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In this episode of Going Inside, trauma therapist John Clarke sits down with Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP, to explore her decades of work with attachment trauma in children. Debra shares the evolution of her integrative model combining EMDR and family therapy, explains how to work effectively with kids carrying "little parts" of trauma inside, and highlights the critical role of parents in the healing process. Whether you're a clinician or a curious listener, this conversation offers valuable insights into the art and science of trauma therapy.

3 Key Takeaways:

🌱 Discover why traditional EMDR protocols often need adapting when working with children who have complex trauma.

🌱 Learn how involving parents and building a secure emotional environment is foundational before trauma reprocessing can even begin.

🌱 Hear how "little parts" work and therapeutic storytelling can unlock healing for kids long before adulthood.

🗣️ Guest: Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP 

Debra co-founded The Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska where she has specialized in treating attachment trauma for 35 years. She's an EMDR trainer with the EMDR Institute and has authored numerous articles, chapters, and books including two co-authored with Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Her latest book, EMDR and Family Therapy: Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children (2nd Edition), is available through W.W. Norton, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

Website: DebraWesselmann.com
Instagram: @debra.wesselmann.EMDR
LinkedIn: Debra Wesselmann
Facebook: Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP

Resources & Offerings:

➡️ Free IFS Training for Therapists: From Burnout to Balance: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-yt
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➡️ 10% Off at Grounding Well – Use code GWJOHNCLARKE or visit: https://www.groundingwell.com/GWJOHNCLARKE
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Transcript

Debra Wesselman: [00:00:00] And the other, the other piece I think that's really critical is. These kids with this complex trauma, just like the adults, they have littler parts inside.

They may be five, but they may have a 2-year-old part that is. Is traumatized that they care. They carry those old hurt feelings.

John Clarke: Going Inside is a podcast on a mission to help people heal from trauma and reconnect with their authentic self. Join me trauma therapist John Clarke for guest interviews, real life therapy sessions and soothing guided medi

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➡️ Free Training - Learn how to integrate the principles of IFS into your therapy practice: https://go.johnclarketherapy.com/ifs-webinar-podcast