The EMDR Therapeutic Narrative for Children and Youth
Cathy Schweitzer (left), MS, LIMHP specializes in treating trauma resolution and attachment problems in children and adolescents.
Cathy is part of the treatment team that created the Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for the treatment of attachment trauma in children. She has co-authored books, chapters, and articles related to the treatment of attachment trauma.
Stefanie Armstrong (right) MS, LIMHP, is a licensed independent mental health practitioner. Stefanie specializes in treating trauma and attachment problems in children and adolescents. Stefanie helped develop the EMDR and Family Therapy Integrative Model: Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children research project and co-facilitates trainings for the protocol around the country.
The EMDR Therapeutic Narrative
for Children and Youth
Presented by Cathy Schweitzer
and Stefanie Armstrong
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Live Online via Zoom
Introductory / Intermediate
1 YEAR access to the recording
Psychologists, Social Workers, Psychotherapists, MFTs, LPCs, graduate-level Counselors
*Completion of Part 1 of an EMDRIA approved Basic EMDR training is required to attend this program
$165 CAD + tax
$125 USD
Registration is now open
Workshop Description
Therapeutic storytelling can offer children and youth a developmentally attuned way to explore difficult experiences, express emotions, and make meaning. This workshop introduces the use of therapeutic narratives within EMDR therapy, with attention to each client’s developmental level, readiness, and capacity to engage with trauma-related material.
Participants will explore how to develop individualized narratives informed by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, incorporating the child or youth’s language, interests, strengths, and lived experiences. The workshop will address ways to collaborate with caregivers, integrate narrative approaches within the eight phases of EMDR therapy, and support engagement while maintaining appropriate pacing and emotional safety.
Clinical examples and practical guidance will illustrate how therapeutic narratives can support preparation and trauma processing while preserving the young person’s voice and agency.
Designed for EMDR-trained clinicians, this workshop offers practical ways to bring creativity, connection, and developmental sensitivity into work with children and youth.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Explain the role of the therapeutic narrative in supporting organization, meaning-making, integration, and adaptive processing in EMDR therapy.
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Identify at least three (3) elements of a coherent and developmentally appropriate therapeutic narrative.
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Apply trauma-informed strategies to support narrative development while maintaining attention to client pacing, regulation, and emotional safety.
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Apply a therapeutic narrative intervention that supports resilience, regulation, and integration for a child or adolescent client.
Who should attend
✔ Psychologists, Social Workers, Psychotherapists, MFTs, LPCs, graduate-level Counselors, and Psychotherapists who have completed at least Part 1 of an EMDRIA approved Basic EMDR training.
✔ Therapists working with trauma, attachment wounds, and dissociation
✔ Therapists wanting clinical tools for working with children and their families/caregivers
The Envision Difference
100% Online via Zoom
Live Q&A with
Cathy Schweitzer
and Stefanie Armstrong
1 year access to the recording and materials
Certificate with CE's for home study version
Practical applicable clinical learning
Workshop Schedule - Eastern Time Zone (Canada / USA)
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Understanding the Therapeutic Narrative in Trauma Treatment and EMDR Therapy
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Exploring how traumatic experiences can disrupt memory organization, sequencing, meaning-making, and a coherent sense of self
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Identifying indications that narrative work may be clinically helpful
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Recognizing when a client may need additional preparation, stabilization, or relational safety before beginning narrative work
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
Break
12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
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Developing a Coherent and Developmentally Appropriate Narrative
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Identifying core elements of a therapeutic narrative
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Adapting therapeutic narrative strategies for young children, school-aged children, and adolescents
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Break
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
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Identifying where narrative interventions may support the eight phases of EMDR therapy
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Demonstration of a therapeutic narrative intervention for a child
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Demonstration of an age-appropriate narrative intervention for an adolescent
Continuing Education (CE) Credits:
4 CE credits/contact hours awarded
*CE credits also available for the home study version (watching the recording)!
See our FAQ section below for more information
American Psychological Association (APA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Board (ASWB)
Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program.
Envision Counselling and Consulting, Inc., #1895, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/19/2025-1/19/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Envision Counselling and Consulting has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7241. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Envision Counselling and Consulting is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. maintains responsibility for the program.
Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) to sponsor continuing education. This workshop is approved for 4 CEC.
Envision Counselling & Consulting, Inc. is an EC Provider #18032 and this program is approved for 4 EMDRIA Credits.
Please ensure to check with your individual state boards/regulatory body to verify Continuing Education Credit Hours requirements and if the workshop you are planning to take qualifies. Licensing Boards change regulations often and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about a specific course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling.
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About Cathy Schweitzer (left), MS, LIMHP and Stefanie Armstrong (right) MS, LIMHP
Cathy Schweitzer (left), MS, LIMHP specializes in treating trauma resolution and attachment problems in children and adolescents.
Cathy is part of the treatment team that created the Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for the treatment of attachment trauma in children. She has co-authored books, chapters, and articles related to the treatment of attachment trauma.
Cathy is an EMDRIA Approved certified EMDR therapist and consultant and provides consultation to professionals across the country.
Stefanie Armstrong (right) MS, LIMHP, is a licensed independent mental health practitioner. Stefanie specializes in treating trauma and attachment problems in children and adolescents. She is certified in EMDR and is an EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant. Stefanie helped develop the EMDR and Family Therapy Integrative Model: Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children research project and co-facilitates trainings for the protocol around the country.
She has co-authored books, chapters, and articles related to the treatment of attachment trauma.