Enhancing Community Recovery and Response with EMDR: Recap of the 2024 HAP® Conference
The 2024 HAP® Conference took place August 24-26, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA with over 150 individuals in attendance. Thanks to the combined efforts of our engaged participants, inspiring speakers, generous sponsors and exhibitors, and dedicated organizers, the event was a great success. Guided by the 2024 conference theme “Enhancing Community Recovery and Response with EMDR,” the conference brought together the global EMDR community to connect, learn, and further the goal of healing around the world.
Seasoned Keynote Speakers Educate and Inspire
Day one of the conference kicked off with a keynote presentation by Ana Gomez, MC, LPC titled, “Ongoing Trauma and intersectionality in EMDR Therapy with Children.” Ana is the founder and director of the AGATE Institute in Phoenix, AZ. She is a psychotherapist, author, and an international speaker on the use of EMDR therapy with children and adolescents with complex and developmental trauma as well as generational wounds and dissociation. Known around the world for her workshops and presentations on EMDR with children, we were honored to have Ana share her expertise with our attendees and set the bar high from day one.
“Outstanding organization and delivery skills. Seamless integration of neurobiology, attachment and trauma without overwhelming information about brain parts.”
– Domenica, Attendee“Every time I hear Ana present, I learn something new. She’s amazing and a wonderful teacher.”
– Janet, Attendee
Day two wrapped up with an informative and inspiring keynote presentation by Robbie Dunton, Executive Director of the EMDR Institute of Francine Shapiro. Robbie has been a business partner of Dr Francine Shapiro since 1990 and co-owner and Administrative Director of the EMDR Institute since its inception. In 1995, Robbie helped establish Trauma Recovery/HAP and has served as the Treasurer of the Trauma Recovery/HAP Board of Directors. Her keynote presentation titled, Past, Present, Future: Trauma Recovery/HAP Brings Hope and Healing to Communities throughout the World, explained the history and the development of EMDR therapy, the EMDR Institute and Trauma Recovery/HAP, as well as the future goals and challenges for EMDR therapy and the EMDR community.
“It was wonderful to hear this important history from someone who could tell the story with love, compassion and strength. Thank you, Robbie, for reminding us of our roots as we continue to grow as a community.”
-Hope, Attendee
Innovative Presentations
Over the course of three days, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a range of research-backed and innovative presentations. Sessions covered an array of topics including using EMDR therapy with addiction, persons with a disability, perinatal clients, and with dissociation. Several presentations addressed using EMDR in a group setting, in crisis intervention, and with first responders and humanitarian aid workers.
One of the highlights of the conference was the Sunday morning presentation “Keeping Hope Alive, Creating Inner Peace with EMDR” by presenter Mona Zaghrout. Mona is an EMDR Trainer and the only trainer of trainers in the Arab world (The Middle East and North Africa). Her presentation explored ways in which EMDR has enabled people to move from hopelessness, anger, and isolation to love, to reach into their inner self, accept themselves and find peace with themselves and others. Mona spoke to the development and challenges of EMDR in different cultures, languages and countries, and how to use EMDR in situations where conflict is ongoing and crisis is frequent.
“Beautiful presentation. I will carry with me the hope you shared and the power of finding a pleasant memory when a safe place is not possible.”
-DeLyn, Attendee
Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in thoughtful Q&A with presenters and learned from experts in the various subject matter. The conference provided an opportunity for the exchange of information and ideas that will certainly impact the future of mental health and disaster response.
Building Community
The annual HAP Conference is not only about learning; it is also about connecting and building meaningful relationships within our community of clinicians, researchers, and volunteers.
Attendees were offered several elective activities and networking events like Rise n Shine Yoga, a Welcome Reception with exhibitors and book signings, and the return of the HAP Dance, a beloved social gathering for HAP volunteers and all conference attendees to unwind and have fun together.
The sense of community that emerged from these events was unmistakable and served as a reminder of the importance of bringing our community together.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the 2024 HAP Conference, we are filled with gratitude. We believe that the connections made, and the knowledge shared at this event will continue to drive progress in trauma healing and recovery for years to come.
Thank you -attendees, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and volunteers- for being a part of this incredible journey toward healing and recovery. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of trauma survivors around the world.
Save the Date: 2025 HAP Conference
We’re excited to share the date and location of next year’s conference!
2025 HAP Conference: 30 Years of Trauma Recovery: Empowering the Future of EMDR
Date: August 14-16, 2025
Pre-conference training August 13-14, 2025
Location: Denver, CO
We’ll be sharing more details in the new year, so check back with us frequently!
With so much positive feedback on the 2024 HAP Conference, the presenters, and session content, it was hard to choose just a few quotes to share with you!
Below we share more from our 2024 conference attendees:
I feel it’s an honor to be part of an organization that has and is making such a significant difference in healing all over the world! -Wendi
This conference was very refreshing because it was not the” same ole same ole.” You had different presenters with more up-to-date information. I enjoyed it very much and I enjoyed seeing all of you again. -Anonymous
My most valuable takeaway from the conference is the giving spirit of others. It was very moving to witness the volunteers donate their time and energy for such a remarkable cause. It brought a lot of joy to see this loving spirit and to be even closer to Francine herself! – Anonymous
I learned a great deal about dissociation and new techniques with EMDR. I enjoyed meeting new people. I left feeling inspired and refreshed! – Anonymous
Specific to conference sessions:
Great workshop! I learned a lot about the history of EMDR, Francine Shapiro’s vision and the responsibility to carry EMDR healing into the work I do as a therapist. – Gelly
I loved this portion of the weekend, and learning more about the history of EMDR therapy, Dr. Shapiro, and HAP from such an OG founder! Thank you for this. I’m grateful this conference is more about clinical content, but this was a nice break to learn more history. -Bethany
Fabulous presentation! I loved seeing the videos and hearing the personal experiences on working with dissociation in kids. Can’t wait to start looking at my kids/adolescents and adults in practice with fresh eyes. – Megan
Learned so many cool and creative BLS techniques in this session for kiddos and adults! – Shana
This was an eye opener of a presentation. I learned about moral injury and how it is different than PTSD. I learned about an extremely thoughtful treatment approach. I learned about how a colleague has been able to explore deep human suffering and provide compassionate, effective healing experience. -Michael
This presentation was from such a unique perspective and exactly what many conferences are missing! -Nathan
I’m changing how I practice because of this presentation. -Kelly
A fabulous presentation; one I will be processing for weeks to come…but in the immediate, I walked out the doors and I saw every individual I encountered on the streets from a whole new perspective! – Wendi
This presenter was one of the best I have ever experienced! Her topic is so important. I feel privileged to have been able to hear her speak. –Irene
THANK YOU! This workshop was incredibly informative and well-presented. I walked away with practical knowledge and tools to use with my clients and a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. I’m so grateful. -Sarah Jayne
This was the best presentation that I have seen in a very long time and I go to a lot of trainings. I really appreciated the experiential aspect which gave me a felt sense of it. When I left, I felt restored. Thank you very much for creating a spark within me. – Nicole