Information
A live, one-day online workshop with Dr. Suzy Matthijssen
Bringing Imagery Rescripting and EMDR together to strengthen trauma treatment
Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) is a powerful, evidence-based approach to treating PTSD. In this practical, one-day online workshop you'll learn how ImRs works, when to reach for it, and how to - if you want to - combine it with EMDR to help clients whose trauma processing gets stuck.
dr. Suzy Matthijssen takes you from the theory and research behind ImRs all the way through to the full protocol, with demonstrations & structured walk-throughs. You'll come away able to apply ImRs confidently with adult clients, and to make clear clinical decisions about when to use EMDR, when to use ImRs, and how to weave the two together safely and effectively.
The workshop is especially relevant for working with PTSD, complex PTSD, and for working with all types of trauma, and cases where therapy is held back by high shame, loyalty conflicts, or blocked affect. Throughout the day, you'll see how ImRs and EMDR differ, and overlap, in target selection, emotional processing, meaning change, and memory updating, so you can integrate both methods with confidence.
What you'll gain
- Research-supported, evidence-based content from start to finish
- A full demonstration of the complete ImRs protocol
- A balance of solid theory and hands-on, in-the-room application
- Clear guidance on how ImRs and EMDR complement one another in trauma-focused work
Learning objectives
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Explain the theoretical foundations and evidence base for Imagery Rescripting in the treatment of PTSD.
- Outline the core steps of the ImRs protocol and the therapeutic purpose behind each one.
- Compare ImRs and EMDR in how they bring about change and update traumatic memories.
- Recognize when ImRs is clinically indicated within an EMDR-informed treatment plan.
- Apply the ImRs protocol safely with adult clients presenting with PTSD.
- Use ImRs as a complementary intervention when EMDR processing is limited by high avoidance, shame, or loyalty conflicts.
- Identify and work through common challenges that arise during ImRs sessions.
- Reflect on your own use of the technique and set personal learning goals.
Presenter:
Suzy Matthijssen PhD. is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. She is Director of the Enhancing Trauma Treatment Institute and Director of the PSYTREC Academy (Research and Training). She is a CBT Consultant & Trainer as well as an EMDR Europe Consultant & EMDR Europe Trainer. Suzy obtained her PhD on innovations in trauma treatment and has extensive experience providing training in EMDR 2.0, (intensive) PTSD treatments, and anxiety disorders. She conducts research and publishes on advancements in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders. Suzy is the vice president of the Dutch EMDR association, is a former member of the scientific committee of EMDR Europe, and is the former co-chair of the Council of Scholars; the Future of EMDR project.
