20251015_Moduloshorizontal_4

Module 4: Decision-Making Points During Assessment Phase

March 13, 2026

Duration: 3 hours
Fee: $89

Register for Module 4
Register for Module 1-6

This module focuses on clinical decision-making during Phase Three (Assessment Phase) of EMDR therapy with children and adolescents who have experienced chronic and developmental trauma. In complex cases, assessing readiness for trauma processing requires nuanced understanding of the child’s internal system, the presence of dissociative defenses, and the motivational forces shaping the child’s self-organization.

We will explore how to determine whether the child’s system is stable enough to sustain activation and complete processing. Clinicians will learn how to evaluate if the preparation work has laid a sufficient platform for integration, and how to recognize signs of compartmentalization and strong internal conflict that might signal the need for further stabilization.

The module will also cover a range of target selection models—symptom-based, chronological, thematic, parts-informed—and how to choose the most developmentally appropriate and therapeutically strategic entry points. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration with the child’s self-states or ego parts, and on ensuring that the chosen targets are within the child’s window of tolerance.

Learning Objectives:

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

  1. Identify key decision-making points during Phase Three that determine readiness for trauma processing.
  2. Describe the role of the assessment phase in mapping the child’s internal system and evaluating stability.
  3. Assess the presence of protective or perpetrator-imitating self-states that may block or hijack processing.
  4. Apply models of target selection that consider developmental stage, dissociative structure, and therapeutic priorities.
  5. Differentiate between adaptive and non-adaptive material in selecting target images, negative and positive cognitions, affect, and body sensations.
  6. Recognize when a child may require extended preparation or parts work before engaging in full trauma processing.
  7. Build an internal platform that strengthens integrative capacities, fosters cooperation among self-states, and enhances emotional regulation.

CEs provided by CE-Classes.com:

  • The American Psychological Association (APA) CE-Classes.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE-Classes.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Florida Certification Board
  • The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #852 BAP-Expires 3/31/2025
  • The California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS, recognizes relevant course work/training that has been approved by nationally recognized certifying bodies, such as APA, to satisfy renewal requirements.
  • California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-12-174-0225 Expires 02-2025
  • The Texas Board of Social Work Examiners – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education
  • The Texas Board of Professional Counselors – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education
  • Massachusetts Authorization Number: (TBD)
  • Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board - Approval from a state licensing board for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists is accepted by the OH CSWMFTB.
  • New York Social Work Board – CE-Classes.com is recognized by the New York State Education
    Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0120.
  • New York Mental Health Practitioners Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0260.
  • New York Psychology Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0211
  • The Florida Board of Nursing (CE Provider #: 50-4896) Expires 10/31/2024 Do not send certificates to the Florida Board of Nursing. You must keep this certificate for 4 years.
  • The California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2024.
  • This course is NOT available for NBCC credit
  • This training does not offer ASWB ACE credit to social workers
Grievance Policy - All grievances must be in writing to Jim Mason at info@AnaGomez.org, and will be replied to within 5 - 10 business days.
ADA Policy - This training is held in facilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact info@AnaGomez.org if special accommodation is required.
Conflict of Interest - There are no known conflicts of interests for this workshop
Scroll to Top