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Introducing EMDR Training in ASL: Advancing Accessibility in Mental Health Education

At The Touchstone Institute, our commitment to inclusion and excellence in our trainings has always been a guiding principle. This is why we are proud to announce an important milestone: for the first time, we’re offering our Foundational EMDR Training entirely in American Sign Language (ASL).


Led by Leslie Pertz, MSW, LMSW, PMH-C, this EMDRIA-approved course is designed to break down barriers and create opportunities for ASL-fluent clinicians to engage with this transformative modality.


Watch the announcement from Leslie Pertz in ASL.


Expanding Access and Empowering Clinicians


This course marks a significant step forward in making EMDR training more inclusive. By offering the curriculum fully in ASL, we aim to ensure that deaf clinicians can engage with the training without needing interpreters, creating a seamless learning experience. This accessibility also paves the way for more clients to receive EMDR therapy in a language that feels natural and meaningful to them.


The training utilizes The Touchstone Institute’s curriculum, developed by Mara Tesler Stein, PsyD, PMH-C (sibling of a Deaf adult), and Taína Amaro, LCSW, PMH-C (parent of a Deaf child), with expert adaptations for ASL-fluent clinicians. This ensures the same comprehensive and rigorous content while addressing the unique needs of the Deaf community.


Here’s what makes this training stand out:


  • Full ASL Accessibility: Deaf clinicians can participate fully in the training without relying on ASL/English interpretation.

  • Foundational Curriculum: Developed by leaders in perinatal mental health and trauma-informed care, the training delivers an unmatched foundation for EMDR practice.

  • Community Impact: This training strengthens the growing network of ASL-fluent clinicians dedicated to providing accessible, trauma-informed care.



 

About the Training


This comprehensive training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals and graduate students.



A therapist demonstrating EMDR therapy techniques with a client, using hand movements in a calm, professional setting.

Foundational EMDR Training in ASL

🗓️ April 27-29, 2025 & August 10-12, 2025

Comprehensive training on core EMDR protocols and trauma-informed stabilization for perinatal mental health, now fully accessible in ASL for Deaf clinicians. 








*This training is presented entirely in ASL, without interpretation. If you have additional accessibility needs, please contact us at info@touchstoneinstitute.org so we can work to accommodate them.


 


About Leslie Pertz

Portrait of Leslie Pertz, MSW, LMSW, PMH-C, instructor of the Foundational EMDR Training in ASL, wearing glasses and a blue top.

Leslie is a seasoned clinician, consultant, and trainer with a deep commitment to accessible mental health care. Her background spans reproductive psychotherapy, trauma-informed practices, and community health. With years of experience working within the Deaf community, she brings unmatched expertise and passion to this course.


Leslie’s teaching reflects a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by deaf clinicians and their clients. Her approachable style and dedication to inclusivity ensure a dynamic and impactful training experience.


Watch Leslie's bio in her own words, presented in ASL.

We’re honored to offer this training and invite you to be part of this important step toward greater accessibility in EMDR therapy. This offering reflects The Touchstone Institute’s unwavering commitment to supporting clinicians with the tools and training they need to deliver life-changing care. Space is limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot soon—we’re excited to see how this training will help clinicians make an even greater impact in their communities.



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