Let Us Introduce Ourselves!
Hello world, we are the Syzygy Institute (pronounced SIZ-uh-jee), founded by Bruce Hersey, LCSW, and Michelle Richardson, LCSW, two passionate and experienced IFS-Informed EMDR Therapists, Consultants and Trainers.
Bruce Hersey, LCSW
Michelle Richardson, LCSW
Syzygy Institute is a dedicated and heart-centered community of therapists committed to helping their clients by merging the cutting edge approaches of EMDR and IFS with aspects of memory consolidation and Coherence Therapy techniques.
This holistic methodology creates paths for deep healing.
The Syzygy Model was developed by Bruce Hersey, LCSW, who has been teaching about EMDR and IFS Therapy since 2007. His integrated approach to trauma healing incorporates IFS & Coherence Therapy Principles into EMDR Therapy with adherence to EMDR standards.
In IFS-Informed EMDR, Self-Energy (from IFS) is vital in creating the conditions necessary for trauma healing; this parallels the AIP model.
The Syzygy Model integration increases Self-Energy with tools like Hersey’s Presence of Self Scale.
The Syzygy Model
Various interweaves from Coherence Therapy/Memory Reconsolidation foster the conditions for internal relationship repair. Our model is particularly known for its comprehensive approach to working with Protector Parts with tools for assessing and measuring Protector Energy, processes to increase Self-Energy, and interweaves to strengthen the Self to Part relationship.
Our Training Options
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IFS-Informed EMDR Traing Program
Expand your knowledge with our foundational training series that systematically integrates IFS into EMDR protocol so that you can work with your client’s parts safely, respectfully, and effectively.
Each workshop is two days and includes lecture, live demos, and professionally guided practice sessions. Zoom & In-Person options.
Step 1: Intro to IFS
Step 2: IFS-Informed EMDR
Step 3: Discovery & Beyond
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Digital Courses
If you are looking for a primer in the Syzygy Model or to deepen your understanding and improve your skills, our growing course library is a great and affordable place to begin!
With courses like:
The Organic Interweave
Using IFS to Find and Develop an EMDR Target
How to Compose an IFS-Informed EMDR Assessment Phase
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In-Person Options
Syzyzgy Institute provides a number of in-person learning opportunities in the United States.
Our IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program has options in several cities in the US. Check out our 2025 Schedule for dates and locations.
We also offer a one-day training that introduces IFS-Informed EMDR: Overture: The Syzygy Model.
Experience a safe learning environment with Syzygy Institute’s IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program.
Our scaffolded practice sessions allow participants to absorb each step of the IFS-Informed EMDR process, while adhering to the EMDR protocol.
Learning happens when we experience it for ourselves - this is not just an intellectual grasp of a model, it is an experience of your own parts within your system.
Check out our directory to find an IFS-Informed EMDR Therapist or Consultant.
Oh, yes, our name! Here is what it means:
[SIZ-uh-jee] noun.
In terms of astronomy, the nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies (such as the sun, moon, and earth during a solar or lunar eclipse) in a gravitational system.
In our context, the gravitational system is natural healing and the bodies in alignment are EMDR Therapy, IFS Therapy and Coherence Therapy.