Invisible Threads

Addressing the Losses & Trauma of Adoption through EMDR

Bridging Attachment, Developmental & Identity Rupture & Repair

With Linda Russell LPC PHD

Adoption inherently involves loss—loss of biological connection, cultural continuity, and often, early secure attachment. This six-hour training explores adoption as a trauma experience through the lens of EMDR therapy and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Drawing on contemporary research, clinical case studies, and emerging theory, participants will deepen their understanding of the complex and layered grief associated with adoption and the nuanced needs of adoptees across developmental stages.

Clinicians will learn to recognize the chronic and unresolved aspects of early separation trauma, ambiguous loss, and disorganized attachment often embedded in the adoption experience. Utilizing EMDR therapy, this course offers clinical strategies for addressing maladaptive memory networks, identity fragmentation, and relational ruptures rooted in the adoption experience—particularly when compounded by early neglect, institutionalization, or cross-cultural displacement.

Practical application is emphasized throughout the training. Attendees will be equipped to tailor EMDR protocols to adoption-informed case conceptualization, including adaptations across all eight phases. Interventions such as Positive Affect Tolerance and Integration Protocol (Leeds, 2023), dissociation-sensitive strategies (Vinke, 2020), and attachment repair approaches (Hase & Brisch, 2022) will be reviewed. The training also examines how Erikson’s stages of development are disrupted by early trauma and how this impacts the therapeutic process, with special focus on the developmental needs of adopted children, adolescents, and adults.

By integrating trauma-informed theory, neurobiology, and attachment science, this course empowers clinicians to provide attuned, phase-specific EMDR interventions that honor the lived experiences of adoption while promoting healing, integration, and healthy identity formation.

This program is intended for Doctorate Level and Master Level Psychologists, LMFT, LMHC, LPC, LISW, LMSW and other Master Level Mental Health Practitioners who have successfully completed an EMDR Basic Training

Course Overview

March 6, 2026

Live In Person:

Live Virtual: Via Zoom Link in your Account

10am Central, 9am Mountain, 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern

Course Agenda

Course Objectives

9:30a Registration

10:00 Introductions & Overview

11:00 Activity

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Lecture

2:00 Activity

3:00 Lecture

4:00 Activity

4:45 Questions, Evaluation & Wrap up

Recognize the unique manifestations of trauma, loss, and complicated grief in adoption, including the psychological and developmental consequences for adoptees.

Identify at least three clinical implications for using EMDR therapy to treat adoption-related trauma, including dissociation, identity disturbance, and affect intolerance.

Apply at least three EMDR therapy techniques adapted for use with adoption trauma across different developmental stages and relational contexts.

Explain the relationship between infant/early attachment and the AIP model in the context of adoption, including implications for memory processing and case formulation.

Describe three or more clinical considerations for each phase of EMDR therapy (Phases 1–8) when working with clients with inadequate or disrupted attachment histories.

Recognize Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development and understand how trauma, particularly early adoption trauma, disrupts developmental tasks related to trust, identity, and intimacy.

_{6 EMDRIA Credits}

_{6 CEs (Under Review)}

EMDR & Beyond is the provider of (CEs).

EMDR & Beyond is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. EMDR & Beyond remains responsible for this program and its contents.

Certificates are awarded online after completion of the workshop. Participants are sent their certificate after attendance verification.

Licensed Professionals should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval.

EMDRIA: EMDR & Beyond is an EC Provider #15007 and this program #15007-94 is approved for 6 EMDRIA Credits. Eligibility for EMDRIA Credits is restricted to those who have completed an EMDRIA-Approved Basic EMDR Training.

To receive CE or EMDRIA credits for in-person presentations or live virtual attendance, participants must attend the entire program in real time. Partial credit is not available, and watching a recording in place of attending live does not qualify for live credit.

To receive CE or EMDRIA credits for the On-Demand version (typically available 20–30 days after the live event), participants must complete the full curriculum and pass a post-quiz with a score of at least 75%.

While the course evaluation is not required to receive CE credits, we highly value your feedback and encourage you to complete it. Should you not wish to complete the program evaluation, you may contact Kenya at [email protected] to request your certificate be issued without completing the evaluation.

The system will automatically release your certificate after you have completed and passed the quiz.

Please contact Kenya Rocha at [email protected] if you have any trouble with the learning platform, CE attainment or accommodations.