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On-Demand

Building Trust with Indigenous Patients: Cultural Competence in Care

Jordanna Saunders, MC, LPC, NCC, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR CIT
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Information

Recorded

  • -

Description

This workshop introduces healthcare providers to the concept of historical trauma and its lasting impact on Indigenous patients’ trust in medical systems. Participants will learn how past injustices—such as forced sterilizations and systemic neglect—continue to influence healthcare interactions today. Through real-world examples and research-based strategies, the session offers practical tools for building trust, improving communication, and delivering culturally competent, trauma-informed care. Designed for physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers, this training supports more effective, respectful care for Indigenous communities.

Educational Goal

Participants will gain greater clinical insight into how historical and intergenerational trauma impacts Indigenous patient engagement and outcomes. This workshop will enhance providers’ ability to apply culturally competent, trauma-informed strategies in future clinical work, fostering safer, more effective care relationships with Native communities.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the impact of historical trauma on Indigenous patients’ trust in healthcare systems.

  • Identify key behaviors and communication strategies that support culturally competent, trauma-informed care with Indigenous clients.

  • Demonstrate approaches to building trust and rapport with Indigenous patients through explanation, follow-up, and relationship-centered care.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Jordanna Saunders, MC, LPC, NCC, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR CIT
Jordanna Saunders is a Diné (Navajo) licensed professional counselor and nationally certified clinician with nearly 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care. Raised on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, she brings deep cultural knowledge and a justice-centered approach to her work with BIPOC communities, Veterans, and historically underserved populations. Jordanna is the founder and CEO of Trauma Recovery Services of Arizona (TRSAZ), an Indigenous woman-led behavioral health clinic specializing in EMDR therapy, trauma recovery, and culturally competent care. Her clinical work centers on treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and historical grief using evidence-based and culturally responsive modalities. Jordanna also provides EMDR consultation and training for licensed clinicians and has authored a book chapter on EMDR with Indigenous populations. A passionate educator and systems change advocate, Jordanna regularly trains healthcare professionals in culturally informed care, Indigenous mental health, and clinical best practices for working with marginalized communities. Her teaching reflects a fusion of clinical rigor, cultural humility, and practical strategies that promote equity and healing.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Aetna Better Health of Louisiana