Healing through Self: IFS & EMDR

Blending IFS and EMDR for Deep Trauma Recovery

In recent years, many therapists have begun to combine different evidence-based modalities to deepen healing and meet the complex needs of patients. Two powerful approaches—Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—are increasingly being integrated in clinical practice. This blended approach can be especially effective in treating trauma, attachment wounds, and deep emotional pain.

Why Blend IFS and EMDR?

Both IFS and EMDR are well-regarded trauma therapies, but they come from different angles:

• IFS is a non-pathologizing, insight-oriented model that helps patients identify and work with internal “parts” of the self (e.g., inner critics, exiles, protectors). It emphasizes self-compassion and internal harmony.

• EMDR is a structured, somatic-based therapy that processes traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (often eye movements), reducing the distress attached to those memories and promoting positive core beliefs.

Together, these modalities can address both the protective system of the psyche (IFS) and the dysregulated nervous system response to trauma (EMDR).

BOOK A SESSION

The Synergy: How It Works in Practice

1. Preparation with IFSBefore diving into trauma processing with EMDR, IFS can help build a trusting inner relationship between the patient and their parts. This work includes:

   • Identifying protective parts that may resist trauma work

   • Gaining permission from protectors to access vulnerable “exiles”

   • Cultivating the Self—an inner state of calm, compassion, and clarity

   This groundwork reduces the risk of overwhelming or re-traumatizing the patient during EMDR.

2. Target Selection Guided by IFSEMDR requires identifying target memories or experiences to process. IFS offers a unique lens:

   • Parts can be invited to share their stories and burdens

   • Specific memories carried by “exiles” can become targets for EMDR

   • Internal conflicts between parts (e.g., a protector who fears change) can be addressed first

3. Processing with EMDR While Attuning to PartsDuring EMDR reprocessing, therapists can remain attuned to the patient’s parts:

   • If a protector arises mid-set, the therapist may pause to engage the part in an IFS-informed way

   • If flooding occurs, parts can be asked to step back, and the Self can be re-centered

   • EMDR’s standard protocol can be adjusted to accommodate parts work, without losing fidelity to the model

4. Integration Through IFSAfter processing traumatic memories, IFS helps patients:

   • Unblend from parts still holding onto protective roles

   • Release burdens associated with processed memories

   • Rebuild internal trust and cohesion

   • 
     

Clinical Benefits

Blending IFS and EMDR offers a range of therapeutic benefits that can enhance the depth of trauma work while fostering a sense of safety and security. By engaging protective parts and building internal trust before reprocessing traumatic material, this approach helps reduce resistance and the risk of re-traumatization. It creates a sense of emotional safety that is especially vital for patients with complex trauma histories. The integration also strengthens internal leadership by increasing access to Self-energy—an inner state of calm, clarity, and compassion—which allows for more effective regulation and healing. Additionally, by addressing both the cognitive and somatic imprints of trauma, this combined method often accelerates the healing process and supports more sustainable transformation.

Best Fit for This Integration

This blended approach is particularly well-suited for patients dealing with complex PTSD, developmental trauma, or high levels of internal conflict and shame. It can also be beneficial for individuals who struggle with chronic self-criticism, perfectionism, or difficulty accessing their emotions and bodily sensations. For these patients, the gentleness and depth of IFS, combined with the targeted reprocessing power of EMDR, provide a comprehensive path toward healing emotional wounds and restoring a sense of internal harmony.

Lasting Wellness

While both IFS and EMDR can be highly effective on their own, their integration offers a depth and nuance that neither can fully achieve in isolation. By helping patients safely access and heal their wounded parts while processing traumatic memories somatically, this combination supports holistic, compassionate, and lasting transformation.

BOOK A SESSION