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Rewiring Trauma Responses: EMDR in Action with Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW-R

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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz sits down with Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW-R, an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Trainer and Certified Schema Therapist, to explore the transformative power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Together, they dive into the science and structure of this eight-phase, evidence-based therapy that facilitates deep trauma healing.

Shaina and Elizabeth discuss EMDR’s role in processing trauma, how it differs from other gold-standard PTSD treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE), and why it’s such an effective approach for both single-incident trauma and complex, developmental trauma. They also explore how EMDR can be adapted for culturally responsive care, addressing issues such as systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and attachment wounds. Whether you're new to EMDR or already practicing, this conversation provides invaluable insights into the power and versatility of this therapy.

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The history and development of EMDR therapy
  • The eight-phase EMDR treatment model and how it works
  • The role of bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, tones) in trauma processing
  • How EMDR differs from other trauma-focused therapies like CPT and PE
  • The importance of resourcing and helping clients develop adaptive coping strategies
  • Common challenges therapists face when implementing EMDR and how to navigate them
  • Culturally responsive adaptations of EMDR for diverse populations
  • How clinicians can become trained and certified in EMDR

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About Our Guest: Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW, is a New York City-based psychotherapist, trainer, and group practice owner with over 20 years of experience specializing in trauma, anxiety, and mood and personality disorders. Trained at Columbia University and The National Institute for The Psychotherapies (NIP), Elizabeth is known for her integrative approach to healing, blending evidence-based modalities with deep compassion and insight.

Elizabeth is an EMDRIA-Approved Trainer and Consultant, a Certified Schema Therapist, and a Certified Meditation Teacher. She is currently deepening her expertise in traumatology by pursuing a Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapist Certification through The Integrative Psychiatry Institute.

Her clinical work includes running a thriving group practice on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, facilitating EMDR trainings and leading immersive workshops. She has presented at international conferences, including the EMDRIA Conference and the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST), sharing innovative techniques that combine EMDR and schema therapy to foster profound healing.

Passionate about advancing the field of psychotherapy, Elizabeth’s work is rooted in the belief that healing extends beyond intellect, requiring transformation on deeper emotional and somatic levels. When she’s not working, Elizabeth can be found hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Learn more about Elizabeth and her work at www.armstrongpsychotherapy.com.

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Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to describe the purpose of EMDR and list the eight phases of the protocol.
  • Participants will be able to identify at least two clinical populations or conditions where EMDR is effective and discuss strategies for tailoring its use to client needs.
  • Participants will be able to demonstrate understanding of at least one EMDR resourcing or stabilization technique and describe how it can be applied within an ethical and trauma-informed framework.

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Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about EMDR: EMDRIA.org

Connect with Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW-R: www.armstrongpsychotherapy.com

EMDR Training with Dr. William Zangwill: www.emdrandtraining.com

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, and the guest, Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW-R, disclose the following potential conflicts of interest related to this episode.

Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz is the founder of Affirm Mental Health, LLC, an accredited CE provider offering continuing education (CE) courses for mental health professionals through its Affirm Academy Membership. At the beginning of this episode, Shaina briefly promotes Affirm Mental Health’s CE membership, which provides access to live and self-study courses. However, this episode is not a sponsored advertisement, and Affirm Mental Health does not currently offer EMDR training. Any references to EMDR-related resources or trainings are for educational purposes only and do not imply financial benefit to the host beyond the general promotion of CE offerings.

Elizabeth Armstrong, LCSW-R is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Trainer and Certified Schema Therapist. She provides EMDR consultation and training through her professional practice and affiliations. While she discusses EMDR therapy in this episode, her participation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of specific training programs, including those she is affiliated with.

This episode is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not serve as a substitute for professional training, consultation, or clinical supervision in EMDR therapy. Neither the host nor the guest receive direct compensation for discussing EMDR or any associated resources mentioned in this episode.

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