The Healing Power of Combining IFS and EMDR Therapy

Jul 6

In the world of trauma therapy, two powerful modalities—Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—have emerged as leading approaches to help individuals heal from emotional wounds and traumatic experiences. While each is effective on its own, combining IFS and EMDR creates a uniquely powerful therapeutic synergy that can accelerate healing, deepen insight, and promote long-lasting transformation.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how IFS and EMDR work together, why their integration is so impactful, and what clients can expect when these two approaches are combined in trauma therapy.

What Is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a compassionate, non-pathologizing approach based on the idea that we are made up of many different internal “parts,” each with its own thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Some parts are protective, trying to shield us from pain, while others carry the burden of trauma and past experiences.

At the core of IFS is the concept of the Self—a calm, centered, and wise internal leader that can help heal wounded parts and restore balance within the system. IFS therapy helps clients access this Self, so they can understand their internal dynamics and transform inner conflict into inner harmony.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, is a structured, eight-phase therapy widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, childhood trauma, and other emotional disturbances.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. By doing so, EMDR reduces the emotional intensity of these memories and helps individuals store them in a healthier, more adaptive way.

Why Combine IFS and EMDR?

Though IFS and EMDR are distinct approaches, they complement each other beautifully. When integrated, they create a holistic trauma therapy model that supports clients emotionally, neurologically, and spiritually throughout the healing process.

1. Preparation: Using IFS to Set the Stage for EMDR

Before beginning EMDR, it’s essential for clients to feel emotionally safe and resourced. IFS is an ideal preparation tool, helping clients:

Identify and get to know their protective parts
Build a relationship with their inner world
Develop Self-leadership, which serves as a stabilizing force during trauma processing

This foundational work helps reduce overwhelm during EMDR and increases a client’s ability to stay regulated during sessions.

2. Supporting Parts Work During EMDR

Trauma memories can activate intense emotional responses from different internal parts. During EMDR, clients might encounter:

A protector that wants to shut down the memory
A critic that shames them for their reaction
A child part that feels terrified or helpless

Integrating IFS during EMDR sessions allows the therapist to pause and engage these parts with compassion, ensuring that no part feels forced or overwhelmed. This can reduce resistance and enhance the effectiveness of trauma processing.

3. Deepening Integration After EMDR Sessions

After a successful EMDR session, clients often experience new insights or emotional shifts. IFS helps weave these changes into the client’s internal system:

Ensuring that previously protective parts feel safe letting go of old roles
Supporting wounded parts in embracing relief or new narratives
Anchoring the transformation through Self-leadership

This integration phase can make healing more sustainable and meaningful.

4. Enhancing Resilience Through Self-Leadership

IFS strengthens the client’s access to Self-energy—a grounded state characterized by calm, curiosity, compassion, and confidence. When this Self is present, clients are more resilient during EMDR sessions and better able to manage intense emotional content.

Instead of getting overwhelmed by a traumatic memory, the client can stay in the seat of the Self, supporting their inner parts and navigating the process with courage and clarity.

5. Addressing Complex Trauma with a Holistic Approach

For individuals with complex trauma, such as ongoing childhood abuse or relational betrayal, healing often requires more than just memory processing. It requires a deep understanding of the internal system and the protective patterns that developed over time.

The IFS + EMDR combo is especially powerful for these clients:

IFS provides the map for navigating internal complexity
EMDR offers the tools to reprocess and release traumatic content

Together, they offer a comprehensive path to recovery.

Conclusion: A Powerful Synergy for Trauma Healing

When IFS and EMDR therapy are combined, the result is a deeply compassionate and effective approach to healing trauma. IFS lays the groundwork, supports the inner system during EMDR, and integrates the changes that emerge. EMDR, in turn, accelerates trauma processing and helps release the emotional charge of painful memories.

Whether you're a client considering therapy or a clinician looking to expand your toolkit, exploring the integration of these two modalities can open the door to transformative healing.

Interested in experiencing IFS and EMDR together?
Work with a therapist trained in both modalities who can guide you safely through the process. Reach out for a free consultation. Trauma doesn't have to define your life. Healing is possible—with the right approach.

Jamie Gibbs