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Neurodivergent Clients and EMDR:
Adapting the Standard Protocol without Losing Fidelity

March 13-14, 2026
11:30am – 3:30pm EST (both days)

Live, interactive webinar on Zoom

Facilitator: Christine MacInnis, LMFT

7 Clock Hours of CEs
8 EMDRIA Credits

Workshop Registration Fee
Standard: $299 – Private practice, for-profit agencies
Discounted: $259 – Non-profit organizations
(use coupon code NONPROFIT at checkout)

This workshop will be recorded.
If you are unable to attend live, you can purchase the recording prior to the date of the training. Continuing education credits are for live participation only.

Note: The registration and payment process is the same whether you plan to attend live or receive the recording. On the registration form, you’ll be able to indicate whether you prefer to join us live or access the recording afterward.

Adaptations of EMDR for neurodivergent clients have become increasingly important as clinicians recognize the need to tailor EMDR to meet these clients’ unique needs. Research shows that neurodivergent individuals experience higher rates of trauma than the general population, highlighting the importance of accessible, effective EMDR treatment. This training will provide an overview of the history of neurodiversity-affirming EMDR, explore what makes EMDR relatable for different neurotypes, and offer detailed guidance on accommodations that maintain fidelity to the EMDR process. Participants will expand their skill set through both lecture and hands-on practice in small-group settings, ensuring they can confidently apply these tools with neurodivergent clients.

Since Christine MacInnis’s first training on Special Considerations for EMDR with Autistic and ADHD Clients in July 2022, the field of neurodiversity-affirming (ND) EMDR has grown significantly, leading to deeper insights into applying the standard protocol with neurodivergent clients. Following that training, Christine created a Facebook community of over 4,000 ND-affirming clinicians sharing best practices, and developed a Part 2 of Special Considerations, which introduced strategies for addressing ND masking, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and autistic burnout, using tools such as ND-affirming cognitive interweaves, parts work, and ND-informed approaches to blocking beliefs.

In this upcoming training, Christine will integrate the most effective elements of both previous sessions while introducing new skills, creating a comprehensive toolbox for supporting neurodivergent clients. While not every tool will be necessary for every client, the training will provide a range of approaches to meet diverse needs. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice these tools in real time, in small-group cohorts, with guidance from the trainer, ensuring confidence and fidelity in applying them after the training.

Join us for this special training, and let’s geek out together on the tools we have to assist our clients!

Intended Audience
Master’s level social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists; psychologists; psychiatrists.

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.

Level of Content: Intermediate

Course Interaction
This live webinar is fully interactive and experiential. The workshop features a dynamic blend of didactic teaching, case examples, and large-group discussion. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and engage in instructor-led conversations throughout. There will also be opportunities to practice skills in dyads or triads, with the facilitator available to offer guidance and support.

Workshop Learning Objectives

  • Participants will be able to explain at least three (3) terms used in Neurodivergent Affirming EMDR therapy.
  • Participants will be able to identify at least one (1) trauma specific to the neurodivergent experience. 
  • Participants will be able to differentiate a minimum of two (2) barriers neurodivergent clients have to accessing EMDR and identify at least three (3) appropriate accommodations based on the client’s neurotype.
  • Participants will be able to apply at least two (2) accommodations during each phase of processing to support neurodivergent clients.
  • Participants will be able to apply a minimum of two (2) cognitive interweaves to use with different types of neurodivergence during phase 4 of processing. 
  • Participants will be able to identify at least two (2) blocking beliefs that may hinder processing. 
  • Participants will be able to use parts work through at least two (2) of the eight (8) phases of EMDR to enhance and support processing.

Trainer Information

Christine MacInnis, LMFT, has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the past 15 years in California and, more recently, in Arizona and Ohio. She was also a licensed school counselor for 25 years in California and New York before leaving the field in 2022. She became a certified EMDR therapist in December of 2021 and is currently listed with EMDRIA as an approved consultant. In August 2022, she was approved as an EMDRIA-credentialed instructor and distance learning educator for her training on neurodiversity-affirming practices with EMDR. She also runs a consulting group that focuses explicitly on the practice of EMDR, with an emphasis on the intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse populations. Her private practice work also specializes in this intersectionality. She is currently under contract with Norton Publishing, co-authoring a book entitled Neurodivergent Paths to Healing: Affirming EMDR and Parts Work for Autistic and ADHD Clients. More information about Christine and her work can be found on her website- www.transcendstherapy.com

Program Content and Timeline

Day 1: Friday, March 13, 2026
11:30am-3:30pm EST

11am-11:45am: Understanding the Neurodiversity Affirming Paradigm 
In this opening segment, participants will be welcomed, and group norms will be established. They will then consider how neurodiversity therapy practices have evolved and changed under the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm.

11:45-12:00 PM: Trauma with Neurodivergent (ND) Clients
An overview of neurodiversity-affirming practices in trauma therapy will be provided. How trauma presents throughout neurotypes and through societal norms will also be explored and explained. A deep dive into the nervous system activation, dissociation presentations, and other trauma responses in neurodivergent populations will be reviewed and discussed.

12:00-12:10pm: 10 min break

12:10pm – 1:10pm: Trauma with Neurodivergent Clients, continued
Further exploration of trauma responses and discussion of implications for therapeutic practice.

1:10pm – 1:20pm – 10 minute break

1:20pm – 2:25pm Considerations within Neurotypes- Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Persistent Drive for Autonomy)
This segment will explore each neurotype and how their specific needs can affect the EMDR process. It will discuss and explore masking, burnout, somatic concerns, interoception and proprioception issues, and aphantasia within the neurodivergent population. 

2:25pm – 2:35pm: 10 min break

2:35 pm – 3:10 pm: Breakout Groups 
Discuss in small groups the specific needs addressed within the neurotypes and share one way you can address them in your own work with the group.

3:10 pm- 3:30 pm- Debrief and Questions

Day 2: Saturday, March 13,2026
11:30am-3:30pm EST

11:30 am – 2:05 pm: Creating Your Toolbox- Skills for All 8 Phases to Address Unique Needs
This segment will explore techniques for each of the eight phases of EMDR. Using a problem-solving approach, each phase will be presented with hypothetical issues that can occur while working with a neurodivergent client, and practical, hands-on solutions will be provided. Parts work, ND-affirming cognitive interweaves, standard ND blocking beliefs, EMD, EMDr, current event targeting, and adaptations for sensory overwhelm will be added to the toolbox for each phase.

  • 11:30 am – 12:35 pm- Phases 1-4 
  • 11:35am – 11:45am- Break (10 minutes)
  • 11:45 am – 12:55 pm- Phases 1-4, continued
  • 12:55 pm – 1:05 pm: Break (10 minutes)
  • 1:05 pm- 2:05 pm- Phases 5-8

2:05 pm to 2:15 pm: Break (10 minutes)

2:15 pm to 3:30 pm: Putting Our Skills Into Practice- Breakout Sessions, Q&A
Participants will utilize one of the tools selected through an online poll conducted during the break. Practicum will take place in small-group breakout sessions, with the presenter rotating through groups to support and answer questions. The training will conclude with a large-group Q&A.

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 7 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 7 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: 8 credits
Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center is an approved EC Provider (#24005)  and this program (#24005-07) is approved for 8 EMDRIA Credits.

Multiplicity of the Mind Learning Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content in accordance with EMDRIA requirements.
Participants must attend the entire workshop to be eligible for EMDRIA credits. No Partial Credit awarded.

NBCC: 7 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: 7 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 7 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.

Florida: Accepted by & Registered with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.

Kansas: Accepted by & Registered with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board for Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, Social workers, and Masters Level 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.

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