proudly presents
Dealing with Avoidance in EMDR Therapy:
Blocking Beliefs, Defenses, and Getting Unstuck
A Two-Day Experiential Workshop
Practical strategies for working with blocking beliefs, dissociation, and protective defenses that make trauma reprocessing more complex.
Workshop Details:
- August 27-28, 2026
- 9:30am – 5:00pm Eastern Time (both days)
- Live, interactive webinar on Zoom
- Facilitator: Crystal Whitlow, LCSW, EMDR Basic Trainer
- 12 Clock Hours of CEs (NBCC/ASWB)
- 13 EMDRIA Credits (pending)
- Workshop will be recorded and available for 60 days to review.
Workshop Description
Many EMDR clinicians encounter moments when trauma reprocessing becomes slowed or blocked by avoidance, dissociation, shame, or other protective defenses. When this happens, therapists may feel unsure how to proceed while maintaining safety, attunement, and fidelity to the EMDR protocol.
This two-day workshop introduces practical strategies drawn from Jim Knipe’s EMDR Toolbox to help clinicians recognize and work with defenses that create barriers to trauma reprocessing. Participants will learn EMDR-based approaches that support stabilization, dual awareness, and clinical readiness when standard EMDR targeting strategies are not sufficient.
The workshop focuses on understanding and working with Knipe’s five trauma-related defenses—avoidance, dissociation, idealization, shame, and addictions—and how these protective responses can shape the course of trauma reprocessing. Participants will explore ways to recognize these defenses and respond in a manner that maintains safety while supporting forward movement in EMDR therapy.
The workshop also introduces parts-informed concepts within EMDR therapy to help clinicians understand internal protective responses and their role in blocking trauma reprocessing. Integrating parts-informed language can support clinicians in working more effectively with shame, avoidance, and other protective responses that arise during EMDR treatment.
Participants will leave with practical strategies and increased confidence in working with defenses and avoidance so trauma reprocessing can unfold with greater safety, clarity, and clinical effectiveness.
Key Skills and Tools Covered
Participants will learn practical EMDR-based strategies for working with defenses that create barriers to trauma reprocessing. Key tools introduced in this workshop include:
- Blocking Beliefs Questionnaire
- Level of Urge to Avoid (LoUA)
- Level of Positive Affect targeting (LoPA)
- Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety (CIPOS)
- Future-first EMDR targeting strategies
- Loving Eyes
- Parts-informed approaches for working with shame and protective responses
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a central component of this workshop. Participants will engage in structured triad practice sessions designed to help clinicians apply the interventions introduced in the workshop. Training coaches will circulate during practice sessions to observe, provide guidance, and support participants as they develop confidence using these approaches in their clinical work. These experiential exercises help clinicians translate the material into practical clinical skills that can be used immediately in EMDR therapy.
What Past Participants are Saying
“Crystal delivered the material in a way that made it easy to practice immediately after learning the new skills.”
“The workshop was well organized and the material was presented in a digestible way that never felt overwhelming.”
“I loved the opportunities to work in practice groups, and I found Crystal to be authentic and approachable in the way she presented. Truly a fantastic workshop.”
“The two-day length was perfect—it allowed us to cover a lot of material without being overwhelming.”
“There was no ‘fluff’—everything presented was clinically relevant.”
“Crystal’s teaching style was engaging and worked especially well with my neurodivergent brain.”
“I was wanting more in-depth explanations and examples of advanced EMDR skills. This training provided that for me.”
Intended Audience
Master’s level social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and other licensed clincians trained in EMDR.
Eligibility Requirements: Partial EMDR Training
This workshop is open to clinicians who are at least partially trained in EMDR which means they have completed part of an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR Training and/or still finishing their 10 hours of required consultation. It is recommended that participants have completed the full EMDR Basic Training and have experience in using EMDR with clients. This workshop is not an EMDR Basic Training.
Course Interaction
This live webinar is fully interactive. The workshop includes a dynamic blend of didactic instruction, video, case examples, demonstrations, guided experiential exercises, and large group discussion. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and actively engage in instructor-led dialogue throughout the training. Participants will engage in dyad and triad practice sessions that allow clinicians to work with their own avoidance, blocks, and defensive responses, deepening their ability to apply these interventions with clients. Facilitator guidance during practice sessions supports clinical integration, skill development, and application of EMDR procedures aligned with participant treatment goals.
Level of Content: Intermediate
Workshop Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Differentiate trauma-related defenses that create barriers to EMDR reprocessing.
- Apply the Blocking Beliefs Questionnaire to identify barriers to EMDR readiness.
- Apply EMDR preparation strategies to address defenses and avoidance prior to EMDR reprocessing.
- Analyze clinical presentations of dissociation and select EMDR strategies that support dual awareness and present orientation.
- Organize EMDR target selection to address client avoidance and defensive responses safely.
- Apply EMDR strategies that target the positive affect associated with idealization defenses.
- Apply parts-informed interventions to identify and address shame that interferes with EMDR processing.
- Relate Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed parts language to the treatment of shame in EMDR therapy.
Workshop Facilitator
Crystal Whitlow is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in South Bend, Indiana. Crystal began her career as a therapist in domestic violence and sexual assault crisis centers, followed by Community Mental Health work. In 2008, she opened her private practice specializing in PTSD with a focus on EMDR therapy. She is an Approved Consultant and Trainer in EMDR and now spends half her working life teaching EMDR Therapy trainings and providing consultation for EMDR therapists. In 2017, she developed this two day EMDR Advanced training workshop titled “Dealing with Avoidance in EMDR Therapy: Blocking Beliefs, Defenses, and Getting Unstuck” based on Jim Knipe’s EMDR Toolbox. In 2023, Crystal became an IFS Certified Therapist through the IFS Institute and began teaching IFS Informed EMDR with the Syzygy Institute. She maintains a small private practice in South Bend, Indiana.
Program Content and Timeline
Day 1
Thursday, August 27, 2026; 9:30am-5:30pm Eastern Time
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Introduction to Blocking Beliefs and Trauma Defenses
- Overview of workshop concepts and clinical framework
- Understanding blocking beliefs in EMDR therapy
- Introduction to Knipe’s five trauma-related defenses
- Group exercise using the Blocking Beliefs Questionnaire
11:00 – 11:15 AM
15-minute Break
11:15 – 11:45 AM
Building a Processing Resource
- Introduction to Leeds and Korn’s Resource Development Installation (RDI) enhancement
- Using Processing Resources when EMDR processing becomes stuck
- Video demonstration
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Processing Resource Practice
- Dyad/triad practice session
- Training coaches available for support and feedback
12:45 – 1:45 PM
60-minute Meal Break
1:45 – 3:00 PM
Working with Trauma Defenses and Dissociation
- Understanding Knipe’s five trauma defenses
- Recognizing signs of dissociation during EMDR processing
- Using the Back-of-the-Head Scale for present orientation
- Introduction to CIPOS (Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety)
- Large group experiential exercise and demonstration
3:00 – 3:15 PM
15-minute Break
3:15 – 3:45 PM
Future-First Targeting
- Using future targets to support clients with strong defenses
- Titration strategies for complex trauma and dissociation
- Concepts from Robbie Adler-Tapia and Ad de Jongh
3:45 – 4:45 PM
Future-First Targeting Practice
- Dyad/triad practice session
- Training coaches circulating to provide guidance
4:45 – 5:00 PM
Q&A and Day 1 Wrap-Up
Day 2
Friday, August 28, 2026; 9:30am-5:30pm Eastern Time
9:30 – 10:00 AM
Level of Urge to Avoid (LoUA)
- Understanding avoidance as a trauma defense
- Introduction to Jim Knipe’s Level of Urge to Avoid (LoUA) scale
- Adapting the traditional SUD scale to safely explore avoidance
- Video demonstration of LoUA in clinical practice
10:00 – 10:45 AM
Idealization Defense and Level of Positive Affect
- Understanding idealization as a trauma defense
- Using the Level of Positive Affect scale to assess idealization
- Demonstration of targeting idealization defenses with bilateral stimulation
10:45 – 11:00 AM
15-minute Break
11:00 – 11:15 AM
Q&A and Clinical Discussion
- Clarifying key concepts from the morning segments
- Discussion of clinical applications
11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
Targeting Avoidance or Positive Affect Practice
- Dyad/triad practice session
- Participants practice targeting avoidance or idealization defenses
- Training coaches available for observation and support
12:45 – 1:45 PM
60-minute Meal Break
1:45 – 2:45 PM
Working with Shame: Loving Eyes Intervention
- Understanding shame as a barrier to trauma processing
- Introduction to the Loving Eyes intervention
- Demonstration of working with shame and self-compassion in EMDR
2:45 – 3:00 PM
15-minute Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM
EMDR and Parts-Informed Approaches
- Understanding protective parts in trauma processing
- Introduction to IFS-informed concepts within EMDR therapy
- Strategies for recognizing and working with protective parts
- Group experiential exercise
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Phase 8: Reevaluation in EMDR Therapy
- Understanding the role of Phase 8 in the EMDR protocol
- Using reevaluation to assess progress and ongoing barriers to processing
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Case Consultation, Q&A, and Workshop Closing
- Final questions and workshop wrap-up
- Group consultation with volunteer cases
- Applying workshop strategies to clinical practice
Continuing Education (CE) Credit Information
Course Completion Requirements
To earn CE credit, participants must attend the entire course live and have their camera turned on, so attendance can be verified. Additionally, participants must complete an online course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed after online course evaluation is completed via Flexiquiz.
CE Credits Available
Participants will receive 12 hours of continuing education (CE) credit upon completing this program. Carefully look at the approvals/acceptances that have been secured for the training for which you are registering.
This workshop qualifies for 12 continuing education clock hours as required by many national, state, and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Many states do not require specific approvals; several states require specific approvals; many accept national organization approvals or providers from other states. Save this workshop advertisement and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.
By registering for this course, you agree to check in to and be knowledgeable about the continuing education approvals that are required for members of your profession in your state. You may contact Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center with any questions PRIOR to the workshop.
EMDRIA: 13 credit pending
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is an approved EC Provider (#24005)
Eligibility for EMDRIA Credits is restricted to those who have completed an EMDRIA-Approved Basic EMDR Training. Participants must attend the entire workshop to be eligible for EMDRIA credits. No Partial Credit awarded. Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content in accordance with EMDRIA requirements.
NBCC: 12 CEs
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7522. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
ASWB ACE: 12 CEs
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center, #2113, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 07/23/2025 – 07/23/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 12 clinical continuing education credits.
New York does not accept ASWB ACE provider or course/conference approval.
What states accept ASWB ACE clock hours? LINK
CE Broker Registrations
Please note: Only the states below use CE Broker to record/track CEs. This is not a full list of states that will accept/recognize this workshop as an eligible source to meet CE requirements.
Arizona: Accepted by & Registered with the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Florida: Accepted by & Registered with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Georgia: Accepted by & Registered with the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists.
Kansas: Accepted by & Registered with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board for Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors,Social workers, Masters Level Psychologists, and Psychologists.
Michigan: Accepted by & Registered with the Michigan Board of Social Work.
Mississippi: Accepted by & Registered with the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.
New Hampshire: Accepted by & Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
New Hampshire: Accepted by & Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Psychologists.
North Dakota: Accepted by & Registered with the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.
Ohio: Accepted by & Registered with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
South Carolina: Accepted by & Registered with the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
South Carolina: Accepted by & Registered with the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.
Tennessee: Accepted by & Registered with the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists.
Tennessee: Accepted by & Registered with the Tennessee Board of Social Workers.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Texas: Accepted by & Registered with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.
West Virginia: Accepted by & Registered with the West Virginia Board of Social Work
West Virginia: Accepted by & Registered with the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling.
Registration Information
Registration Fee:
Live Participation (with CEs): $375 USD
All participants will receive access to the workshop recording for 60 days.
Recording-Only Purchase (No CEs): $175
The recording-only option provides on-demand access for 60 days to the lecture content and workshop materials only and does not include live participation or CE credit. Recording link and materials will be emailed on Saturday, August 29.
Compassionate Access Adjustments
At Multiplicity of the Mind, we value accessibility and community care. We offer Compassionate Access Adjustments for clinicians who may need financial flexibility to attend. These fee adjustments reflect our belief that everyone deserves opportunities for learning and connection, regardless of financial circumstances.
If a reduced fee would make participation possible for you, please email us at info@multiplicityofthemind.com for a list of coupon codes for various discount amounts to use at checkout. While we’re unable to offer full scholarships at this time, we do our best to make participation accessible whenever possible. We’re also happy to arrange split payments via invoice if that makes it easier to register.
Registration Deadline: Please register by 5:00 PM, August 26, 2026, Eastern Time.
Cancellation and Refund Policy for Live Training Participation
Full refund, minus $25 administration fee, until July 28, 2026. After that date, there are no refunds for cancellation. Cancellation and refund requests shall be submitted in writing to info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
Recording purchases are final. Because this is a live training recording (not a studio production), minor audio or video imperfections may occur (for example, syncing quirks). By purchasing, you acknowledge this and agree that purchases are non-refundable based on production quality.In the very rare exception of a true technical issue that prevents access altogether, a refund will be provided.
Workshop Video Recording
This workshop will be recorded and available for viewing for 60 days after the workshop concludes. At Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center, we recognize the value of recording workshop. Therefore, we have established the following policy regarding workshop recordings. Please review the recording policy HERE. Please note that only live participation will be eligible for CEs.
Disability Related Accommodations and Services
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center will make reasonable adjustments or modifications to practices, policies and procedures, and to provide auxiliary aids and services for our training participants with disabilities. It is the responsibility of participants who seek disability-related accommodations and services to submit their requests in a timely manner prior to the training, notwithstanding emergencies or unexpected events that require services. Participants may request services during the registration process. Some services may require further written medical verification that supports the medical reason for the request (e.g., a supporting letter from their medical provider). To start this process, To start this process, participants can complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form and email it info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
System Requirements
Participants must have a stable internet connection and must use their own computer (not a cell phone) during the training. The computer must have a working camera and meet Zoom system requirements. To view more information on Supported Operating Systems, tablet devices, web browsers, processor/RAM, and bandwidth requirements click HERE.
Code of Conduct
By registering for and attending this workshop, you agree to adhere to our Code of Conduct for Online Workshops. Your participation signifies your commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all attendees.
Complaints and Grievances
The goal at Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is to provide an effective learning experience for all participants. Prior to a scheduled workshop, if you have a problem with registration-related issues, e.g., issues with the registration form, payment, website, promotional materials, emails, you are expected to email Katie Wine-Appleton (info@multiplicityofthemind.com), as soon as possible.
During a training event, the trainer responsible for conducting the training has Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center’s authority to address any concerns that arise during the actual training. Every effort will be made to address the concerns during the training to include changing practice partners, addressing staff issues, etc. If the trainer is unable to address the participant’s concerns, the complaints and grievances shall be presented in writing to Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, Founder, Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center.
During and after the workshop completion, complaints and grievances regarding course content, promotional or educational materials, facilitator’s behaviors, workshop site, facilities, technological resources, or any other course-related issues, shall be presented in writing to Katie Wine-Appleton, LPCC-S, Founder, Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center. Licensed Social Workers: Should social workers have a specific grievance, these grievances will be addressed by Helen Hill, LISW-S, the social work consultant for Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center.
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center’s approach in resolving grievances is always from the perspective of what is in the fairest way to resolve the matter. All complaints and grievances are reviewed within 5 working days. Formal grievances are required to be written and emailed to info@multiplicityofthemind.com and will be responded to within 10 business days.
There are no known conflicts of interests for this workshop.
Correspondence from Continuing Education Provider
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center will send correspondence about the training, including an email confirmation when the registration fee is received. An email with the Zoom link and other important information will be sent one week prior to the workshop, followed by another email with workshop materials 24 hours before the event. These emails will come from info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
If you are not receiving these emails, please check your Spam folder as correspondence from new organizations often ends up there. Once you receive your first correspondence, please save the email address to your address book. If you have not received a confirmation email or other correspondence from us within three days of the event, it is your responsibility to reach out to us at info@multiplicityofthemind.com.
Contact Information for Questions and Assistance
Please contact Katie Wine-Appleton, Owner/CE Director for Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center, with questions, concerns, etc. She can be reached at info@multiplicityofthemind.com