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TRAINING

Wellness Counseling Inc. Trainings

emdr basic retreat

Treating Couples with EMDR: Training Series

I am excited to offer this two-part live online (Zoom) training series designed for EMDR Trained clinicians who want to integrate EMDR into couples therapy.

Part 1: Foundations of EMDR with Couples

Part 2: Applying the 8 Phases of EMDR with Couples

Completion of EMDR Basic Training is required.

Good news! For those not able to make it to my live online training on Monday “Treating Couples with EMDR”, I will be teaching again in January! I am happy to share that I was invited to join the Steve Frankel Group Faculty! What this means is that my training will be recorded and then it will also be available for on demand training. If you are interested in joining the January training, you can find the info here:

Training Series Information

PART 1: FOUNDATIONS OF EMDR WITH COUPLES

This introductory workshop provides clinicians with foundational knowledge for integrating EMDR therapy into couples counseling. Participants will examine how trauma impacts both the brain and intimate relationships, explore the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, and review contraindications and precautions specific to couples. Emphasis will be placed on conducting a thorough couples history interview and individual intake sessions. Participants will also be introduced to resourcing strategies designed to support regulation and co-regulation within the couple. This session prepares clinicians for more advanced application of EMDR in couples work.

PART 2: APPLYING THE 8 PHASES OF EMDR WITH COUPLES

This advanced workshop builds on Part 1 by guiding clinicians through the application of EMDR therapy with couples across the eight phases. Participants will learn how to adapt phase-by-phase interventions to the relational context, identify appropriate relational trauma targets, and manage blocking beliefs that arise in session. Special focus will be given to managing dysregulation in a couple’s presence, pacing sessions, and integrating post-EMDR follow-up strategies that promote relational healing. Case examples and interactive discussion will support the translation of theory into practice.

Treating Couples with EMDR Details

Format: Live Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Arilda Surridge, MA, LMFT – Owner/Director – Wellness Counseling Inc. EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Advanced Trainer
CE Credit: 3 hours per training (NBCC + EMDRIA), 6 total if both parts are completed
Cost: $150 USD
Who Should Attend: Mental health professionals who have completed EMDR Basic Training and want to expand their skills in adapting EMDR for couples work

RECOMMENDED READING:
Treating Couples with EMDR – A Healing Journey by Arilda Surridge

Completion of EMDR Basic Training is required.

All Hands on Deck: Why Mental Health Professionals Need Accurate Education about Perimenopause

Date: October 27th at 12 pm to 1 pm PST
Format: Live Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Holly Osment, LMFT, LPCC, CST, CST-S
CE Credit: 1 NBCC Credit
Cost: FREE

Training Summary

Information

Perimenopause is a developmental stage that often has significant effects on mental, relational, and sexual health. Despite this, most mental health professionals receive little or no training in recognizing or addressing these impacts. This one-hour presentation equips therapists with essential knowledge about perimenopause, clarifies common misconceptions, and explores how lack of education across medical and mental health fields can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Participants will gain practical tools for psychoeducation and a broader framework for supporting clients in midlife transitions.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Differentiate between perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause
  2. Evaluate how misinformation, lack of education, and fragmented care contribute to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment of perimenopausal clients
  3. Identify ways that therapists may unintentionally recommend ineffective or inappropriate treatments, and apply strategies to better support clients’ mental and relational health during perimenopause

Unexpected Healers: Integrating the Human-Animal Bond into Mental Health Therapy

Date: December 1st, 2025 at 12 pm to 1 pm PST
Format: Live Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Caitlyn Pabon, MS, LMHC
CE Credit: 1 NBCC Credit
Cost: FREE

Training Summary

Information

This presentation explores the profound impact of the human-animal bond on mental health therapy, highlighting how integrating animals into therapeutic practices can enhance emotional well-being. By reviewing current research and clinical applications, participants will learn about the physiological, psychological, and social benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT). The session will emphasize how animals can serve as catalysts for emotional regulation, social connection, and trauma recovery, offering a holistic approach to mental health care.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the physiological and psychological mechanisms through which animal-assisted therapy alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  2. Implement evidence-based strategies to incorporate animals into therapeutic settings, enhancing client engagement and emotional regulation.
  3.  

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: A Deep Dive into Healing and Integration

Date: November 3rd, 2025 at 12 pm to 1 pm PST
Format: Live Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Janet (Bayramyan) Generales, LCSW
CE Credit: 1 NBCC Credit
Cost: FREE

Training Summary

Information

This training provides an in-depth introduction to the foundational principles and practical applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the model’s core components—including the roles of Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters, as well as the central healing presence of the Self. Through experiential learning and guided practice, attendees will develop skills in unblending, witnessing, and befriending parts, enhancing their ability to facilitate inner healing and self-leadership in clients.
The course emphasizes clinical discernment, equipping participants to assess client readiness, identify contraindications, and determine when additional stabilization or support is necessary. Common therapeutic challenges—such as resistance, self-criticism, and trauma-related defenses—are explored with practical strategies for compassionate engagement.
In addition, participants will examine ethical and cultural considerations, learning how to adapt IFS techniques to diverse populations while maintaining a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach. Finally, the training provides direction for continued professional growth, highlighting opportunities for advanced study, supervision, and certification in IFS.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand Core Concepts: Define Parts (Exiles, Managers, Firefighters) and the role of Self in IFS therapy.
  2. Apply IFS Techniques: Utilize unblending, witnessing, and befriending strategies to facilitate healing.
  3. Assess Client Readiness: Identify contraindications and recognize when additional stabilization is needed.
  4. Navigate Common Challenges: Address resistant parts, self-criticism, and working with trauma responses.
  5. Recognize Ethical & Cultural Considerations: Adapt IFS to diverse populations and maintain trauma-informed care.
  6. Access Further Learning: Identify resources for advanced training, supervision, and certification.

Regulating the Therapist Nervous System: Somatic Practices for Clinical Presence and Trauma Work

Date: October 17th, 2025 at 12 pm to 1 pm PST
Format: Live Online (Zoom)
Instructor: Meg Tobin, LMHC
CE Credit: 1 NBCC Credit
Cost: FREE

Training Summary

Information

This training offers therapists experiential, body-based practices that can be used both for their own regulation and with clients in trauma therapy. Rather than focusing on brain science or theoretical models, the session will emphasize practical tools that clinicians can immediately integrate into their practice. Participants will explore how their own nervous system state impacts the therapeutic relationship and learn somatic techniques to increase presence, attunement, and capacity for holding difficult material.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  1. Participants will be able to identify how their own nervous system state impacts the therapeutic process.

  2. Participants will be able to demonstrate at least two somatic practices to support nervous system regulation in themselves and their clients.

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