Enhancing EMDR with Visual Journaling

Course overview

Enhancing EMDR with Visual Journaling is an advanced clinical training designed for mental health professionals seeking to deepen therapeutic outcomes through creative, trauma-informed practices. This program explores how visual journaling can be integrated into each phase of the EMDR 8-phase protocol to support client regulation, self-expression, and meaning-making. No EMDR therapy training required, this program is open to all clinicians including those with no prior EMDR training. Through experiential learning, case examples, and guided exercises, participants will learn to incorporate drawing, collage, symbolic imagery, and narrative art into treatment planning and processing. Special attention is given to how visual journaling can strengthen resourcing, enhance dual attention during reprocessing, and facilitate integration in the final phases of treatment. Grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, expressive arts therapy, and polyvagal theory/neurobiological concepts, this training offers clinicians practical tools to support clients who may benefit from nonverbal and imaginal forms of processing, especially those with complex trauma, dissociation, or difficulty verbalizing emotional experiences. Objectives include Confidently apply visual journaling directives across EMDR phases, Tailor creative interventions to client readiness, preference, and neurobiology, utilize client-generated imagery to deepen insight and symbolic integration, and Support emotional regulation through intentional, body-based artmaking.