Narrative Exposure Therapy - Imaginary Exposure (Flower) (1)

In this demonstration, Elisabeth Kaiser shows how to guide a client through the imaginary exposure exercise using the flower. This exercise is aimed at having the client bring back a significant positive memory in vivid detail.

Narrative Exposure Therapy - Imaginary Exposure (Flower)

Trauma Tapes

Trauma Tapes with Victoria

In this first session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Berthold Gersons meets Victoria and her partner. He explains to them what PTSD is and how it has changed her view of herself, others and the world. 


-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 1 with Victoria

In this second session of the Trauma Tapes, Ruud Jongedijk draws the lifeline from birth to the present with Victoria in which both stones (traumas) and flowers (beautiful memories) have a place. At the end of the session they make a picture of this lifeline together. 


-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 2 with Victoria

In this third session of the Trauma Tapes, Ruud Jongedijk guides Victoria through a narrative exposure. Victoria tells about a traumatic experience of abuse by her father (a stone in her lifeline). Then she tells about her liberation (a flower), releasing a lot of emotion. Her grandmother turned out to be a very important source of support in her life.

-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 3 with Victoria

In this fourth session of the Trauma Tapes, you'll see Prof. Ad de Jongh apply EMDR to a traumatic experience of Victoria. He also helps change her self-blame, a common theme in traumatic experiences. It also provides insight into how quickly EMDR can be effective.  


-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 4 with Victoria

In this fifth session of the Trauma Tapes, you'll see how Prof. Dr. Ad de Jongh applies EMDR 2.0: an EMDR method based on working memory theory. In doing so, Ad de Jongh uses a variation of tasks aimed at increasing working memory load.

-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 5 with Victoria

In this sixth session of the Trauma Tapes, watch Ruud Jongedijk guide his second session with NET exposure. In doing so, he first listens to her life story and traumatic experience


-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 6 with Victoria

In this seventh session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Berthold Gersons zooms in on the emotion of grief and the first traumatic experience that forms the kink in Victoria's lifeline. Victoria came to her father in the Netherlands from Poland at a young age and was beaten with a belt while reading Dutch to him.

-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 7 with Victoria

In this eighth session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Agnes van Minnen explains the rationale of imaginary exposure and exposure in vivo to Victoria. In this session, she performs imaginary exposure about the first rape by Victoria's father. She does this imaginary exposure twice.

-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 8 with Victoria

In this ninth session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Agnes van Minnen adds exposure in vivo to imaginary exposure. For example, during the imaginary exposure she exposes Victoria to sounds of panting men and the smell of shag.

-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 9 with Victoria

In this tenth and final session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Berthold Gersons guides Victoria through a BEPP session focused on meaning-making.

-Dutch with English subtitles-

Trauma Tapes - Session 10 with Victoria

Director's Cut

Trauma Tapes - Director's Cut

In this director's cut, Ruud Jongedijk looks back at three NET sessions he had with both Hans and Victoria during the week of the Trauma Tapes. Ruud discusses the various elements of NET therapy, including the lifeline, working through stones and flowers and reading the traumatic story to the patient. The life line, working through flowers, reading the traumatic story aloud and the final reporting in a life booklet are unique elements of NET.

Director's cut: the expert's perspective - NET 

In this director's cut, Prof. Dr. Berthold Gersons looks back on his BEPP sessions with Hans and Victoria. He places the traumas of both in a broader life story, giving meaning to the traumas within the patients' life course. He zooms in on both patients' first traumatic experience that forms a kink in the life line and is accompanied by grief.

Director's cut: the expert's perspective - BEPP 

In this director's cut, Agnes van Minnen explains the rationale of imaginal exposure and exposure in vivo. She illustrates the protocol using the two sessions she had with Victoria. She shows that at the beginning and at the end of the session she is attentive to the feelings it evokes in the patients. During the imaginal exposure and exposure in vivo, she is primarily a coach on behavior to subvert the fear idea.

Director's cut: the expert's perspective - IE

Prof. Ad de Jongh looks back on his sessions with Victoria in this director's cut.  Ad shows exactly what he does, explaining his choices during the sessions. Ad de Jongh also talks about the similarities and differences between EMDR and EMDR 2.0, and the importance of working memory theory in the latter.

Director's cut: the expert's perspective - EMDR

NET Tapes with Willemijn

NET - Willemijn

In this first video of THE NET TAPES, Dr. Elisabeth Kaiser discusses the history of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and what it means exactly. She also explains how NET works and how it can be applied to people with trauma. 

NET - Introduction

In the first therapy session, Dr. Elisabeth Kaiser meets patient Willemijn, who has been referred to her because she is struggling with mental health issues. During this initial session, Elisabeth gets to know Willemijn through a questionnaire to gain insight into her background and current emotional state. Elisabeth compares this process to visiting a general practitioner to identify the origins of specific symptoms. This is to find out where her trauma(s) are coming from.

NET - Session 1 - Willemijn

In this second session, Elisabeth starts by asking Willemijn how she feels after their first session to assess its impact on her. Following this, they begin to lay out Willemijn's lifeline. Symbols are used in the lifeline to describe situations, such as stones (unpleasant events), flowers (beautiful events), sticks (harm done to someone), and candles (loss of loved ones).

NET - Lifeline Willemijn

In this third session, Elisabeth delves deeper with Willemijn into one chosen trauma, one stone from her lifeline. Elisabeth refers to this as a "mountain tour," where she is the tour guide and Willemijn leads her along the path towards the trauma. Through asking questions, they navigate the entire path towards the trauma. This process may bring about a lot of fear, but it signifies that Willemijn is on the right path.

NET - Exposure Willemijn

In this fourth and final session, Elisabeth goes through the trauma once more with Willemijn to ensure she has understood everything correctly and to see if there are any missing points or adjustments needed. "Going through the movie one more time," as Elisabeth puts it.

NET - Readback Willemijn

NET Tapes with Pnin

NET - Pnin

In the second session, Katy tells Pnin that they won't delve fully into the details of the traumas he has experienced just yet, and instead, they will first outline a complete lifeline of his entire life. Symbols are used in the lifeline to describe situations, such as stones (unpleasant events), flowers (beautiful events), sticks (harm done to someone), and candles (loss of loved ones).

NET - Lifeline Pnin

In this third session, Katy goes through the moments that Pnin has indicated on his lifeline. This process is slow and detailed, with Katy fully guiding Pnin through it. Katy clearly explains to Pnin how she will approach this to achieve the best results for him.

NET - Exposure Pnin

In this fourth and final session, Katy first asks how Pnin is feeling after revisiting and going through his heavy "stone." After a brief evaluation, Katy suggests retelling his story from her perspective and whether the insights Pnin gained from the previous session resurface.

NET - Readback Pnin

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

BEPP tapes

In this second session of the BEPP series, prof. dr. Berthold Gersons shows how to guide a patient through an imaginal exposure.

BEPP session 2: Imaginal exposure

In this third session of the BEPP series, prof. dr. Berthold Gersons shows how to use writing and memorable objects in BEPP therapy, the help a patient process their trauma.

BEPP session 3: Writing tasks & mementos

In this fourth session of the BEPP series, prof. dr. Berthold Gersons shows in a role-play how giving meaning has an important role within BEPP. He also shows how to bring this up during a session with a client.

BEPP session 4: Domain of meaning

In this fifth session of the BEPP series, prof. dr. Berthold Gersons shows how to guide a patient through the ritual of saying goodbye. This concluding ritual is an important part of BEPP therapy.

BEPP session 5: The farewell ritual

Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD (BEPP)

Schematherapy versus traumatherapy (Graham Taylor)

In this webinar, Graham Taylor shows how to combine schema therapy and EMDR with complex cases. Graham Taylor has many years of experience in applying different forms of therapy with this population of patients.

EMDR

Femke has PTSD, early childhood trauma, low self-image and avoidant traits.

EMDR - Positive closure

Femke experiences a lot of feelings of guilt. Dr. Patricia Waaijman uses EMDR to help her out.

EMDR - Cognitive interweave - Guilt

Femke has PTSD and experiences difficulties with target selection. 

EMDR target selection - No image, only sound

Expert's Perspective

Sessions with Lisanne

During this session, Laurian Hafkemeijer gives you more insight into her choices as a therapist, illustrated by clips of important tipping points in the therapy sessions with Lisanne. 

Director's Cut: the Expert's Perspective - Laurian and Lisanne

In this case conceptualisation, Prof. Dr. Ad de Jonge and Laurian Hafkemeijer go over Lisanne's background, complaints and traumatic memories. Ad and Laurian make an inventory of the traumatic memories and place them in a hierarchy of how disturbing these memories are for her currently. 

Lisanne Session 1 - Case Conceptualisation 

During this session, prof. dr. Ad de Jongh gives you more insight into his choices as a therapist, illustrated by a selection of clips showing important tipping points in the therapy sessions with Lisanne. 

Director's Cut: the Expert's Perspective - Ad and Lisanne

During this second session, Laurian and Lisanne go deeper into the traumatic memories and images. Central to these memories is a sense of of powerlessness. The SUD decreases gradually, and by the end of the session Lisanne is even able to say: "I can handle it".


Lisanne Session 2 - From powerlessness to control

In this third session, Laurian and Lisanne continue to work on three other traumatic memories related to injuries and violence. After working through these memories, Lisanne experiences more self-confidence and is able to say: 'I am OK as a person', and 'I have the right to have an opinion'.


Lisanne Session 3 - I am wanted

In this fourth session, Ad first briefly goes through the traumatic memories with Lisanne, to see what the current SUD scores are. From fierce arguments to abuse, every traumatic memory is dealt with and by the end Lisanne is able to convincingly say: “I can handle it” and “I'm worth it”.

Lisanne Session 4 - Restoring trust 

In this session, Ad and Lisanne focus on four memories: two memories related to her boss, including a pregnancy, and two other traumatic memories. Lisanne realizes that she does matter and that she is OK as she is.

Lisanne Session 5 - From powerlessness to 'I can handle it' 

In the sixth session, Laurian and Lisanne go through a few more memories and look together at the current SUD scores of her memories. Further in the session, Lisanne realizes that she is actually the director of her life.

Lisanne Session 6 - From crossed boundaries to 'in control of my life'

Ad and Lisanne review the memories they worked on in the previous sessions. The SUD of these memories have decreased remarkably. Next, they focus on the memories related to a negative self-image, such as the belief “I am not okay”. Together they can conclude positively with “I am self-aware”.

Lisanne Session 7 - From unwanted to 'I matter' 

In the eighth session, the focus is on setting new goals: becoming aware of new behavior when Lisanne encounters old patterns. Lisanne and Laurian discuss new memories and conclude with “I am realistic, I am brave”.

Lisanne Session 8 - From rejection to self-worth

In session 9, Laurian and Lisanne delve deeper into additional traumatic memories related to her previous boss and her mother. The powerlessness that Lisanne experienced earlier changes into “I determine my own life, I am the director of my life”.

Lisanne Session 9 - Beyond the opinion of others

After a full week of healing sessions, Ad and Lisanne sit down together for the 10th session. With a short review of all Lisanne has accomplished so far and memories that are recalled during this session, Lisanne notices that a great awareness has arisen. She comes into her own strength and discovers her self-confidence.

Lisanne Session 10 - From rejection to inherent strength

In this last session, Laurian, Ad and Lisanne sit together once more to summarize the week. What feelings come up? How does Lisanne see the past, discussed memories? Did she achieve the goals she set at the beginning of this journey?

Lisanne Session 11 - Treatment evaluation and self-compassion

EMDR Tapes with Lisanne

Treating Suicide Risk with EMDR

01 Treating Suicide Risk with EMDR – Theory and Practice (Ad)

In this video, we see a fragment from an intake session between therapist Ad Kerkhof and patient Carla. The conversation focuses on identifying intrusive thoughts in the context of EMDR and suicide prevention.

Ad Kerkhof carefully explores the nature of the intrusions — what form they take, when they occur, and what their content is. At the same time, he inquires about Carla’s current medication and how her depressive symptoms manifest. Central to the conversation is the question: what is Carla internally struggling with — which thoughts, feelings, or beliefs are fueling her sense of hopelessness?


02 Treating Suicide Risk with EMDR – Exploring Intrusions

The session begins with a warm welcome and the identification of a distressing mental image. This leads to an in-depth discussion about Carla’s emotional responses, including stress, anxiety, and feelings of powerlessness. The conversation also touches on her physical reactions — particularly a sense of tightness or disturbance in the chest.

To help manage this tension, therapist Ad Kerkhof introduces grounding techniques such as the butterfly hug and counting backwards. These methods aim to support emotional regulation and prepare Carla for the next steps in treatment.

The session concludes with a reflection on the progress made and a brief look ahead, ensuring that Carla feels supported and ready for what’s to come.

03 Treating Suicide Risk with EMDR - Session 2

Latest Developments in EMDR - Masterclass

Ad de Jongh presents the latest developments in EMDR therapy, explaining how working-memory taxation and targeted cognitive tasks reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. He also introduces innovative applications such as Blind-to-Therapist EMDR and the Flash-Forward protocol, supported by promising long-term results, even in clients with psychosis.

Learning objectives

- Understand how working-memory taxation enhances EMDR effectiveness
- Learn how cognitive tasks support trauma processing
- Get acquainted with Blind-to-Therapist EMDR
- Understand the use of the Flash-Forward protocol
- Gain insight into recent findings, including EMDR for psychosis

Integrating attachment, trauma, and dissociation into the treatment of eating disorders with EMDR

Beyond food: understanding and treating eating disorders at their source with EMDR.
In this webinar, Natalia Seijo, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, EMDR Europe trainer, and specialist in complex trauma, explores eating disorders beyond their behavioral aspects.

Through her integrative approach, Natalia Seijo helps shed light on the hidden roots of eating disorders:
• How to work beyond eating behaviors
• Understanding the defense mechanisms that maintain the disorder
• Exploring body image distortion

Imaginal Exposure (IE)

Moral Injury Masterclass

In collaboration with Dr. Jackie June ter Heide
With American guest speakers: Prof. Dr. Brett Litz and Prof. Dr. Shira Maguen

1. Moral injury: An overview of conceptual, definitional, assessment and treatment issues
Prof. Dr. Brett Litz

2. Impact of killing: Treatment of moral injury for veterans
Prof. Dr. Shira Maguen

The concept of "Moral Injury" was explicitly brought into the limelight by Prof. Brett Litz in his 2009 seminal paper. Moral dilemmas recur frequently in the consulting room with veterans and others. 

An example of a moral dilemma is as a veteran witnessing sexual abuse and at the same time having the desire to shoot the perpetrator to end this unpleasant scene. The unpleasantness of such a moral dilemma is that both outcomes contradict one's moral compass. After such a dilemma - with whichever outcome - patients experience a gnawing sense of guilt, and if this guilt is not explicitly addressed, this feeling will continue to trouble the patient for life.

Moral Injury 1 - An Overview of Conceptual, Definitional, Assessment, and Treatment Issues

2 - Impact of Killing: Moral Injury Treatment for Veterans

Moral Injury

Imagery Rescripting (ImRs)

Imagery Rescripting is a powerful therapeutic method for transforming the emotional meaning of traumatic memories. In this roleplay, a client recalls a painful childhood scene involving an intimidating stepfather. Under the therapist’s guidance, she re-enters the memory to face and change what once felt overwhelming. Through rescripting, the therapist offers support and compassion to the child version of the client, helping her reclaim control and rewrite her inner story. The session illustrates how imagery can bring healing to unresolved emotions and unmet needs from early life.

Learning objectives:

- Understand the key steps and rationale of Imagery Rescripting in Schema Therapy.
- Observe how the therapist guides the client through confronting and transforming a traumatic memory.
-Recognize the role of emotional attunement, safety, and compassionate reparenting in the rescripting process.
- Learn how to balance structure and spontaneity when leading a client through emotionally charged imagery.

01 Imagery Rescripting - Role-play - Therapist rescripts

In this roleplay, the client takes the lead in rescripting her own painful memories. Using imagery, she revisits moments of conflict with her mother, expressing anger, sadness, and disappointment while exploring a deeper need for understanding and connection. Supported by the therapist, Tessa feels safe enough to engage with her younger self, reflect on her relationship with her mother, and express her wish for closeness. The session demonstrates how empowering clients to actively reshape their memories fosters healing and self-compassion.

Learning objectives:

- Observe how clients can take an active role in Imagery Rescripting.
- Understand the therapist’s role in creating safety and encouraging emotional expression.
- Recognize how anger and vulnerability coexist during rescripting.
- Learn techniques to help clients integrate new emotional experiences into their self-narrative.

02 Imagery Rescripting - Roleplay Client rescripts

Trauma work can evoke intense emotions, and clients may sometimes dissociate during imagery exercises. This roleplay illustrates how therapists can recognize early signs of dissociation and use grounding techniques—such as tactile objects like a fleece blanket—to help clients stay connected to the present moment. When clients become overwhelmed, they can signal for help, allowing the therapist to intervene calmly and restore safety. The session highlights the importance of pacing, attunement, and maintaining a secure environment during trauma processing.

Learning objectives:

- Identify early signs of dissociation during Imagery Rescripting.
- Learn practical grounding techniques to help clients stay present.
- Understand how to re-establish safety without interrupting the therapeutic process.
- Develop sensitivity to the client’s signals of overwhelm and readiness.

03 Imagery Rescripting - Roleplay  Dissosiation during session

Aggression and threat can emerge vividly during imagery work. In this demonstration, the therapist models how to manage such situations safely and effectively. When the client imagines confronting an abusive stepfather, the therapist intervenes with a “magical” technique—symbolically neutralizing the aggressor to protect the child within the imagery. This approach helps the client experience safety, empowerment, and control within the rescripting process. The session offers a clear example of how creativity and structure combine in therapeutic imagination.

Learning objectives:

- Understand how to handle aggression or threat that arises in Imagery Rescripting.
- Learn how symbolic or “magical” interventions can restore safety in the imagery.
- Observe how to empower clients without reinforcing helplessness.
- Recognize the therapeutic rationale behind creative imagery techniques.