Learning Objectives

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, also effective for complex PTSD and chronic caregiver misattunement. However, attachment wounds can hinder stabilization, requiring an intentional approach in Phases 1-3. This training introduces three key stabilization capacities to assess and develop through resource installation. Participants will learn to integrate DBT-based emotion literacy skills and trauma-informed experiential stabilization to strengthen regulation before Phase 4. The training also covers assessing readiness for change using positive affect tolerance and ego states. Finally, clinicians will reframe ‘resistance’ and ‘treatment-interfering’ behaviors as valuable guides rather than obstacles to trauma healing.

  • Describe 2 ways complex trauma can present as blocks to stabilization during EMDR Phases 1, 2 and 3.

  • List 3 stabilization capacities to look for when assessing a client’s readiness for EMDR Phase 4 reprocessing

  • Use 2 dialectical behavior therapy skills that can improve clients’ ability to accurately label their experiences and regulate emotions

  • Use 2 experiential/somatic techniques with clients to improve mastery over emotional experiences in the session and facilitate therapeutic change

  • Learn 2 ways to conceptualize “resistance” to positive affect and cognition as adaptive and clinically useful

Course curriculum

    1. Zoom

    1. PPT

    1. Evaluation Form: EMDR & Complex Trauma: Enhancing Stabilization

About this course

  • $65.00
  • 3 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Instructor(s)

Kathleen McIntyre, LCSW

Kathleen McIntyre, LCSW (she/her), is an Instructor of Clinical Psychiatric Social Work at Columbia University Medical Center and has been providing clinical care since 2011. She is an EMDRIA-approved consultant and an EMDR supervisor in the Integrative Trauma Program at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. Ms McIntyre integrates EMDR with a strong background in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems, and practices from an anti-racist, attachment-informed and strengths-based lens. Clinical foci include adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, personality "disorders", survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, grief, codependency, first responders and working with other clinicians. She identifies as a white, cisgender, queer and feminist psychiatric survivor.

Additional Training Details

*Training content will be available to participants for 90 days after training date*

EMDRIA Credits: This training is approved for 2 EMDRIA Credits. A certificate for ECs is included in the price of the training (Approval  PENDING # 22025-xx).

ADA Assistance: Workshops provided by the Manhattan Center for Trauma Studies are ADA compliant. If you are in need of assistance please contact us at [email protected].


Audio/video disclosure: This program will be audio and video recorded. 


Grievance Policy: We strive to create a training experience that enhances the clinical skills of participants while maintaining the highest degree of integrity and respecting the diversity of all. If you are dissatisfied with your experience, please contact us in writing at [email protected]. You will receive a reply within 5-10 business days.


The Manhattan Center for Trauma Studies (EC Provider: # 22025) maintains responsibility for this program and its content in accordance with EMDRIA requirements.


Cancellation and Refunds: If cancelling prior to two weeks before the training date, refunds will be provided in full minus a 5% processing fee.