Therapy and Consultation
Helping people to heal and grow in their lives.
There are so many excellent resources for supporting EMDR learning and clinical development. Below are resources that have been particularly valuable in my own practice and that I frequently recommend to consultees.
This is not an exhaustive list — these are materials I've found genuinely helpful for developing competency across different aspects of EMDR practice.
Francine Shapiro, PhD
The authoritative and comprehensive EMDR textbook written by the developer of EMDR therapy. Essential reading for all EMDR clinicians, covering theory, research, and detailed clinical protocols. This third edition includes updated research on mechanisms of action, new protocols for complex trauma and addictions, and extensive clinical transcripts and case examples.
Andrew Leeds
A practical guide providing clear treatment guidelines, fidelity checklists, procedural scripts, and decision trees for implementing standard EMDR protocols. Particularly valuable for consultation and supervision, with extensive forms and documentation tools available for download. Excellent resource for developing protocol competency.
Carol Forgash and Margaret Copeley (Editors)
An essential resource for understanding the intersection of EMDR and parts work. Multiple contributors address working with dissociation, structural dissociation, and integrating ego state approaches with EMDR. Particularly useful for clinicians working with complex developmental trauma.
Robin Shapiro
A practical, accessible introduction to working with parts in therapy. Shapiro provides concrete techniques that integrate naturally with EMDR. Helpful for clinicians new to parts work or looking for straightforward interventions.
John G. Watkins and Helen H. Watkins
The foundational text on Ego State Therapy. While not EMDR-specific, this provides essential theoretical grounding for understanding parts work that supports sophisticated EMDR applications.
Marlene Steinberg and Maxine Schnall
An accessible guide to understanding dissociation in clinical practice. Provides practical frameworks for recognizing dissociative symptoms and working effectively with clients who dissociate during trauma processing.
Shirley Jean Schmidt
An integrative approach combining parts work with attachment-focused interventions. Useful for EMDR clinicians working with developmental trauma and unmet childhood needs.
Jim Knipe
A comprehensive resource that goes beyond basic protocol to address the nuances of working with complex trauma. Knipe provides practical interventions for stuck processing, dissociation, and challenging clinical presentations. This book becomes increasingly valuable as you work with more complex cases.
Robin Shapiro
Practical guidance for adapting EMDR across diverse clinical presentations. Includes protocols and modifications for various issues beyond standard trauma processing.
Robin Shapiro
Extends EMDR applications to specific clinical issues with detailed protocols and case examples.
Mark Grant
A comprehensive, research-based manual for using EMDR to treat chronic pain. Includes step-by-step pain protocols, key differences between trauma and pain protocols, advice on common blockages, and over 30 pages of photo copyable treatment aids. After PTSD, pain is the most researched application of EMDR. Essential for clinicians working with chronic pain conditions.
Philip Manfield
Provides verbatim transcripts with detailed commentary explaining clinical decision-making at each choice point during EMDR sessions. Manfield demonstrates how to handle both straightforward and complex therapeutic challenges, making this valuable for both beginning and seasoned EMDR therapists.
Philip Manfield
A comprehensive guide to resource development in EMDR. Demonstrates how to create a solid foundation for trauma processing through dyadic resourcing techniques. Particularly valuable for understanding advanced resourcing approaches that support safer, more effective EMDR work.
Dr. Manfield maintains a collection of EMDR demonstration videos and clinical resources at emdrvideo.com. These video demonstrations provide valuable insight into advanced EMDR applications.
Dr. Manfield's YouTube channel dedicated to the Flash Technique provides video demonstrations, explanations, and clinical applications of this innovative approach. An excellent resource for clinicians trained in Flash Technique seeking to deepen their understanding and application. Flash Technique YouTube Channel →
I serve as a Training Facilitator for Dr. Philip Manfield's EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training. Information about upcoming trainings →
The primary professional organization for EMDR clinicians. EMDRIA provides:
EMDRIA offers specialized toolkits addressing EMDR applications for specific populations and issues:
These recommendations reflect resources I've found valuable in my own practice and development as an EMDR therapist. Your learning needs will vary depending on your current skill level, clinical population, and areas of interest.
Consultation remains the most effective way to translate book knowledge into clinical competency — reading about EMDR techniques is valuable, but working through actual cases with guidance accelerates skill development significantly.
Phone: (503) 887-3309
Email: Contact form
Office Location: 1832 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
Serving: Portland metro area, including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tigard, West Linn, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Tualatin, Gresham, and Vancouver, WA.
Ross Cohen, MA, LPC, LLC
EMDR Certified Therapist | EMDR Approved Consultant | EMDR Training Facilitator
Virtual EMDR consultation via Zoom — serving clinicians worldwide.
In-person therapy and consultation sessions available at my NE Portland, Oregon office.
Telehealth available for clients throughout Oregon.
