OVERVIEW
Unlock the power of safety and connection to heal the unresolved trauma driving your client's protective patterns.
Join us for a deep dive into S.A.F.E. EMDR, Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR with its creator, Deb Kennard. In this video, Deb explores the “concept of The Answer,” which frames our personality patterns as adaptations originally developed to survive and connect, but which later become compulsive barriers to our authentic selves. She discusses the importance of embodying trauma-informed principles, noting that trying to “help” can sometimes be violent if it overrides a client’s internal protectors. Learn how using “invitations” instead of “commands” and maintaining compassionate assumptions can create the safety necessary to release the tension of trauma. Deb also shares personal insights from her Vipassana meditation retreats and emphasizes why therapists must understand their own “Answer” to effectively help their clients.
Topics Covered:
- About the Book: EMDR for Anger Management
- S.A.F.E. EMDR and It's Foundational Principles
- Example of Protective Mechanisms/Adaptations
- The Concept of The Answer
- Foundational Principles of S.A.F.E. EMDR
- The Risk of Directness
- Compassionate Assumption & Healthy Boundaries
- Parts Work Perspective: Role of Compassion in Therapy
- The Nature of Anger and Trauma
- The Importance of Understanding Your Own Process
SPEAKER
Deborah Kennard is the founder of the Personal Transformation Institute and creator of the SAFE EMDR approach Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR, a trauma-informed approach to EMDR. She is also the author of EMDR for Anger Management: Somatic and Attachment-Focused Skills to Heal the Unresolved Trauma That Drives Your Chronic Anger, a practical guide for using EMDR to heal underlying fear and trauma. Her teaching blends deep clinical insight with a grounded, compassionate presence, helping clinicians create the safety and connection necessary for real healing. Deb continues to lead advanced trainings, consultation groups, and international workshops, supporting a growing community of trauma-informed therapists practicing the SAFE EMDR approach.
Join Our Thriving EMDR Learning Community Now!
In the EMDR community we learn together, we save time, and connect over our never-ending journey of mastering the art & science of EMDR.
- Want to learn more about EMDR integration with other models?
- Wondering what to do when the standard protocol doesn't work?
- Want to connect with a community of EMDR practitioners?
Want to learn more about EMDR with Complex Trauma?
Take Your EMDR To The Next Level!
Deepen your clinical insight and create real healing, explore S.A.F.E. EMDR resources today!
RESOURCES
Want to Learn More About EMDR Therapy
RELATED POSTS
See Our Other Posts
EMDR Therapy & Psychedelics: A Cross-Disciplinary Conversation
Join us explore the powerful cross-disciplinary conversation surrounding EMDR Therapy and Psychedelics: Trauma Healing Integration. Experts discuss into how psychedelic medicines like Ketamine, Psilocybin, and MDMA are combined with EMDR therapy to optimize healing outcomes for complex trauma. Watch now!
How the Polyvagal Theory Supports EMDR with Dr Stephen Porges, Karen Onderko and Jillian Hosey
Discover how Polyvagal Theory enhances EMDR therapy in this engaging conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges, Karen Onderko, and Jillian Hosey. Learn how understanding the nervous system’s role in safety and connection can deepen therapeutic outcomes, especially through the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).
Introduction to EMDR With Complex Trauma with Thomas Zimmerman
Join us for a webinar on Introduction to EMDR With Complex Trauma with Thomas Zimmerman. This discussion offers an introduction to his book, “EMDR With Complex Trauma” and upcoming book club series with The EMDR Book Club which describes options available in each phase of EMDR therapy to help new EMDR clinicians work more effectively with clients facing severe trauma.
