About the webinar
Guest Presenter, Megan Salar
Some clients struggle to visualize—or are unable to visualize due to aphantasia or other visual, neurological or sensory factors. This practical, brief focused training offers clinicians a clear framework for adapting EMDR therapy to support these individuals effectively and inclusively. Learn how to honor the standard EMDR protocol while modifying target access, resource development, and processing for clients who process somatically, emotionally, or conceptually rather than visually. Clinicians will gain strategies for working with clients who describe “blank screens,” struggle with imagery resourcing, or have visual impairments—ensuring EMDR remains accessible, trauma-informed, and client-centered.
Learning Objectives:
- Define aphantasia and describe how it may impact a client’s experience of EMDR therapy.
- Identify at least three non-visual channels of access for target memory and resourcing within the EMDR protocol.
- Demonstrate modifications to Phase 2 (Preparation) and Phase 3 (Assessment) for clients who do not processing through visual experiences.
- Apply alternative methods to support dual attention and adaptive processing in clients with visual limitations.
Agenda:
Lecture & Brief Discussion (60 min) – Explore how to adapt EMDR therapy for clients with aphantasia or visualization challenges, including non-visual resourcing methods and protocol modifications to ensure trauma-informed, inclusive practice.
Megan Salar
is a therapist, author, and trauma expert with extensive experience helping individuals heal from complex trauma. She specializes in innovative, strength-based approaches that foster resilience and transformation. Through her work at The Mental Survivalist, Megan empowers both clinicians and clients with tools for lasting change.
Trauma, Neuroscience Expert, PTSD Psychologist
Dr. Jennifer Sweeton, a Stanford-trained neuroscientist and trauma expert, offers groundbreaking approaches to healing PTSD. Her innovative techniques bring hope to those grappling with trauma's lasting effects. As a clinical and forensic psychologist, Dr. Sweeton has established herself as a leadin...
Trauma, Neuroscience Expert, PTSD Psychologist
Dr. Jennifer Sweeton, a Stanford-trained neuroscientist and trauma expert, offers groundbreaking approaches to healing PTSD. Her innovative techniques bring hope to those grappling with trauma's lasting effects. As a clinical and forensic psychologist, Dr. Sweeton has established herself as a leadin...
Learning Objectives
Gain an understanding of aphantasia—its characteristics, prevalence, and how an absence of mental imagery can influence clients’ ability to engage with traditional EMDR visualization processes.
Explore sensory, emotional, and somatic pathways that can be used to access target memories and build resources when visual imagery is limited or unavailable.
Learn practical adaptations and therapist language to ensure clients can effectively prepare for and engage in EMDR, even without visual recall or representation.
Develop strategies that incorporate auditory, tactile, or cognitive approaches to maintain dual awareness and promote adaptive information processing throughout EMDR sessions.
