From Learning to Lasting Connections: Recapping the 2026 HAP® Conference
The 2026 HAP® Conference held October 1 to 3 in Charleston, SC, brought together over 200 EMDR clinicians and community partners for three extraordinary days of learning and connection. The conference theme EMDR in a Changing World, Balancing Standards and Innovation was intentionally chosen as it recognizes the challenging position we face as clinicians, researchers, humanitarian responders and advocates; upholding the standards and integrity of our work using EMDR therapy and welcoming innovation in order to meet the needs of the individuals and communities we serve in today’s rapidly changing world.
By the end of the weekend, attendees left with new clinical skills, renewed purpose, and professional relationships that will continue long after the conference ended.
Highlights from the Keynotes
Friday’s keynote session, Staying on Track: Transdiagnostic Practice and Fidelity in EMDR Therapy, was led by Dr. Sarah Dominguez who traveled all the way from Australia to speak. This keynote focused on demonstrating how EMDR therapy can be applied across diverse presentations while maintaining fidelity to its evidence-based framework. Drawing on research and clinical practice, it outlined how to conceptualize cases transdiagnostically, prioritize targets effectively, and make clear, grounded clinical decisions within the protocol. Attendees described the session as “thoroughly enjoyable”, “inspiring”, and “outstanding content and application.”
On Saturday, attendees experienced a truly unique opportunity as Dr. Deborah Korn and Michael Baldwin presented together publicly for the first time, offering an unforgettable blend of clinical expertise and lived experience that left many visibly moved. Deborah and Michael are co-authors of the book, “Every Memory Deserves Respect.” During their keynote titled, EMDR as a Comprehensive Psychotherapy for Complex Trauma Survivors: Lived Experience and Lessons Learned over Three Decades, they each reflected on their respective experiences, as EMDR therapist and EMDR client. It’s difficult to convey just how incredible this presentation was, but here are a few reflections from attendees,
“The presentation was incredibly powerful. It was well organized and it was lovely to hear Michael’s powerful testimony. I admired his ability to share his experience and Dr. Korn’s context to the experiences.”
“This presentation was one that left me inspired, hopeful, and extremely grateful.”
Sessions, Posters, and Book Signings
In addition to the keynote sessions, participants had 19 breakout sessions to choose from on topics ranging from racial trauma and moral injury to sexual disfunction and concerns to ketamine assisted EMDR therapy. Sessions explored EMDR applications for suicide prevention, when working with children and adolescents, and in crisis response settings, while offering tools participants could take directly into their practice.
“The presenters were high quality and the networking opportunities were fun. The conference was done in a way that I’m leaving filled with hope, new skills, and a readiness to return to work.” – 2026 Attendee
We were delighted to include Poster Presentations for a second year, offering attendees an interactive opportunity to learn about current research and disaster response interventions in the EMDR community. Posters included information on an intervention for shame and dissociation reduction in complex trauma, virtual reality-enhanced EMDR, resourcing and reprocessing, and learnings from work on the ground in Ukraine.
Book signings brought another layer of connection, with authors including Dr. Hilary Berger, Barbara Hensley, Annie Monico, Mark Nickerson, and Deborah Korn and Michael Baldwin sharing their works. Both Barbara Hensley and Deborah Korn and Michael Baldwin generously donated their book signing proceeds to support Trauma Recovery/HAP, raising over $1,700.
Building Community and Connection
Again and again, attendees told us that the relationships they built were among the most valuable parts of their experience. Whether through speed networking, informal conversations between sessions, or dancing together at the HAP Dance, participants found a welcoming professional community that is increasingly rare at larger conferences.
“My favorite part of the conference was new connections and meeting so many clinicians. I really enjoyed the size of this conference; it allowed enough time for discussions.” -2026 Attendee
We are deeply grateful to our Title Sponsor, NeuroTek, whose support as the Title Sponsor four years in a row has made this conference possible. Owners Mike and Danielle Corkery have repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the impact HAP volunteers and EMDR clinicians have in communities around the world. Supporting the HAP Conference is one of the many ways they choose to give back to this community.
In addition, we thank our 19 sponsors and exhibitors whose participation and support elevated the event. From engaging exhibitor booths to meaningful conversations, their presence contributed to the high-quality, interactive atmosphere that attendees experienced throughout the weekend.
THANK YOU 2026 SPONSORS!
Dinner, Dance, and Volunteer Awards
Each year we like to wrap up our conference with celebration and of course, dancing! This year’s dinner and dance was generously sponsored by the EMDR Institute and included dinner, raffle and contest prizes, volunteer awards, and a lit-up dance floor. A selfie mirror set up by Shoot Your Shot Photobooth Company was a hit and allowed attendees to bring home a photo keepsake of their time.
Trauma Recovery/HAP’s annual volunteer and community awards recognized individuals making a lasting impact with EMDR therapy around the world. This year, we were honored to present Dr. Barbara Hensley with the Shapiro Effect Award for embodying the ripple effect of Dr. Francine Shapiro’s legacy. Barbara has devoted 30 years to documenting the legacy and work of Dr. Francine Shapiro and EMDR therapy by building and maintaining the Francine Shapiro Library. For a full listing of this year’s award recipients, click here.
Looking Ahead to 2027
If this year’s conference showed us anything, it’s the power of coming together to learn, connect, and advance EMDR therapy in a rapidly changing world. The momentum, inspiration, and relationships built in Charleston are already carrying us forward and we can’t wait to continue the journey in Portland. If you missed Charleston, make 2027 the year you join us.
Save the Date 2027 HAP® Conference
Location: Portland, OR
Dates: October 14-16, 2027
Pre-conference training: October 13-14, 2027
We can’t wait to see you there!