Building the Bridge from Treatment to Transformation
Relational EMDR Therapy® considers the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client a central component of therapy, particularly for clients who struggle with low self-esteem, relationships, and difficulties with emotional regulation. By actively accompanying clients on their journey towards healing, R-EMDR becomes a shared experience between therapist and client beyond the resolution of the traumatic memories, promoting developmental growth and lasting change.
In more traditional EMDR, the primary objective is symptom relief. For many clients, however, more is needed. That is where Relational EMDR Therapy training comes in. As an R-EMDR therapist, we focus on helping our clients grow and change into the person they can become in their lives today—supporting them to thrive, not just survive.
In Relational EMDR Therapy training, the Self of the therapist plays an integral role in the client's healing journey and is considered an active ingredient in co-creating the conditions that make it possible for our clients to "go there." As R-EMDR therapists, the question we pose isn't "is the client ready," but, "are we ready to embark on this journey together?"
Relational EMDR Therapy® was pioneered by our founder, Deany Laliotis, through decades of clinical practice, consultation, and teaching. Over time, she refined a relationally grounded approach to EMDR that integrates theory, the Self of the therapist, and deep relational attunement. Her work has shaped how R-EMDR is practiced and taught today, positioning it not simply as a technique, but as a psychotherapy approach that centers healing in relationship, supports developmental growth, and fosters lasting change beyond symptom relief. Through The Center’s Master-level trainings, her approach has been shared with more than one thousand clinicians worldwide.
Our Approach to EMDR Mastery
Relation EMDR Therapy® became The Center’s exclusive approach to EMDR mastery because we understand healing as something that happens in relationship. In our trainings, the therapist–client relationship is recognized as a central force in transformation. The journey begins with the Basic Training, where clinicians develop a strong foundation in EMDR therapy. After gaining real-world experience, clinicians deepen their work in The Craft, our intermediate training and gateway course. The Craft provides a foundation for working with complex trauma, helping therapists develop flexibility, relational attunement, and clinical judgment when addressing developmental and relational wounds.
It is in the Master-level trainings that Relational EMDR fully comes to life. Here, R-EMDR is integrated across advanced courses and, for those ready to commit, through our exclusive R-EMDR Master Certification. This intensive, multi-year training program includes advanced Master-level courses, three years of intensive small-group case consultation with Master Consultants, and a sustained focus on how therapists show up relationally with their clients. Together, these elements foster depth, readiness, and integrity in the practice of Relational EMDR Therapy®, supporting lasting growth for both therapists and the clients they serve.
For more information about Relational EMDR Therapy® or our Master Certification track, visit our Master Certification page or email Jennifer Fights at jennifer@emdrtherapy.com.
The Self of the Therapist is Integral to the Client's Journey
Relational EMDR Therapy® isn't just about knowing what to do, we have to know how to be. Being present, not just as an observer, but as a witness. Not just as a support, but as co-regulator of the client's experience as they move through the eye of the storm to get to the other side. Relational EMDR Therapy training teaches not just to lance the wound, but to add the balm that helps the wound heal.
It's about being exquisitely attuned to our client's experience, moment to moment, so they have the experience of being with a kind empathic Other. It's about being in it with them and reflecting our experience of being with them. Relational EMDR Therapy training requires that we bring a mindful presence as well as the courage we ask of our clients as they approach this unchartered territory with us.
Relational EMDR Therapy training and consultation process is an ongoing invitation to bring our highest Self to this very important work of helping our clients transform their pain. It's a journey of personal growth for the Relational EMDR therapist that makes it possible for us to "go there" too.
For more information about Relational EMDR Therapy® and our Master Trainings, email us at info@emdrtherapy.com.
Upcoming Relational EMDR Trainings
Here's what a colleague says about Deany and R-EMDR
