INTEGRATING EMDR AND COMPASSION-FOCUSED

THERAPY (CFT) IN CLINICAL SUPERVISION

ONLINE WORKSHOP

“Enhancing Performance and Functionality in EMDR Clinical Supervision

through Compassion-Focused Therapy”

Date:  Saturday 08 February 2025 

             

Time:  09:00h to 16:30h (Online)

 

Cost:  €85

 

Presenters:  Professor Derek Farrell MBE, EMDR Europe senior Accredited Trainer

                        and Johnny Moran, EMDR Europe Trainer and C&A Accredited Consultant

 

CPD:  6 CPD Hours approved by EMDR All-Ireland Association

 

To Book:

Online Workshop Booking Link: https://buy.stripe.com/cN28y73Kb4jZ2oEaEL

 

orkshop Outline:

 

ABSTRACT:

This EMDR Consultants workshop explores the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to enhance performance and functionality within EMDR clinical supervision. Traditional EMDR supervision focuses on improving EMDR supervisees’ technical proficiency and case formulation skills. However, the growing recognition of EMDR supervisee self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional burnout underscores the need for a more comprehensive supervisory approach that attends to these interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges. Compassion-focused therapy, which emphasizes cultivating self-compassion, regulating shame, and promoting emotional resilience, provides an ideal framework to address these issues.

Integrating CFT into EMDR supervision involves applying compassion-based interventions that encourage EMDR supervisees to develop a balanced and self-compassionate perspective in their EMDR work with trauma cases. This integration supports EMDR supervisees in managing personal and professional distress, enhancing their therapeutic presence, and building resilience against compassion fatigue. By incorporating CFT techniques, such as self-soothing practices and compassion-focused reframing, EMDR Consultants can create a more supportive and emotionally safe supervision environment.

This approach improves EMDR supervisees’ clinical competencies in EMDR therapy and fosters an adaptive supervisory relationship that promotes open dialogue, emotional regulation, and reflective practice.

Through this combined framework, EMDR Clinical Supervision and Consultation can evolve into a more holistic process that empowers EMDR supervisees to meet the demands of trauma work with greater resilience, confidence, and compassion, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness and longevity in the field. This workshop concludes with practical recommendations for EMDR supervisors to incorporate CFT principles and offers insights on navigating common challenges in integrating these therapeutic modalities.

 

  1. Introduction and Objectives

(9:00 AM – 9:30 AM)

  • Welcome and introductions
  • Overview of workshop objectives
  • Brief discussion on the growing need for integrating Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) with EMDR in clinical supervision to improve supervisee resilience, reduce anxiety, and foster a compassionate supervisory environment

 

  1. Understanding Compassion-Focused Therapy and Its Core Concepts

(9:30 AM – 10:30 AM)

  • Introduction to Compassion-Focused Therapy: origins, principles, and primary                    techniques.
  • Core concepts of CFT include the evolutionary model of emotions, the ‘three-                    circle’ model of emotion regulation (threat, drive, and soothing), and                                compassion-focused skills.
  • Discussion on the relevance of CFT to trauma therapy, particularly when                           addressing self-criticism, shame, and anxiety in clinical practice.

 

  1. Exploring the Intersection of EMDR and CFT in Clinical Supervision

(10:45 AM – 12:15 PM)

  • Integrating CFT principles within EMDR supervision: how compassion can                          enhance safety and openness during case discussion and formulation.
  • Application of CFT’s self-compassion practices to promote resilience in                              supervisees managing complex trauma cases.
  • This is a practical demonstration of integrating compassion-focused approaches                    within EMDR case conceptualization, targeting common supervisory challenges                    such as supervisee self-doubt and avoidance behaviours.

 

  1. Experiential Exercises: Applying CFT Techniques in Supervision

(1:15 PM – 2:45 PM)

  • Guided mindfulness and self-compassion exercises adapted from CFT for                           supervisors.
  • Role-play sessions where participants practice using compassion-focused                          language and strategies in challenging supervisory scenarios.
  • Group reflection and feedback on using CFT techniques to foster emotional                        regulation and enhance supervisees’ confidence and engagement in EMDR.

 

  1. Addressing Challenges and Enhancing Supervisory Outcomes with CFT & EMDR

(3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

  • Case study discussions focus on supervisory challenges (e.g., supervisee                          distress, impasses, and difficult transference).
  • Problem-solving common challenges in integrating CFT within the EMDR                            supervision framework.
  • Open Q&A for participants to discuss applications and adaptations to their                         clinical supervision practice.

 

  1. Review, Reflection, and Closing Remarks

(4:00 PM – 4:30 PM)

  • Summary of key learning points.
  • Reflection on personal experiences during the workshop.
  • Discussion of next steps and further training/resources.
  • Closing remarks and feedback collection.

 

 

Learning Outcomes:

  1. To support EMDR Consultants in supervision of EMDR therapists at all levels of training and experience.
  1. To explore and support the current lived experiences, positive and negative, of EMDR Consultant.
  1. To assist EMDR Consultants as ambassadors of the EMDR psychotherapy model to further support clinicians to develop their skills and to work towards accreditation as accredited EMDR therapists.
  1. To review current EMDR Europe requirements for Practitioner and Consultant Accreditation.
  2. To provide a forum for discussion, concerns, enquiries relative to the role of EMDR Consultant.
  3. To provide support and guidance on addressing challenging issues that may arise during EMDR clinical Supervision.

 

Presenters:

Prof Derek Farrell MBE – Professor in Trauma Psychology at University of Worcester (UK), EMDR Europe Accredited Senior Trainer & Consultant, BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist. Derek is the President of Trauma Aid Europe www.trauma-aid-europe.org & Trauma Response Network Ireland www.trnireland.ie . He has been involved in several Humanitarian Trauma Capacity Building programmes, including Pakistan, Turkey, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Poland, Philippines, and Palestine, with ongoing projects in Iraq, Lebanon, and Ukraine. Derek has authored over 50 academic peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters and is the Co-Editor of the Journal of EMDR Practice & Research. Finally, Derek has an international reputation as a conference speaker.

Johnny Moran – Clinical Director Open Minds Centre www.openmindscentre.ie , clinic specialising in treatment of Trauma. Johnny is an accredited EMDR Europe Consultant, an Accredited EMDR Europe Child & Adolescents Consultant, EMDR Institute Training Facilitator. Johnny has completed the EMDR Europe Standard Trainer in Training programme and is currently completing the EMDR Europe Child Trainer in Training Programme. Johnny is an Accredited Psychotherapist and Accredited Supervisor with IAHIP (Irish Association Humanistic Integrative Therapy). He is National Coordinator for Trauma Response Network Ireland www.trnireland.ie and is actively involved in supporting Trauma Response and Trauma Research Projects, serving on the Boards of Trauma Aid Europe and EMDR All Ireland National Association.