A Passion for Healing and Social Justice
For nearly two decades, Dean Jones has dedicated himself to serving diverse communities in the mental health field. His journey began in 2004 at a San Francisco community-based organization, where he witnessed the profound impact of mental health services firsthand. Since then, Dean has worked extensively with individuals from all walks of life, including varying sexualities, age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, races, genders, ethnicities, and cultures.
Dean’s experience spans multiple systems, including child welfare, juvenile justice, education (providing school-based mental health), local government, and hospital settings. He has treated clients with a wide range of needs, from mild to severe and persistent mental illness.
EMDR Expertise and Commitment to Inclusion
Dean’s passion for EMDR therapy began in 2014, when he received training from Laura Pernell (trained by Francine Shapiro, the developer of EMDR). He became EMDRIA-certified in 2016 and has since co-facilitated numerous EMDR Basic Trainings with renowned trainers like Dr. Dalene Forester (AEI) and Diane DesPlantes (SURGE).
In 2021, Dean achieved a significant milestone by becoming one of the very few African American-approved EMDR Trainers and Consultants. This accomplishment was followed by another historic achievement in 2023: Dean became the first EMDRIA-approved independent trainer.
Anti-Oppression Approach and Building a More Inclusive Future
Dean is an anti-oppression psychotherapist who believes in healing from past, present, and potential future traumas. His central mission is to increase the number of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) clinicians trained in EMDR, thereby creating a more diverse and inclusive mental health field that can effectively serve all communities.
The Spark Behind Mosaic Training Institute
The profound need for culturally competent mental health services within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities became a major force driving me to become an EMDRIA-approved trainer. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the negative impact of a Eurocentric focus in psychology training. This often leads to a lack of awareness and unconscious biases that can alienate BIPOC professionals. These biases can contribute to feelings of isolation and marginalization during crucial training opportunities.
Mosaic Training Institute was born from a desire to go beyond simply welcoming clinicians of color. We strive to create a transformative learning environment that fosters a deep understanding of BIPOC experiences and perspectives. This commitment ensures that BIPOC mental health professionals are not only equipped with essential EMDR skills but also empowered to effectively serve their communities.
Why Mosaic Training Institute?
By understanding the unique challenges faced by BIPOC therapists, we can create a training space that feels inclusive and supportive. At Mosaic, we believe in fostering open communication, celebrating diversity, and equipping therapists with the culturally aware tools they need to make a real difference.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of a Eurocentric focus in psychology training. This often results in a lack of awareness and unconscious biases that can alienate BIPOC professionals. These biases contribute to a sense of isolation and marginalization during crucial professional development and training opportunities.
My mission extends beyond simply welcoming clinicians of color. I strive to create a transformative learning environment that fosters a deep understanding of their unique experiences and perspectives. This commitment ensures that BIPOC mental health professionals are not only equipped with essential skills but empowered to effectively serve their communities