PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Working with EMDR in Couples Therapy
About the webinar
EMDR is most often associated with individual trauma work, yet many clinicians are curious about how it can be thoughtfully and safely integrated into couples therapy. This training explores how EMDR can support relational healing, particularly where past experiences continue to shape reactivity, mistrust, or emotional disconnection between partners. The focus is on clinical decision making, pacing, and ethical integration rather than technique alone.
What You'll Learn
How EMDR can support couples work without replacing relational therapy
An exploration of how EMDR can be used to support relational healing by reducing the intensity of trauma driven responses that interfere with connection, while keeping the couple relationship as the primary focus rather than shifting into individual trauma treatment.
When EMDR is appropriate within a couples context
A discussion of clinical indicators that suggest EMDR may be helpful within couples work, as well as situations where it may be premature or contraindicated. This includes understanding timing, consent, and therapeutic goals.
How individual trauma histories impact couple dynamics
An overview of how unresolved trauma can shape reactivity, mistrust, emotional withdrawal, or conflict within the relationship. This section focuses on understanding how individual histories interact with relational patterns rather than treating trauma in isolation.
How to assess readiness and stability before introducing EMDR
Guidance on assessing emotional regulation, safety, attachment stability, and relational capacity before introducing EMDR. This includes recognising signs that further stabilisation or preparatory work is needed.
Ways to integrate EMDR with attachment focused and systemic work
An exploration of how EMDR can be thoughtfully integrated alongside attachment informed and systemic approaches, supporting insight, regulation, and relational repair without fragmenting the therapeutic process.
Common risks and clinical considerations when using EMDR with couples
A discussion of potential risks, ethical considerations, and clinical challenges when using EMDR in a couples context. This includes managing reactivity, pacing the work, and maintaining clear boundaries and roles within therapy.
Whats included
Understand when and how EMDR can be used alongside couples work to support individual and relational healing.
Case examples illustrating EMDR informed couples work
Frameworks for deciding when to use individual versus relational EMDR
Guidance on preparation, safety, and containment
Examples of how EMDR can support repair and emotional safety
Who Should Attend?
Who is it for
Especially helpful for clinicians trained in EMDR who work with couples and want to integrate trauma processing thoughtfully, as well as couples therapists seeking a clearer understanding of how EMDR fits within relational work.
Level of experience
Suitable for early-career and experienced clinicians. Previous training in couples therapy is highly recommended.
This training is not a certification program or a replacement for supervision. It focuses on core clinical understanding and practical tools rather than advanced modality-specific training.
Length
3 hours
Confirm Your Attendance
Join this live, three hour training for therapists who want to feel more confident and steady when working with conflict in the room.
This session focuses on practical skills, therapist self awareness, and clear ways to support couples through difficult moments.