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 EMDR protocol so that you can work with your client’s parts safely, respectfully, and effectively.

Step 1: Intro to IFS

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

 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!

Once you complete the Syzygy Institute three-step advanced training, you’ll be able to:

  • Describe the unique advantages of IFS as an Ego State model for use in combination with EMDR.

  • Explain the makeup of parts and how IFS gathers information about parts as targets for processing.

  • Describe the three categories of parts in IFS.

  • Describe the two components of a Protector’s Positive Intention.

  • Explain the role of the Self in IFS healing.

  • Describe final two IFS healing processes that follow witnessing.

  • So much more!

IFS-Informed EMDR Training Program

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

STEP ONE: Intro to ifs workshops

11/7 & 8, 2024 (Thursday & Friday) - Crystal Whitlow and Nancy Simons / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm / Virtual US Eastern Time SOLD OUT!

1/30 & 1/31/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

2/6 & 2/7/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Nancy Simons & Jenn Pagone / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

2/20 & 2/21/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Crystal Whitlow / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)

3/7 & 8, 2025  (Friday & Saturday) IN PERSON - Tina Taylor & Nancy Simons in Louisville, Kentucky / 9:00am - 5:00pm (US Eastern Time) Venue information & Registration

3/13 & 3/14/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Beau Laviolette / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)

STEP TWO: IFS-Informed EMDR workshops

11/15 & 16, 2024 (Friday & Saturday) IN PERSON - Crystal Whitlow in Cincinnati, Ohio / 9:00am - 5:00pm (US Eastern Time) Venue information & Registration SOLD OUT!

11/21 & 22, 2024 (Thursday & Friday) - Crystal Whitlow / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!

1/16 & 17, 2025 (Thursday & Friday) - Beau Laviolette / Online /  9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

2/27 & 28, 2025 (Thursday & Friday) - Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

3/20 & 21, 2025 (Thursday & Friday) - Beau Laviolette & Nancy Simons / Online / 1100-1830 (LONDON Time) EMDR Europe CPD's not available for this course

4/10 & 4/11/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Step Two: IFS-Informed EMDR with Beau Laviolette / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)

STEP THREE : Discovery & beyond

12/5 & 6, 2024 (Thursday & Friday) - Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm(US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!

1/9 & 10, 2025 (Thursday & Friday) - Crystal Whitlow & Tina Taylor / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time) SOLD OUT!

3/27 & 28, 2025 (Thursday & Friday) - Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

5/29 & 5/30/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond 2-day with Crystal Whitlow & Nancy Simons / Online / 8:30am - 4:00pm (US PACIFIC Time)

8/7 & 8/8/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond 2-day with Beau Laviolette & Jenn Pagone / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

12/4 & 12/5/25 (Thursday & Friday) - Step 3: Discovery & Beyond 2-day with Michelle Richardson & Elizabeth Venart / Online / 9:00am - 4:30pm (US Eastern Time)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

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.

Syzygy Institute offers digital courses for self-paced learning. These courses can expand your undrstanding and practice of IFS-Informed EMDR using the Syzygy model.