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Exploring the Shadow

Training led by:
Jessica Downs, Laurel Thornton & Cassie Krajewski

 

Live: Nov 6, 2026  

Available on-demand after

REGISTER NOW
CES AVAILABLE
3 NBCC CES
TRAINING FORMAT
This training will be offered live then avaiable on demand after.
INVESTMENT
This course is $97.  Installment options available.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Despair, suicidality, and profound hopelessness are clinical experiences that can evoke strong responses in both clients and clinicians. This workshop examines how EMDR practitioners can conceptualize and remain present with highly complex and emotionally charged material within the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Drawing on neuroscience‑informed perspectives on resilience and principles from liberation psychology, the presentation frames despair and “shadow” material as congruent responses shaped by lived, relational, and systemic conditions rather than individual pathology. The session reviews how clinician reactions, countertransference, and tolerance for distressing affect may influence assessment, pacing, and early‑phase EMDR work. Through didactic teaching, guided reflection, and experiential components, participants examine considerations relevant to EMDR Phases 1 and 2, including resource development and stabilization approaches when working with suicidal ideation. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision‑making, nervous system safety, and clinician self‑awareness when engaging despair‑laden clinical material.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Describe conceptual understandings of despair, suicidality, and resilience from an Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) and neuroscience‑informed perspective.
  • Explain considerations related to clinician countertransference and internal responses when working with despair, suicidality, and hopelessness in EMDR therapy.
  • Explain how systemic, relational, and interpersonal themes may be considered in EMDR case conceptualization when selecting and adapting stabilization and resourcing approaches for clients experiencing severe despair or suicidal ideation.

MEET YOUR TRAINERS

Jessica Downs, Laurel Thronton & Cassie Krajewski

 This training is led by IRIS Training Collective co-founders Jessica Downs, Cassie Krajewski, and Laurel Thornton, bringing together their collective expertise as therapists, educators, EMDR trainers, and consultants. Together, they offer extensive experience in trauma, dissociation, neurodivergence, eating disorders, body image, and brain-based healing. Their collaborative teaching style blends clinical expertise with warmth, clarity, humor, and real-world application, creating an engaging learning experience designed to help clinicians build confidence and deepen their skills.

COURSE DETAILS

TRAINING DATE:
Nov 6, 2026, Available on-demand after

 

CES:

3 NBCC CES Available

 

COURSE ACCESS: 

This training will be offered live via Zoom, after the live event the recorded on-demand course will be available in your account within 1 week of the live date.

 

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

This continuing education program is intended for graduate-level professional counselors and mental health practitioners. It is designed for clinicians who hold a master's degree or higher in a mental health field, as well as graduate students actively pursuing that level of training.

WHAT OUR TRAINEES ARE SAYING

 

"I really appreciate the passion and personality that the facilitators brought to this training. When that was combined by clear knowledge and experience, it made EMDR seem both accessible and artful. I arrived skeptical (and still maintain some skeptical curiosity) but left feeling excited..."

- EMDR Basic Training Trainee

 

 "...What stood out most was the focus on the human connection, not just the clinical work or rigidly following a model..."

 - EMDR Basic Training Trainee

 

"The course was organized, educational and presented very well. This is the best one I've attended."

- Dissociation Training

 

"The course was fantastic. I learned so much and was able to apply the concepts to my therapy practice immediately. WELL DONE!!"

- EMDR & Ego States II Trainee

 

 "This was one of the best trainings I've attended in a while. Very easy to follow and stay engaged."

- EMDR & Disordered Eating Trainee

 

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:

Full refunds are available for cancellations requested more than 24 hours prior to the live event. Cancellations on/after the live event or no-shows are not eligible for a refund. If IRIS has to cancel, full refunds are issued or a free transfer to a later date.  

IRIS Training Collective has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8002. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC Credit are clearly identified. IRIS Training Collective is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.