IFS-Informed EMDR vs. Traditional EMDR: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful modality that combines the mind-body connection and cognitive awareness to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. EMDR can be used with some people successfully as a stand-alone treatment, following the standard protocol with little deviation.
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However, EMDR leaves room to combine other techniques and modalities into the process. In fact for people who have had childhood trauma, spiritual abuse, experienced multiple traumatic events, have co-existing diagnoses, or who identify as neurodiverse (Autistic, ADHD, Highly Sensitive Person), successful EMDR often requires incorporating other techniques and modalities. At IFS EMDR Therapy Group, a large part of our appreciation for EMDR is that it is a creative modality that offers the clinician and client the chance to find what works best for each individual looking to heal.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapy modality based on the belief that our systems are organized into “parts” depending on emotions, physical expressions, and experiences throughout our lives. These different parts take on different roles to protect us, or alternatively, some parts are shuttered away because of the deep-rooted pain they carry. IFS uses a gentle, trauma-informed approach to improve the relationship between a core, compassionate Self and these parts to create relief and healing.
So how is standard EMDR different from IFS-informed EMDR? Keep reading to find out.
A key distinction between EMDR and IFS-informed EMDR is the focus. Rather than solely focusing on a traumatic memory or symptom, IFS-informed EMDR identifies and focuses on parts of the system holding the fear, pain, or protective burden first. These parts are invited into the healing process rather than seen as something to minimize.
To learn more about how IFS can be integrated with EMDR, check out our blog post explaining it here.
Why Use IFS-Informed EMDR?
IFS-informed EMDR can be especially helpful for people with complex trauma, dissociation, or parts that are highly protective. For example, if a person has a part that’s afraid of “going toward the hurt” or believes it's unsafe to feel certain emotions, traditional EMDR might feel overwhelming or even shut things down. Alternatively, if a person has a part that is eager or has a sense of urgency to be fixed or healed, standard EMDR might also feel stuck or blocked.
With an IFS-informed approach, these parts are welcomed rather than bypassed. The therapist helps the client create safety and trust with those parts first. This process may extend across multiple sessions. Memory processing starts through this parts work, since these parts are often connected to the pain of the past. This approach can make EMDR feel more accessible, especially if someone has had difficulty with more directive or invasive EMDR or trauma therapy approaches prior.
When working with an IFS-informed EMDR therapist, you might hear more questions about readiness of specific parts in your system, fears of the parts, and what your system needs to continue healing something difficult. While readiness and discomfort are also addressed in traditional EMDR, the approach is different. An IFS-informed EMDR therapist tries to attune to the parts first in order to improve the parts-to-parts or self-to-parts relationship. Permission is powerful. Parts are asked for consent to move toward pain or discomfort, which emphasizes consent over speed.
IFS-informed EMDR modifies the traditional EMDR protocol in unique, person-centered ways.
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A clinician using traditional EMDR is likely to follow the standard protocol designed by Francine Shapiro, creator of EMDR. IFS-Informed EMDR also follows the eight-phases with some adjustments. In traditional EMDR, history-taking is focused on symptoms and behaviors. When using IFS-informed EMDR, the clinician may gather more history of specific parts of your system, noting the history of the relationship between you and the part(s).
In traditional EMDR, the resourcing (preparation) phase will likely cover tools that are holistically helpful, but may not be part specific. In IFS-informed EMDR, the therapist might specifically help the client develop tools and options for individual parts that help the system tolerate the work. In this phase when using IFS-informed EMDR, the goal is to continue to build on the relationship between the client and their parts.
In later phases of EMDR, an IFS-informed therapist will continue to honor the experience of parts designed to protect, and parts holding the pain. This is addressed in traditional EMDR as well, but through usually more cognitive ways.
Traditional EMDR and IFS-informed EMDR are both powerful paths to healing. The main difference is that IFS-informed EMDR brings a deep curiosity, compassion, and validation toward how the inner system is organized and what each part of you needs before diving into trauma work. It’s less about pushing through a protocol and more about inviting your inner world to participate in its own healing.
Whether you lean toward traditional EMDR or an IFS-informed approach, the most important thing is working with a therapist who meets you where you are, at the pace your system can handle.
Interested in learning more? If you’re considering EMDR and want to know which approach might be a good fit, feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation. You deserve a path that honors every part of you.
Schedule a free consultation here.
Authorship: This blog was written by Katy Levine, LCSW. Katy (licensed in Washington, D.C., MD, VA, & PA), focuses on supporting clients with complex trauma history, attachment wounding, anxiety, and perfectionism, using IFS-informed EMDR.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.
IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Florida. Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide.
Keywords: EMDR, IFS-Informed EMDR, IFS, Trauma Therapy, Complex PTSD, EMDR Intensive
