Treating Trauma with EMDR and Ifs - by Kendhal Hart (Paperback)

About the Book

For mental health professionals treating clients with trauma, this comprehensive guide outlines an innovative approach that combines the strengths of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) with internal family systems (IFS). With this professional guide, clinicians will discover practical, step-by-step interventions to improve treatment outcomes for a rapidly growing number of clients seeking help for trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).

Book Synopsis

Discover an integrative approach to improve treatment outcomes for a growing population of clients living with trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and internal family systems (IFS) are each highly effective, evidence-based modalities for treating trauma. However, when used independently, each has limitations. EMDR therapists often encounter obstacles during the reprocessing phase due to the structured nature of the EMDR protocol, while IFS can be time-intensive, typically addressing only one "part" at a time--which can be challenging when multiple parts are impacted by trauma.

Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS is a practical, step-by-step guide to blending EMDR with IFS for effective trauma and CPTSD treatment. You'll start by understanding the value of an integrated model and how EMDR and IFS complement each other. You'll also learn essential skills to assess each client accurately, support their unique healing processes, and integrate IFS methods into each phase of the EMDR protocol. Most importantly, this approach will empower clients to find freedom from the impact of trauma, actively engage in their recovery, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

If you're looking for a structured yet adaptable framework to serve clients with trauma and CPTSD more effectively, this book provides a practical integration of EMDR and IFS that will enhance your treatment outcomes and help clients thrive.

Review Quotes

"As a clinician certified in both EMDR and IFS, I highly recommend Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS by Kendhal Hart. This book is a powerful resource for therapists looking to strengthen their trauma work. I loved how Hart skillfully integrates the core principles of both models--offering practical, compassionate tools to support deeper healing. A must-have for anyone serious about combining these two transformative approaches in clinical practice."
--Carmen Jimenez-Pride, LCSW, RPT-S, ICST-P, RST-C/T, director of clinical services at Outspoken Counseling and Consulting LLC, creator of Focus on Feelings, and author of Playful Parts Work

--Carmen Jimenez-Pride, LCSW, RPT-S, ICST-P, RST-C/T

"As someone who has had the privilege of sharing in the IFS journey of Kendhal Hart, I have witnessed firsthand her deep commitment to both the integrity and accessibility of this transformative work. In this book, Hart masterfully integrates EMDR and IFS--two powerful models--into a framework that is relatable, approachable, and readily applicable to clinicians and clients. With compassion, clarity, and a strong commitment to accessibility, Hart offers a thoughtful and comprehensive resource that opens new pathways for healing and transformation."
--Crystal R. Jones, LCSW, lead trainer at IFS-I

--Crystal R. Jones, LCSW

"Finally, thanks to Kendhal Hart, the first book devoted entirely to the integration of these two powerful models has arrived. This long-awaited guide provides grounding in both approaches and thoroughly maps out an integrated course, interweaving the healing steps of each. A must-read, and a solid addition to the reference shelf, for the progressive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist."
--Bruce Hersey, LCSW, cofounder of Syzygy Institute; and internal family systems (IFS)-informed EMDR trainer, consultant, and international speaker

--Bruce Hersey, LCSW

"I'm so grateful to Kendhal Hart for writing this important and timely book. With clarity and deep compassion, she offers a beautifully accessible vision for how IFS and EMDR can be meaningfully integrated. Hart has been a pioneer in uniting these models, and her work strengthens our ability to help those healing from trauma."
--David Polidi, LICSW, therapist, host of the Empowered Through Compassion podcast, and editor of IFS-Informed EMDR

--David Polidi, LICSW

"Kendal Hart offers a grounded, practical approach to integrating EMDR and IFS that feels both accessible and effective. Her clinical experience brings clarity and confidence to the work, even when it feels overwhelming. As I read, I felt a sense of relief in my own parts. Kendal's warmth, humility, and deep care for both clients and clinicians are evident in her writing and in the way she approaches this work."
--Beau Laviolette, LCSW-BACS, founder of Healing Protectors (serving military veterans), and lead trainer with the Syzygy Institute (IFS-EMDR integration)

--Beau Laviolette, LCSW-BACS

"Kendhal Hart has a rare ability to translate complex clinical models into practical and accessible concepts. Having assisted her in teaching this model live, I can attest to her clarity and deep compassion that comes through in this book. Therapists will leave this guide feeling more confident, more connected to their parts, and better equipped to support their clients through deep trauma work."
--Kristie Boggs, LPC, EMDRIA-approved consultant and trainer, and IFS-trained trauma therapist specializing in EMDR intensives and IFS integration

--Kristie Boggs, LPC

"Kendhal Hart provides a clear, practical road map for integrating IFS and EMDR, showing how IFS enriches and deepens the healing potential of EMDR. Through specific examples across every phase of the EMDR protocol, she offers clinicians a powerful framework to enhance both efficacy and compassion in their work."
--Tammy Sollenberger, IFS-certified therapist and consultant, and author of The One Inside

--Tammy Sollenberger

"The must-have book for anyone combining these two therapies: clear, concise, coherent, practical, and pragmatic. Kendhal Hart has a gift for making the complex simple to clarify ways to enhance EMDR healing. The book's qualities of rigor and thoroughness are enhanced by excellent vignettes and client scripts to illustrate every scenario, along with some appropriate sharing of the author's own story."
--Annabel McGoldrick, PhD, author of Mind Over Murder--a detective novel about an EMDR therapist

--Annabel McGoldrick, PhD

"This book provides hope to therapists and trauma survivors as Kendhal Hart gifts us a unique clinical approach that offers clarity for even the most complex of trauma presentations. It is littered with wisdom and experience as Hart beautifully navigates how these two psychotherapeutic modalities complement one another. A truly authentically written, brilliant, and clinically relevant book that any clinician working with trauma MUST READ."
--Sarah Harrison, EMDR lead for NHS trust, and EMDR consultant and lead for EMDR pathway at the Centre for Specialist Psychological Therapies UK

--Sarah Harrison

"With clarity, depth, and compassion, Kendhal Hart bridges IFS and EMDR in a way that is both accessible and transformative. It has been a true privilege to learn from her and witness the content evolve into the magic of this book. I'm confident it will serve as a guiding touchstone for therapists as we move forward accompanying clients on their healing journeys."
--Alyce Messer, LCSW-S, EMDRIA-approved consultant, and Level 2 IFS-certified therapist

--Alyce Messer, LCSW-S

"Working with complex trauma presents significant challenges in any modality--including the need to navigate the fears and objections of protective parts, whose responses to perceived threat can make it difficult for clients to engage in healing. Kendhal Hart offers a thoughtful and detailed integration of IFS's relational, permission-focused approach throughout every phase of EMDR, providing a vital resource for therapists supporting deep and lasting healing in trauma survivors."
--Alexia Rothman, PhD, lead trainer at IFS Institute

--Alexia Rothman, PhD

About the Author

Kendhal Hart, PsyD, is an EMDRIA-approved trainer and consultant, Level 3 IFS-certified therapist, and IFSI-approved consultant. A recognized expert in treating complex trauma, she specializes in training therapists to integrate eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and internal family systems (IFS) effectively. Her virtual practice empowers therapists to explore their own systems, enabling them to provide clients with the highest level of care. Hart offers comprehensive integration courses, foundational IFS training, group consultations, live demonstrations, and immersive therapist retreats.

With her extensive experience as an educator, consultant, and former group practice owner, Hart is committed to helping therapists enhance their skills and create meaningful, lasting change in their clients' lives. Discover more about her transformative work at www.kendhalhart.com.