Integration of Exposure Techniques within EMDR Therapy

€245,00

Date: TBA

Time: TBA

Location: Online

Information

A live, one-day online workshop with Dr. Suzy Matthijssen

Integrating evidence-based exposure techniques to strengthen the EMDR process

The instinct to look away from traumatic experiences is a natural one. For many clients, those memories only surface when they can't be avoided, as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or dissociation. Yet as EMDR therapists, we know that successful reprocessing depends on being able to access memories the way they are actually stored. What fires together wires together, and neural networks that can't be reached can't be changed. This workshop offers concrete methods to help clients sufficiently access and tolerate those memory networks, so that reprocessing can succeed.

Designed for EMDR-trained clinicians working with anxiety, OCD, trauma, and trauma-related disorders, the day focuses on evidence-based exposure techniques and how to weave them into the EMDR eight-phase model to strengthen outcomes. You'll examine in detail how specific exposure methods can be used strategically within the EMDR framework to address complex trauma, anxiety, and OCD more effectively.

During the workshop dr. Suzy Matthijssen guides you from the theory of exposure through to hands-on application, prolonged, imaginal (in vitro), and in vivo exposure, with live demonstrations and case studies, so you leave able to combine these techniques with EMDR for PTSD and beyond.

What you'll gain

• Evidence-based exposure techniques you can integrate directly into EMDR therapy
• Demonstrations of prolonged, imaginal (in vitro), and in vivo exposure in practice
• Clear strategies for improving access to traumatic memories and reducing client avoidance
• Practical guidance on applying these methods to PTSD and beyond, including anxiety and OCD

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Explain the theoretical foundations of exposure techniques and how they support and enhance the EMDR therapy process.
• Describe how prolonged, imaginal (in vitro), and in vivo exposure work in practice, and how each can strengthen EMDR therapy.
• Outline detailed methods for integrating exposure techniques into EMDR therapy.
• See how these methods deepen emotional reprocessing and improve access to traumatic memories.
• Adapt these integrative approaches for psychological problems beyond PTSD.
• Recognize how exposure techniques increase client engagement, reduce avoidance, and keep clients prepared and responsive throughout EMDR therapy, leading to more effective outcomes.

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.