EMDR and Couples Therapy: A Path to Compassionate Healing and Relationship Transformation

This intermediate-level continuing education program provides evidence-informed instruction on integrating EMDR therapy within systemic couples treatment contexts. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, client readiness assessment, contraindications, and relational trauma conceptualization using the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

Participants review structured couple and individual assessment methods, application of the standard eight phases of EMDR therapy in conjoint settings, and strategies for integrating trauma processing within relational systems while maintaining protocol fidelity.

The program distinguishes between well-established evidence supporting EMDR for individual PTSD and emerging applications within relational contexts. Areas of limited empirical consensus are clearly identified.

Potential risks—including symptom exacerbation, emotional activation, dissociation, and relational destabilization—are reviewed alongside risk mitigation strategies such as stabilization, pacing, containment, supervision, referral, and structured closure. Instruction integrates didactic review of peer-reviewed research, structured case analysis, demonstration, and applied exercises to strengthen theory-informed clinical reasoning. Ethical scope of practice, culturally responsive care, and responsible implementation within professional licensure boundaries are emphasized throughout.

Registration & Fees

Deposit: $500 USD (non-refundable; required for all participants and non-attending guests). Applied toward total cost.

After the deposit: Remaining balance divided into equal monthly installments until the final payment deadline.

Registration Rates

Early Bird: $1,400 USD — Shared Room (1 CE attendee)
Valid through May 24, 2026.

Accommodation Options

• Shared Room (1 CE Attendee): $1,750 USD per person
• Single Room: $2,500 USD – $3,500 USD
• Guest Add-On (non-attendee): $1,500 USD

Registration Deadline

Registration must be finalized no later than 30 days before the training date. Seating is limited.

Registration Options

• Online: Register at https://renewdr.org
• Email: Request support or submit registration forms at contact@renewemdr.org

Participant Support

This program is educational in nature and does not provide psychotherapy or individualized clinical consultation. If a participant experiences distress or identifies a need for additional support, referrals to appropriate independent providers and community resources can be provided upon request.

What Your CE Retreat Registration Includes in Maryland, USA

Oceanfront Lodging
3-Day / 2-Night Oceanfront Retreat at Home of the Terrapin King, an iconic 80+ acre Chesapeake Bay estate offering serene, restorative spaces for renewal and inspiration.

Full Training Days

Immersive clinical workshops and experiential learning focused on strengthening your therapeutic skills, with a special emphasis on integrating EMDR and couples therapy in practice.

Meals, Beverages, and Snacks

Light meals, beverages, and snacks will be available to keep you nourished and energized throughout the retreat.
Wellness activities, boat excursions, lodging, meals, and optional cultural visits are not part of instructional continuing education time and do not count toward CE credit. Recreational activities are not supervised clinical experiences and are not part of the continuing education curriculum.

Group Chesapeake Bay Cruise

Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26, 2026
Enjoy a relaxing group boat outing on the Chesapeake Bay. Dr. Linda and Dave will be your boat captains, and both are licensed boaters. Their love of boating and fishing adds a unique, adventurous dimension to the retreat—offering participants the chance to connect with nature and experience the calming serenity of the water. Participation in recreational or water-based activities is voluntary and not required for CE completion.

Daily Wellness Workshops

Guided wellness, reflection, and self-care experiences designed to support your nervous system, restore balance, and deepen both your personal and professional resilience.

Planned Group Cultural Visits

All scheduled group outings listed in the retreat itinerary are included in your registration. A small number of optional add-on experiences may be available at an additional cost for those who wish to explore further.

Additional Group Gatherings Throughout the Week

Community-building circles and informal meetups—some included in the retreat fee and others offered as optional, individual-expense activities—designed to foster connection, consultation, and peer support.

Wellness & Adventure

• Savor tranquility with scenic beaches, peaceful waterfront views, and visits to historic and cultural landmarks.
• Reconnect with nature through gentle walks, time by the water, and grounding practices that invite you to slow down and breathe.
• Cultivate mindfulness and emotional balance with eco-therapy-informed experiences that integrate mind, body, and environment.
• Rest, reflect, and truly recharge in quiet, restorative surroundings designed to support your well-being and renewal.

Natural Sites to Discover (Optional Excursions)

Extend your retreat experience by exploring some of the Chesapeake region’s most beautiful natural areas (optional, additional cost may apply):

• Janes Island State Park – Paddle peaceful waterways, fish or crab, explore winding trails, and soak in sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay.
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – Observe diverse wildlife, enjoy water activities, and take in striking coastal and marshland scenery.
• Assateague Island National Seashore – Walk along pristine sandy beaches and, with a bit of luck, see the famous wild ponies roaming the shoreline.