IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program
The trail that lies ahead will change how you practice therapy . . .
Welcome! Our training program is a roadmap for integrating IFS and EMDR.
With our three foundational workshops, taken sequentially, you will expand your knowledge of IFS therapy and systematically integrate this into the EMDR protocol so that you can work with your client’s parts safely, respectfully, and effectively.
Syzygy Institute IFS-informed EMDR Program Overview
Step 1: Intro to IFS
Slow IS Fast with IFS Therapy. . .
Intro to IFS is an experiential introduction to the IFS model with live demonstrations and guided practice as a preliminary to the integration learned in Steps 2 & 3. Slow IS fast in IFS Therapy!
*This course is waived if you have completed IFS Institute Level 1.
Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR
What happens when EMDR is fueled by Self?
IFS-Informed EMDR provides the rationale and strategies to integrate IFS into EMDR therapy effectively. This systematic integration developed by Bruce Hersey incorporates Coherence Therapy ideas that facilitate memory reconsolidation.
Step 3: Discovery & Beyond
How do we work with blended protector parts in IFS-informed EMDR?
IFS-Informed EMDR Phase 2.5 Discovery allows us to deepen our understanding and application of the Syzygy Model™ to identify and befriend protector parts, bridging between resourcing, assessment, and desensitization phases.
What To Expect at a Syzygy Institute Workshop:
An advanced integrative methodology with adherence to the EMDR Standard Protocol.
Safe & supportive experiential learning within a connected large group, with live demos & multiple practice sessions.
Highly qualified trainers certified in both models
Break-out practices (triads), each facilitated by our program guides.
Affinity Practice Groups for members of the global majority, LGBTQIA+, and more
Skills, techniques and knowledge you can apply immediately with clients.
By attending a Syzygy workshop, you’ll gain:
A deeper appreciation of Self-Energy & protector parts from IFS and how these play a critical role in EMDR therapy.
An understanding of the importance of Self-presence in the EMDR therapist.
How memory reconsolidation (neuroplasticity) can be supported utilizing IFS-Informed EMDR.
Provide a safe and transformative EMDR experience for your clients while holding their protective system (parts) with care and intention.
Once you complete the Syzygy Institute™ three-step program, you’ll be able to:
Integrate IFS and EMDR with clarity—not guesswork
Understand why IFS functions as an ego state model within EMDR, and how to use it in a way that strengthens—rather than disrupts—the standard protocol.Identify and target parts with precision
Move beyond general “parts language” to accurately map, assess, and work with parts as trauma networks in the EMDR process.Differentiate and work effectively with protectors and exiles
Recognize how different categories of parts organize experience—and how this changes your clinical decision-making in real time.Apply Protector Positive Intention™ (PPI) in assessment and processing
Replace confusion or “resistance” with a clear framework for understanding what protectors are doing—and how to work with them without creating backlash.Use Self-energy as the engine of trauma processing
Learn how to detect, measure, and actively resource Self-energy as the adaptive network driving change in EMDR.Facilitate IFS-informed healing processes beyond insight
Support memory reconsolidation in a way that is structured, relational, and clinically grounded.Navigate complexity with confidence
Work with blending, dissociation, looping, and stuck processing using a clear, repeatable framework—including Phase 2.5 Discovery.
This is not just theory.
You’ll leave with a clinical roadmap you can apply immediately—especially in the cases where standard EMDR starts to break down.
The Syzygy Institute™ is filling a gap and setting a high standard.
We recognize a need to promote and maintain high standards of training and treatment in the name of “IFS-Informed EMDR”. Our three-step training model offers a comprehensive program; a place to begin and opportunities to advance in effective and informative ways. Training plus consultation and practice lead to competence, confidence, and clarity.
Get going, get good, get certified!
IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program
2026 Workshop Schedule
STEP ONE: INTRO TO IFS for EMDR THERAPISTS WORKSHOP DATES
1/8 & 1/9/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop with Crystal Whitlow / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
2/2 & 2/3/26 (Monday & Tuesday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop with Nancy Simons / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
2/12 & 2/13/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop with Beau Laviolette / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)SOLD OUT!
2/21 & 2/22/26 (Saturday & Sunday)- NEW JERSEY - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop in *Haddon Heights, NJ with Michelle Richardson / 9:00am - 5:00pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
3/26 & 3/27/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop with Jenn Pagone & Crystal Whitlow / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
4/16 & 4/17/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop with Beau Laviolette / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)
4/25 & 4/26/26 (Saturday & Sunday) - NEW JERSEY - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential Workshop in Haddon Heights, NJ with Michelle Richardson / 9:00am - 5:00pm (US Eastern Time)
6/11 & 6/12/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential with Jenn Pagone / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
9/24 & 9/25/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential with Beau Laviolette / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)
10/8 & 10/9/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential with Crystal Whitlow / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)
11/5 & 11/6/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential with Nancy Simons & Tina Taylor / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)
1/29 & 1/30/2027 (Friday & Saturday) ARIZONA - Step 1: Intro to IFS for EMDR Therapists 2-day Experiential in *Phoenix, AZ with Tina Taylor & Crystal Whitlow / 9:00am - 5:00pm (US Mountain Time)
STEP TWO: IFS-INFORMED EMDR WORKSHOP DATES
1/29 & 1/30/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Beau Laviolette & Jenn Pagone / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
3/5 & 3/6/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Crystal Whitlow / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
5/14 & 5/15/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Jenn Pagone / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
6/6 & 6/7/26 (Saturday & Sunday) IN PERSON - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR in Haddon Heights, NJ with Michelle Richardson / 9:00am - 5:00pm (US Eastern Time) Venue information can be found on our In Person workshop page
7/20 & 7/21/26 (Monday & Tuesday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Michelle Richardson / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
8/13 & 8/14/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Beau Laviolette / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)
9/17 & 9/18/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Elizabeth Venart & Nancy Simons / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)
10/22 & 10/23/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Beau Laviolette & Tina Taylor / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)
12/10 & 12/11/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR with Crystal Whitlow / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)
STEP THREE : DISCOVERY & BEYOND WORKSHOP DATES
1/22 & 1/23/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond with Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!
3/12 & 3/13/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond with Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)
5/7 & 5/8/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond with Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm US Eastern Time)
8/6 & 8/7/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond with Crystal Whitlow & Tina Taylor / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm US Eastern Time)
11/12 & 11/13/26 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond with Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm US Eastern Time)
Syzygy Institute™ offers digital courses for self-paced learning. These courses can expand your understanding and practice of IFS-Informed EMDR using the Syzygy Model™.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our workshops all follow a similar schedule which includes: lecture, live demonstrations with audience volunteers, and experiential practice groups.
Virtual workshops are capped at 30 participants and often have up to 10 program guides in addition to the trainer(s). This allows for a more connected training experience over Zoom.
Practice sessions occur 3-4 times over the course of the workshop. Although usually these are triads, occasionally we have pairs or groups of 4. All groups are assigned to a program guide that will facilitate the practice session.
Trainers will leave time and space for questions throughout the workshop. Questions can be asked and answered by staff over the chat during virtual workshops.
Participants find both our in-person and virtual workshops to be very rich and connecting learning experiences!
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Step 1: This is an introductory course to IFS Therapy. Suggested preparation includes any form of self-learning in the model such as relevant reading, podcasts, being a client of IFS Therapy, etc.
Non-EMDR therapists are also welcome to take this course.
Step 2: EMDR Basic Training and Syzygy Institute Step 1.
Step 1 is waived if you have taken IFSI Level One.
Step 3: Syzygy Institute Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR
See more in the FAQ about IFS background and training requirements.
Other Syzygy Courses:
Digital Courses will be most helpful if you are EMDR Basic Trained and have some IFS knowledge.
The Overture of the Syzygy Model course is geared towards EMDR or IFS therapists interested in the integration. No Syzygy training pre-requisite.
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No. While IFSI Level One is the gold standard, we recognize access barriers. Our Syzygy Step One Introductory Workshop provides a foundational starting point to our IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program.
There is no IFS training requirement for the Overture training or our digital courses, however foundational knowledge is advised as these courses are not introductions to the IFS model.
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In order to be waived from Syzygy Institute Step 1, your prior IFS training experience must have included experiential practice sessions. If you have participated in a training of this nature, you can email the training info and request Step 1 to be waived at: CEdirector@syzygyinstitute.com.
We will not waive Step 1 for webinars, digital courses, or live lecture courses such as the IFS Institute Online Circle, PESI, and other such courses.
This requirement is in place so that our participants have both a beneficial and safe learning experience with the IFS-Informed EMDR integration in Step 2 and 3 courses. IFS scaffolding is necessary for integrating these modalities safely and effectively.
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No. Step 3 builds upon the Syzygy Model of IFS-Informed EMDR. Therefore, you must complete Step 2.
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Non-EMDR Therapists can attend Step 1. You must be EMDR trained for Step 1 and 2.
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YES. Syzygy Institute is an approved provide by several entities including EMDRIA, IFS Institute, NBCC, ASWB, and APA. Please see our continuing education page for course specific approvals.
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If your organization is interested in hosting a Syzygy Institute training, please complete the Host Interest Form for Organizations and Groups and email our workshop coordinator at hello@syzygyinstitute.com
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Please visit our page on Certification.
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Visit our IFS-Informed EMDR Consultant and Therapist Directory.
If you have completed Step 2 or 3 but are not listed in our directory or wish to update your information, please email hello@syzygyinstitute.com.
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Our Program Guides are experienced therapists with a strong foundation in both IFS and EMDR therapy models. They are either certified through the Syzygy Institute or actively working with a consultant toward certification. Most guides are recommended by our training team to ensure we uphold the high standards our participants expect.
We are also committed to increasing diversity within our training team. Clinicians from the global majority and LGBTQIA+ communities are warmly encouraged to reach out and express interest, even though we do not have a formal application process at this time. We look forward to connecting with professionals who share our dedication to inclusive and safe learning experiences.
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Please contact hello@syzygyinstitute.com for assistance.
The Institute holds the position that the optimally safe and effective integration of any number of psychotherapy approaches requires that the practitioner is adequately trained in all of the component approaches separately. Therefore, the Syzygy Institute supports basic training and certification processes in both IFS and EMDR, and additionally encourages training in Coherence Therapy.