EMDR Phase 2 Preparation is where clinicians determine whether a client is ready to begin trauma processing or requires additional stabilization. This course focuses on how to assess readiness in real time, including evaluating regulation capacity, dual attention, and the presence of dissociation. When these capacities are inconsistent, preparation continues. This intermediate-level course takes a practical, clinically grounded approach to Phase 2 decision-making. You will learn how to assess dissociation, evaluate regulation capacity during activation, and determine whether dual attention remains intact. The course also addresses how to adapt resourcing when clients cannot access visual imagery, including in cases of aphantasia and neurodevelopmental differences. The goal is to support clear, clinically informed decisions about when to begin reprocessing and when to extend preparation. This pre-recorded webinar is available on demand and is designed for licensed mental health clinicians who have completed formal EMDR training and want to deepen their understanding of preparation and stabilization. When readiness is not accurately assessed, symptom reduction may be delayed and instability between sessions can increase, particularly in clients with dissociation, complex trauma histories, or neurodevelopmental differences. Through didactic instruction and applied clinical examples, participants review current research related to EMDR mechanisms, dissociation, intolerance of calm, and adaptations for autistic and ADHD presentations. We examine specific clinical scenarios, including: • Loss of dual attention during processing • Elevated DES-II scores requiring further evaluation • Recurrent SUD rebound between sessions • Difficulty generalizing gains between sessions Participants learn how to assess readiness, extend resourcing when indicated, and select preparation strategies based on observable clinical presentation rather than protocol habit. Prior to receiving credit for this course, you must: • Review the material in full • Pass the post-test with a minimum score of 75% (three attempts allowed) Partial credit is not awarded.                                                          Continuing Education Cannon Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cannon Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Cannon Psychology is an EC provider (#25034) and this program(#25034-DL03) is approved for 4 EMDRIA credits. Eligibility for EMDRIA credits is restricted to those who have completed an EMDRIA-Approved Basic EMDR Training.

This course provides research-informed and clinically grounded education focused on EMDR Phase 2: preparation, stabilization, and readiness for trauma processing. The material integrates current literature on EMDR mechanisms, dissociation, neurodevelopmental adaptations, intolerance of calm, and processing difficulties, and translates those findings into practical clinical decision-making. Participants review specific assessment considerations—such as evaluating dual attention capacity, screening for dissociation, recognizing recurrent SUD rebound between sessions, and adapting preparation for autistic or ADHD presentations—and learn how to extend stabilization when indicated. At the same time, this course has limitations. It does not replace foundational EMDR training, formal consultation hours, or individualized supervision. It cannot account for every clinical variable, comorbid condition, or jurisdictional regulation that may influence treatment decisions. Research on certain topics discussed—such as EMDR adaptations for neurodevelopmental disorders—remains emerging and in some cases inconclusive, and clinical judgment is required when applying these concepts. Complex dissociative disorders, significant safety concerns, or presentations outside a clinician’s scope of competence may require additional assessment, referral, or specialty consultation. As with any continuing education program, there is also the possibility of misunderstanding or overgeneralizing material if it is applied without careful case formulation. Participants are responsible for integrating the content within their professional scope and seeking additional support when appropriate.

Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D. is the owner and operator of Cannon Psychology since 2018. She primarily treats adult survivors of abuse and addiction. She is certified by EMDRIA as a practitioner and an approved consultant. She has worked in a variety of levels of care, including inpatient, residential and outpatient. She has been licensed to practice psychology by the State of California since 2011. For assistance with accessibility, refunds/cancellation, concerns regarding conflict of interest & grievances contact Cassandra Cannon, Ph.D. [email protected]