Supporting Grieving Clients with EMDR-GRIEF Training
- Trauma and Grief Institute
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
As therapists, we know that grief is not a linear process — nor is it always straightforward. While some clients move through loss with time and support, others find themselves stuck in prolonged emotional pain, guilt, or identity confusion that traditional talk therapy doesn’t always reach. For clinicians working with these individuals, it can be difficult to know how to help them move forward.
At the Trauma and Grief Institute (TGI), we’ve developed EMDR-GRIEF — a focused, trauma-informed adaptation of EMDR therapy designed to address the complex ways grief and trauma often intertwine. Whether you’re an experienced EMDR therapist or newer to working with grief, this model provides a clear, compassionate framework to guide your clinical work.
Why EMDR-GRIEF?
Standard EMDR protocols are incredibly effective in treating PTSD, but they don’t always capture the nuances of grief — especially when that grief is complicated by trauma, sudden loss, or unprocessed emotional pain.
EMDR-GRIEF helps clinicians target specific memories and unresolved moments — such as the moment of death, missed opportunities for connection, or overwhelming feelings of guilt — and reprocess them in a way that supports integration and meaning-making. This structured approach can be a powerful resource for clients who feel stuck in their mourning process.
Core Elements of the EMDR-GRIEF Model
Grief-Specific Targeting:The model guides clients to identify emotionally charged memories related to the loss — not just the moment of death, but also painful "missed" experiences, unresolved conversations, or traumatic imagery. These memories are often where clients feel most emotionally fragmented.
Dual Attention to Past and Present:EMDR-GRIEF attends to the original loss while also addressing the ongoing effects of grief on the client’s identity, worldview, and relationships. This dual focus supports a deeper, more comprehensive healing process.
Narrative Reconstruction:Clients are supported in creating a coherent and compassionate narrative around their loss — moving from pain and confusion toward insight, meaning, and a new sense of self.
Post-traumatic Growth:The ultimate goal of EMDR-GRIEF is not just symptom reduction, but transformation. Clients are guided toward a place of integration where they can honour their loss and reconnect with life.
Who Is This Model For?
The EMDR-GRIEF model is ideal for clinicians working with:
Prolonged or complicated grief
Traumatic loss (e.g., sudden death, suicide, overdose, homicide)
Clients who are “stuck” despite time or support
Loss accompanied by unresolved trauma, guilt, or identity shifts
It is also useful for therapists looking to better understand how grief and trauma overlap — and how to work with both in a structured, effective way.
Upcoming EMDR-GRIEF Training — Register Now
Are you ready to expand your skills and bring a transformative new lens to your work with grieving clients? Join us for our upcoming EMDR-GRIEF training sessions:
November 6–7, 2025 (Virtual - Live via Zoom)
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM EST
Cost: $450 + HST
Early registration is encouraged — this training typically sells out quickly.
Why Train with the Trauma and Grief Institute?
At TGI, we specialize in providing trauma-informed, grief-sensitive care and training. Our EMDR-GRIEF model was developed by experienced clinicians who understand the challenges of working at the intersection of grief and trauma. This training is rooted in real-world experience, clinical depth, and a commitment to helping both clients and clinicians navigate grief with clarity and compassion.
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