Teaching & Research

Bridging clinical practice, teaching and research

My clinical work, teaching, and research are deeply connected. Across these areas, I am particularly interested in trauma, relationships, and the processes that shape how people connect, protect themselves, and repair. My academic work allows me to remain engaged with emerging research while contributing to conversations about how psychotherapy can continue to evolve in thoughtful and clinically meaningful ways.

Teaching

Reyna Kot, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Adjunct Professor
  • Loma Linda University, School of Behavioral HealthMarriage and Family Therapy Program
Courses taught
  • Family Therapy: Foundational Theories and Practice
  • Couples Therapy: Theory and Practice
  • Law and Ethics
  • Solution-Focused Family Therapy

Research

EMDR in Couples Therapy and Relational Trauma

Independent researcher · Loma Linda University

This work examines the emerging literature on the integration of EMDR within couples therapy, including conjoint and relational applications, theoretical approaches, treatment formats, and clinical considerations for addressing trauma-related relational distress. The review considers implications for future research and the continued development of clinically informed approaches to integrating trauma processing within couples therapy.

The Psychological and Relational Impacts of Colorism on Latino Adults

Student Investigator · Loma Linda University

A quantitative study examining the relationships among experiences of colorism, identity, self-worth, family connectedness, and psychological well-being among Latino adults.

Conference presentations

Addressing Relational Trauma: A Structured Narrative Review of EMDR in Couples Therapy and Implications for Protocol Development

AAMFT Intervention Research in Systemic Family Therapy Annual Conference · University of Arizona · Tucson, Arizona · October 2026

Utilizing EMDR in Couples Treatment: Bridging Research and Clinical Practice

IFTA World Family Therapy Congress · Bergen, Norway · March 2026

The Psychological and Relational Impacts of Colorism: A Quantitative Study of Latino Adults

IFTA World Family Therapy Congress · Bergen, Norway · March 2026

Utilization of EMDR in Couples Therapy: A Narrative Review

Intervention Research in Systemic Family Therapy Conference · The Ohio State University · September 2025

Professional Training & Education

Trauma-Informed Response and Crisis Intervention

The Whole Child · June 2026

Training for mental health professionals.

Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed Response

Los Angeles Christian Health Centers · January 2026

Training for medical professionals.

Vicarious Trauma: Supporting the Supporters

Counselor Advocate Training · Peace Over Violence

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Counselor Advocate Training · Peace Over Violence

Collaboration

I am available for conference presentations, workshops, professional trainings, guest lectures, and speaking engagements focused on trauma, relationships, couples therapy, EMDR, and systemic psychotherapy. I also welcome opportunities for research collaboration and graduate teaching.

Speaking & Professional Inquiries

Community engagement

Alongside my clinical and academic work, community-based trauma support and advocacy have been important parts of my professional experience. I have facilitated trauma recovery and expressive arts groups, previously provided crisis counseling and advocacy through the LA Rape and Battering Hotline, and have volunteered with Camp Good Grief, a bereavement program supporting adolescents who have experienced loss.