What New EMDR Therapists Seek in Systemic Consultation

Starting out with EMDR can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As your consultant, I’m here to offer grounded, relational, and systemic support—so you can grow your confidence and clinical creativity without losing fidelity to the model.

Here’s how I can help:

1. Clarity on Protocol

• “Am I doing this right?”

• New clinicians often seek step-by-step guidance of the 8 phases.

• I will support you to simplify the flow of sessions and ensure fidelity to the model without rigidity.

2. Target Selection Support

• “Where do I start?”

• Many new EMDR therapists struggle to identify appropriate starting targets or build effective target maps. I’m here to support you.

• I offer guidance using float backs, affect bridges, and systemic thinking to uncover key memories.

3. Case Conceptualisation

• “Why isn’t this working?”

• When clients feel stuck, new therapists may not know whether it’s about the memory, resourcing, dissociation, or relational/systemic factors.

• I will help you to organise what you know into a meaningful systemic EMDR formulation.

4. Preparation Phase Confidence

• “How do I know they’re ready for processing?”

• Phase 2 (resourcing/stabilisation) is often rushed or misunderstood.

• I will teach you how to assess readiness, implement effective resourcing, and introduce bilateral stimulation.

5. Managing Dissociation or Complex Trauma

• “I didn’t expect this reaction.”

• When working with complex trauma, therapists need tools to recognise dissociation and adapt the EMDR protocol safely.

• I provide trauma-informed modifications and case-specific support.

6. Script & Language Coaching

• “What do I say during sets?”

• It’s common to feel unsure about wording, especially during BLS or interweaves.

• I will model phrasing that is client centered, non-intrusive, and attuned to what’s unfolding.

7. Validation & Encouragement

• “I feel like I’m failing.”

• New EMDR therapists can feel disoriented when the process doesn’t go as planned.

• I will be here to offer validation, normalise uncertainty, and support your confident development, as a therapist and not just focus on technique.

8. Integration with Existing Modalities

• “How do I blend this with what I already do?”

• Therapists want to know how EMDR fits with other modalities.

• I support your understanding of weaving EMDR into your authentic voice and theoretical lens.

Sources:

Shapiro, F., & Laliotis, D. (2011). EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing Model: Integrative treatment and case conceptualization. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 5(3), 126–138.

Parnell, L. (2007). A Therapist’s Guide to EMDR: Tools and Techniques for Successful Treatment.

Knipe, J. (2014). EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation.