EMDR + IFS PARTS Protocol: An IFS-Informed Approach to EMDR

The EMDR+IFS PARTS Protocol overlays the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model onto the standard EMDR protocol allowing for a more permission-focused approach to trauma healing. EMDR remains the foundational structure upon which the healing occurs, and the IFS model is the creative, permissive, and curiosity-driven process to prepare clients for trauma processing. The PARTS protocol helps the client develop insight and understanding regarding their thoughts, feelings, and behavior, restoring trust in the client’s inner system, assisting them in developing a stronger sense of identity, healing wounds, releasing negative beliefs, and reorganizing their internal system.

This IFS-informed approach allows the clinician to gain permission from a client’s protective system, especially when struggling with standard protocol. The PARTS protocol is a non-pathologizing approach that honor’s the client’s protective system and provides clinicians with parts-focused cognitive interweaves to implement in EMDR phase 4. Throughout this online course, you will learn IFS concepts and approaches and how to speak using “parts” language. Education focuses on conceptualizing the client’s experience through a parts lens and foundational skills to strengthen the client’s internal system. This approach also provides additional ways to work with blocking beliefs as we begin to look at them as a client’s innate protective drive.