Integrating MI & EMDR: Working with Complex Presentations and Ambivalence

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a practical, evidence-based collaborative conversation style supporting patient treatment engagement and reducing reluctance around behavior change. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to the skills, strategies, and processes of MI, and its application with EMDR. Participants will learn how MI can complement and enhance EMDR treatment, with specific focus on 8 phases and 3 prongs to support clients throughout the EMDR process. By implementing MI processes (engaging, focusing, evoking, planning), a clinician can support a client in engaging them when they are anxious about addressing their trauma. MI can help EMDR clinicians enhance client willingness around their goals (i.e., reducing substance use), strengthen motivation when challenges arise, sustain change after an EMDR session, and tailor treatment to the patient’s needs. Finally, the workshop will differentiate between a ‘top down’ vs. ‘bottom up’ approach to reprocessing using EMDR and review additional resources to support individuals with complex PTSD.