ABFT Special Topics Series
Redefining Trauma Treatment: Integrating EMDR Therapy and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
September 16, 2025
2pm-3:30pm Eastern Time
Speakers:
Meredith Dellorco, LCSW & Olivia Lynch, MS, LPC
*Option to receive CEs from APA/ASWB ($40 CE fee)
Clinicians working with adolescents and young adults often face significant challenges when treating complex cases involving co-occurring conditions and trauma histories. Integrating Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help address these challenges effectively.
This webinar will start by exploring how emotional dysregulation and behavioral issues can impede the implementation of ABFT. We will highlight the advantages of combining EMDR with ABFT, drawing on recent clinical experiences and insights from a collaborative work group that developed a clinical guide for this integrated approach.
Participants will receive a review of both therapeutic models, including their mechanisms for facilitating change. We will demonstrate how EMDR can enhance the effectiveness of ABFT across its five core tasks, using case examples and clinical skills to illustrate the integration process.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for applying the integrated approach in various clinical settings, along with valuable insights into potential challenges and benefits. The session aims to inspire clinicians to blend individual and family therapy techniques effectively, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes for a diverse range of clients.
The target audience for this webinar includes Counselors, Couple and Family Therapists, Mental Health Professionals, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Social Workers and school personnel.
- Discuss the 5 Tasks in Attachment- Based Family Therapy and the 8 phases of Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy.
- Identify at least 3 ways EMDR can be integrated into ABFT to increase treatment progress.
- Describe 2 key takeaways regarding the benefits of utilizing EMDR and ABFT cohesively.
Regular Registration: $30 per person
This live webinar will take place over Zoom.
Please let us know if you have any disability or other special needs so that we can ensure that your needs will be fully met.
This program is being offered for the following contact hours of continuing education: 1.5 hours
This training is co-sponsored by US Journal Training.
US Journal Training is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor Continuing Education for psychologists. US Journal Training maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
U.S. Journal Training #1143 is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. U.S. Journal Training maintains responsibility for the program. ACE approval period: 12/5/22-12/5/25.