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How to use Constructive Avoidance in EMDR Therapy

  • Aug 5, 2020
  • 3 min read



Constructive Avoidance is a technique developed by Jim Knipe in his book, EMDR Toolbox. (Same person who created the CIPOS method, which I described in a previous post)


It's different from targetting emotional avoidance in EMDR therapy. With constructive avoidance, you're able to use avoidance intentionally to improve the efficacy of reprocessing during Phase IV.


Constructive Avoidance is helpful for :

  • Complex Trauma

  • Ego state interventions

  • Working on a present day issue and needing to isolate the adult self

  • if a client is looping in their processing


Watch the video about for more information on how to use this helpful protocol in EMDR Therapy.

Essential Tools for Confident & Effective EMDR Therapy


Want to strengthen your use of Resource Development & Installation (RDI) and other essential EMDR techniques? The EMDR Coach Tools provide practical guidance, visual aids, and ready-to-use templates to help you stay grounded, organized, and effective in your sessions. Whether you're working on resourcing, treatment planning, or complex case navigation, this toolkit is designed to support you every step of the way.





If you're an EMDR-trained therapist seeking support, clarity, or confidence, you're not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Whether you're working toward EMDR Certification, returning after time away, or facing complex trauma cases, individualized consultation can make all the difference.


Book a free 15-minute consultation with an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant to get the guidance and support you need.





About the Author

a certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant.

Dana Carretta-Stein is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and founder of Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling, PLLC, and Carretta Consulting in Scarsdale, NY.  She specializes in clinical psychotherapy to treat children, adolescentsand adults with anxiety, behavior and trauma difficulties. She is a certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Dana is also a business marketing coach for wellness practitioners who are looking to build and grow their private practice.



Product Highlight: EMDR Coach Treatment Planning Workbook




EMDR Therapy Treatment Planning Workbook
EMDR Therapy Treatment Planning Workbook

If EMDR session planning feels overwhelming, it often starts with unclear treatment planning.


The EMDR Coach Treatment Planning Workbook is a structured, downloadable EMDR resource designed to help you organize cases, identify targets, and create clear direction for sessions.


Instead of guessing, you can:


  • Build structured treatment plans

  • Reduce in-session decision fatigue

  • Feel more confident in your clinical choices


This is more than just a workbook.


It is a practical EMDR therapy tool and system that supports both planning and session clarity.



 

Supporting Tool: EMDR Therapy Progress Journal



EMDR Therapy Progress Journal
EMDR Therapy Progress Journal

If EMDR therapy notes feel overwhelming, having a structured system can change everything.


The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal is a complementary, downloadable EMDR resource resource that helps you:


  • Track session flow

  • Monitor progress

  • Identify patterns


Together, these tools help you move from:


👉 Overthinking → clarity

👉 Guessing → structure



Read Relevant Blogs




Further Learning & Resources











 
 
 

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