July 6 @ 4:00 pm – July 13 @ 6:00 pm
The personal histories of individuals with personality disorders are often shaped by traumatic experiences and adverse childhood events (ACEs). While traditional treatments are often lengthy and resource-intensive, trauma-focused interventions like EMDR therapy offer promising alternatives.
This training presents a practical framework for using EMDR therapy to address the underlying traumatic experiences that contribute to the development and maintenance of personality disorders. Drawing on decades of research and clinical expertise, Professor Ad de Jongh and Dr Suzy Matthijssen will guide participants through formulating meaningful case conceptualisations and structuring effective treatment plans for this complex population.
Participants will gain a step-by-step framework for case formulation, treatment sequencing, and recognising treatment barriers. Real-world examples and video demonstrations will support learning throughout the program.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this webinar series, participants will be able to:
- Describe the core features of different personality disorders
- Summarise current research findings on the use of trauma-focused interventions for individuals with personality disorders
- Differentiate between PTSD, Complex PTSD, and personality disorders (such as borderline personality disorder) with and without PTSD
- Develop clinically useful case conceptualisations to inform EMDR treatment with personality disorders
- Apply EMDR therapy effectively with clients diagnosed with a personality disorder
- Recognise and respond to common pitfalls and therapeutic challenges in this population
Format: Two x 2-hour webinars
Dates: 6th and 13th July, 2026
Times: 4pm – 6pm AEST
Recording: Available for 90 days
Cost: $220 (AUD inc. GST)
Who is it for: EMDR-trained clinicians
About the Presenters
Ad de Jongh, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Anxiety and Behaviour Disorders at the University of Amsterdam. He is also an Honorary Professor in Psychology at the School of Health Sciences of Salford University in Manchester, at the Institute of Health and Society of the University of Worcester, and at the School of Psychology of Queen’s University in Belfast. He was involved in establishing the Psychotrauma Expertise Centre (PSYTREC), where he is the head of the research department. He is an expert in the treatment of anxiety disorders and is involved in research on the efficacy of evidence-based treatments for a wide variety of patient groups, including traumatised children, people with intellectual disabilities and other complex psychiatric conditions such as psychosis. He has published more than 400 scientific articles, book chapters and books on his areas of expertise, is an approved trainer for the EMDR Europe Association and is a member of the Council of Scholars, the Future of EMDR project.
Suzy Matthijssen, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, senior researcher, CBT consultant, EMDR Consultant and Psychotraumatherapist NtVP. She is the vice president of the Dutch EMDR association, is in the scientific committee of EMDR Europe, and is the former co-chair of the Council of Scholars, the Future of EMDR project. She is also the head of the Enhancing Trauma Treatment Institute. She is responsible for research and education as head of the PSYTREC Academy. The focus of the research she conducts is on the optimisation of trauma treatments. She is involved in research on the enhancement of trauma therapy, intensive trauma treatments, and the working mechanisms of trauma therapy.
Register Now:
Take the next step in your professional development and expand your EMDR skill set. This exclusive training is limited to a small group to ensure high-quality learning. Secure your spot today to improve your practice in trauma therapy with EMDR.
Q: Who should attend this EMDR training in Australia?
A: This EMDR training in Australia is designed for psychologists, counsellors, social workers, psychiatrists, and other registered mental health professionals who are already trained in EMDR and want to deepen their skills in working with personality disorders and complex trauma presentations.
Q: Is this EMDR workshop suitable for therapists working with personality disorders?
A: Yes. This EMDR workshop for therapists provides advanced clinical strategies for treating personality disorders using EMDR therapy. It focuses on structured case conceptualisation, stabilisation techniques, and adapting EMDR protocols for complex presentations.
Q: How does EMDR support personality disorder treatment?
A: EMDR and personality disorder treatment are increasingly integrated in trauma-informed care. EMDR helps address underlying traumatic memories, maladaptive core beliefs, attachment wounds, and emotional dysregulation that often contribute to personality disorder symptoms.
Q: Is EMDR effective for borderline personality disorder?
A: Emerging clinical evidence suggests EMDR can be effective for borderline personality disorder (BPD), particularly when trauma histories are present. EMDR may help reduce emotional reactivity, trauma-related triggers, and deeply held negative self-beliefs when delivered within a structured, phased treatment plan.
Q: Can EMDR be used for complex trauma and attachment-related difficulties?
A: Yes. EMDR is widely used in the treatment of complex trauma and attachment-related difficulties. This training explores adaptations to standard EMDR protocols to support stabilisation, resourcing, and safe trauma processing for clients with developmental trauma histories.
Q: What will I gain from attending this advanced EMDR workshop?
A: Participants will gain practical tools for applying EMDR in complex cases, enhanced formulation skills for personality disorders, and confidence in working with high emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and relational instability.
