed in ways that do not marginalise, stereotype, demean, or target individuals or communities.

Where complex or sensitive topics are discussed, they must be approached in a clinically relevant, balanced, and trauma-informed manner, with attention to the wellbeing of diverse audiences.

EMDRAA™ takes concerns regarding safety, discrimination, or harm seriously and will respond in accordance with its policies and conference code of conduct to protect the integrity of our professional community. 

To support an inclusive and safe environment, a Sensory Room will be available throughout the conference. This space is provided as a quiet, low-stimulation environment for attendees who may need a break from the busy conference setting, including for regulation, rest, or sensory support.

Auslan interpreters have been engaged to support accessibility and inclusion for Deaf and hard of hearing attendees. If you have accessibility requirements, we encourage you to speak with the registration desk so we can assist where possible.

To further support delegate wellbeing, EMDRAA™ will have designated Conference Safe People available throughout the event. These volunteers are available as a point of contact if you are feeling unsafe, overwhelmed, or distressed, or if you witness or experience behaviour that is inappropriate or unacceptable. Conference Safe People will be identifiable by a teal lanyard and can also assist you in contacting the registration desk or conference organisers if required.

Conference Presentations

Conference presentations are reviewed and accepted based on scientific and clinical merit. The views expressed by speakers are their own and do not represent the views or position of EMDRAA™.

Presenters are expected to uphold professional responsibility and respectful engagement, particularly when discussing sensitive clinical material, trauma, identity, culture, and lived experience.

Privacy & Distressing Content

Some conference presentations may include sensitive or potentially distressing content, including clinical material and client session video and audio recordings, shared for educational purposes.

To protect the rights, privacy, and dignity of the clients featured, attendees are strictly prohibited from recording, photographing, livestreaming, or broadcasting any part of conference sessions. No person may reproduce, share, or transfer any audio or video content captured on any device.

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in removal from the conference and being barred from attending future EMDRAA™ events.