Basic vs. Advanced Case Conceptualization

What Are You Missing?

You can know the EMDR protocol and still feel completely stuck when it comes to figuring out what is actually happening with your client.

Basic case conceptualization asks:
What happened?

Advanced case conceptualization asks:
Why is this client responding this way, what is maintaining the problem, and what does that tell me about treatment?

This workshop explores the difference between simply identifying targets and developing a deeper clinical conceptualization using an AIP-informed lens.

We'll look at how to move beyond a chronological trauma history and begin noticing patterns involving attachment, developmental experiences, defenses, dissociation, current triggers, negative beliefs, body responses, and adaptive information.

You'll explore:

  • The difference between basic and advanced EMDR case conceptualization

  • How to use the AIP model as more than a target-selection tool

  • Identifying patterns across a client's history

  • Recognizing when the presenting problem isn't the whole clinical picture

  • Connecting past experiences, present triggers, and future concerns

  • Using case conceptualization to guide treatment planning

  • Common conceptualization mistakes that can leave therapists feeling stuck

  • How deeper conceptualization can increase confidence and clinical flexibility

Best for: EMDR therapists who want to strengthen their ability to conceptualize complex cases and make more intentional clinical decisions.