Registration
This is an EMDRAA Members only event. Members can register via the following link:
Overview
Personality disorders are frequently associated with traumatic life events and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which play a significant role in their development and persistence. There is a growing body of scientific research showing that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is effective for people with personality disorders, beyond the scope of a PTSD diagnosis.
This session presents a theoretical framework for EMDR therapy in patients with a personality disorder, based on Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. Participants will be guided through the latest research findings. There will also be a focus on how to develop a clear and clinically meaningful case conceptualization for this patient group. Using a structured yet flexible approach, we will demonstrate how such formulations can guide treatment planning and enhance therapeutic focus.
Building on this foundation, the session will feature compelling clinical video examples from real EMDR therapy sessions, offering an inside look at the therapeutic process and its unique challenges.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the theoretical foundation of EMDR for personality disorders: Participants will be able to describe the theoretical framework of EMDR therapy for individuals with personality disorders, grounded in Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.
- Integrate current research findings into clinical practice: Participants will gain insight into the latest empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of EMDR beyond PTSD and learn how these findings inform case conceptualization and treatment planning.
- Apply EMDR case conceptualization and treatment strategies: Participants will learn to develop clinically meaningful EMDR case conceptualizations for patients with personality disorders and translate these into focused, flexible treatment plans illustrated through real clinical video examples
About the Speaker
Dr. Laurian Hafkemeijer is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist at GGZ Delfland with extensive experience in working with people with complex psychopathology in a FACT team. Combining clinical expertise with scientific research, Laurian is actively involved in advancing EMDR therapy within mental health care. She regularly teaches and lectures for mental health professionals and is committed to translating scientific insights into practical, accessible interventions for everyday clinical practice. Laurian is a member of the scientific committee of the Dutch EMDR Association, a supervisor for the Dutch Association for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (VGCt), and an EMDR Europe practitioner. She is passionate about bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.
Webinar Details
- Date: Thursday 23 July 2026
- Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm (NSW, VIC, QLD, ACT, TAS) | 6:30pm – 7:30pm (SA, NT) | 5:00pm – 6:00pm (WA)
- Format: Live webinar via Zoom with the opportunity for Q&A
