Prof. Atara Sivan
Founder and President, EMDR Association of Hong Kong
EMDR Trainer, Facilitator, Consultant, and Therapist
Prof. Atara Sivan is a distinguished professional in trauma therapy and education, recognized for her significant contributions to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Hong Kong and beyond. As the Founder and President of the EMDR Association of Hong Kong (EMDRHK), established in 2002, she has trained thousands of therapists and advanced EMDR practice, research, and education across the region.
Professional Credentials
- EMDR Expertise: Certified EMDR Trainer, Facilitator, Consultant, and Therapist by the American EMDR Institute, Inc. (USA), with extensive experience applying EMDR in Hong Kong and multiple international settings; recognized as a Distinguished Faculty Member of the EMDR Institute (see: https://www.emdr.com/emdr-institute-faculty/).
- Gestalt Therapy: Trained and certified by the Gestalt Associates Training, Los Angeles, bringing an integrative approach to therapy.
- Counselling Affiliations: Associate Fellow and Certified Counsellor of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence.
- Academic Roles: Professor at the Department of Education and Psychology, Academy of Wellness and Human Development, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), where she has served as Head of Department, Acting Dean, and Council Member.
Academic Background
- Education: Holds a BA and MA in Education (Youth Counselling) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PgDE), along with a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Hong Kong.
Clinical Practice and Supervision
With over 20 years of experience in counselling and supervision, Prof. Sivan provides individual, couples, and group therapy, integrating EMDR, Gestalt therapy, and her extensive experience to address clients’ needs effectively. Her caring and accepting approach fosters a safe, non-judgmental space, helping clients achieve lasting recovery. She has received excellent feedback and testimonials from clients, attesting to their significant progress and healing.
Prof. Sivan offers individual and group supervision to mental health professionals, including counsellors, clinical psychologists, and social workers, guiding them to enhance their therapeutic skills across various modalities. Her supervision integrates EMDR, Gestalt therapy, and other therapeutic approaches, providing a comprehensive and flexible framework to meet diverse professional needs. With her extensive academic background and global EMDR expertise, she offers a unique supervision experience, fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth. Prof. Sivan also brings valuable experience from providing psychological first aid in crisis situations, such as natural disasters and traumatic events, enriching her supervision with real-world insights.
Academic and Research Contributions
As an eminent scholar, Prof. Sivan has published extensively books and journals on topics such as youth development, leisure education, inclusive learning, and innovative pedagogical and counselling methods. She has successfully secured numerous competitive research grants and quality education and teaching funds, through which she has incorporated key elements of youth self-exploration and positive youth development. She is renowned for her contributions as editor-in-chief of an internationally refereed journal for nine years and as elected President and Senior Fellow of the World Leisure Academy for over a decade. She is currently leading global special interest groups in these fields. Prof. Sivan is regularly invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences, sharing expertise in mental health and education
Community Involvement and Awards
Prof. Sivan serves as an executive member of several NGOs and community chest associations in Hong Kong, supporting those in need. Her impactful work has earned her prestigious awards, including: International Award for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology; Hillel Ruskin Memorial Scholar Lecture Award; George Torkildsen Literary Award; and HKBU Knowledge Transfer Award.
Leadership in EMDR
Inspired by the benefits of EMDR therapy for the Hong Kong community, Prof. Sivan founded EMDRHK with colleagues. Under her leadership, EMDRHK has:
- Trained thousands of therapists, including clinical psychologists, social workers, counsellors, and psychiatrists from government, NGOs, charities, and private practices.
- Promoted EMDR research and education in Hong Kong and Asia, enhancing therapeutic practices.
- Developed Group Sharing and Case Consultation sessions, based on her research in professional reflection, providing a valuable platform for clinicians to learn and grow.
- Prof. Sivan also established the Centre for Trauma Treatment and Well-being (CTTW), which connects researchers and practitioners to advance EMDR studies in the Chinese context, contributing to community well-being and academic knowledge.
- As a key contributor to the EMDR Asia Association, she serves as an active board member, supporting the growth of EMDR across Asia.
As President of EMDRHK, Prof. Sivan is dedicated to advancing trauma therapy, fostering a strong community of professionals, and delivering effective mental health solutions.