Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician's Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems

by Kendhal Hart PsyD

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.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Jenna Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough. Kendhal is one of my absolute favorite trainers for both EMDR and IFS, and this book reads very similarly to being in a course with her. She is not only highly specialized in this modality as a clinician, but the way she is able to teach and communicate with other therapists is really what sets her apart. I appreciate the ways she has helped me grow as a clinician and as a person. Every therapist who implements EMDR and/or IFS should have this on their shelf as a resource. I will be referring back to it often!

[Bright Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treating Trauma with EMDR and IFS: A Clinician’s Guide to Integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy with Internal Family Systems by Kendhal Hart PsyD
explains a combined approach to treating complex post-traumatic stress disorder by utilizing both eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and internal family systems (IFS) together.

This book was written as a guide specifically tailored for therapists already trained in EMDR. It provides practical strategies on how to integrate IFS within each of the eight phases of EMDR.

Details such as instructions for the therapist, sample questions for the client, scripts, case examples as well as the author's own insights are clearly presented.

As a visual learner, I would have appreciated illustrations or other visual aids within the book.

About the Author: Kendhal Hart has a Doctorate in Psychology and is a specialist in complex trauma, OCD, addiction, and legacy burdens. They are also an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant & Certified EMDR Therapist, an EMDRIA-Approved Provider of EMDR Basic Training, an IFS Certified Therapist, and an IFS Institute Approved Clinical Consultant.

October 1, 2025
New Harbinger Publications, Inc.


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