Syzygy Institute IFS-informed EMDR Program Overview

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!

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.

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.

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.

No. Step 3 builds upon the Syzygy Model of IFS-Informed EMDR. Therefore, you must complete Step 2.

Non-EMDR Therapists can attend Step 1. You must be EMDR trained for Step 1 and 2.

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.

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

Please visit our page on Certification.

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.

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.

Please contact hello@syzygyinstitute.com for assistance.