Attachment Trauma Resources | Debra Wesselmann, EMDR — Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP

Resources & Publications

Browse Debra's peer-reviewed research, book chapters, and clinical publications on EMDR and attachment trauma treatment, spanning over two decades of contributions to the field.

EMDR with Kids and Families with Attachment Trauma with Deb Wesselmann
The Baffling Behavior Show-with Robyn Gobbel
Chat about how Deb (and her colleagues) developed her attachment-focused EMDR model, why slow bilateral stimulation is so effective for complex trauma, and what it really means to create a secure holding environment for both kids and their parents. We also talk about the importance of therapists and other helpers doing their own work in therapy.
Listen Now on Spotify | Listen Now on Apple Podcasts
EMDR for Kids and Adolescents: The Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol (IATP-C)
Gettin' Gritty for Mental Health Therapists — with Debra Wesselmann, LIMHP
A conversation covering the origin story of IATP-C, how the protocol integrates EMDR, family therapy, and attachment repair, and how it helps therapists move from crisis-driven sessions to intentional trauma treatment.
Listen Now on Spotify | Listen Now on Apple Podcasts
How to Build Confidence as a New Therapist: Supervision, EMDR, and Attachment Trauma Work
Gettin' Gritty for Mental Health Therapists — Part 2 with Debra Wesselmann, LIMHP
Part two of the conversation, exploring how the IATP-C model was developed, why structure and predictability matter for both therapists and families, and how a strong clinical framework helps reduce shame and support regulation.
Listen Now on Spotify | Listen Now on Apple Podcasts
EMDR and Family Therapy: Debra Wesselmann
Attachment Theory in Action — hosted by The Knowledge Center at Chaddock
Debra discusses her updated IATP-C book, exploring how EMDR, family therapy, and psychoeducation support children and families healing from trauma.
Listen Now on Apple Podcasts
Attachment-Focused EMDR with Deb Wesselmann: Children, Families & Trauma Recovery
Notice That: An EMDR Podcast — hosted by Bridger Falkenstien & Jen Savage
Deb explores the intersection of EMDR therapy, attachment wounds, childhood trauma, parenting, and relational healing, drawing on her three decades integrating attachment theory with EMDR.
Listen Now
1. EMDR and Family Therapy
  Integrative Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children — 2nd Edition (2025)
  The go-to guide for clinicians combining EMDR and family therapy to help children heal from attachment trauma.
  Get the book →
2. EMDR and Attachment-Focused Trauma Therapy for Adults Reclaiming Authentic Self and Healthy Attachments — with Ann Potter
  A therapist's guide to helping adult clients heal attachment wounds and reconnect with their authentic selves.
  Get the book →
3. Attachment Trauma in Kids
  Integrative Strategies for Parents — 2nd Edition (2025)
  A practical, compassionate guide for parents raising children with attachment trauma — real tools for real challenges.
  Get the book →
4. Integrative Team Treatment for Attachment Trauma in Children
  Family Therapy and EMDR — with Cathy Schweitzer & Stefanie Armstrong — 1st Edition (2014)
  The original clinician's guide behind the team-based treatment model for helping families heal childhood attachment trauma.
  Get the book →
5. Integrative Parenting
  Strategies for Raising Children Affected by Attachment Trauma — with Cathy Schweitzer & Stefanie Armstrong — 1st Edition (2014)
  The original parent's companion guide to the Integrative Team Treatment model — now updated as Attachment Trauma in Kids, 2nd ed., above.
  Get the book →
- Wesselmann, D. (2007). Treating attachment issues through EMDR and a family systems approach. In F. Shapiro, F. W. Kaslow, & L. Maxfield (Eds.), Handbook of EMDR and Family Therapy Processes (pp. 113–130). John Wiley & Sons.
- Wesselmann, D. (2013). Healing trauma and creating secure attachments with EMDR. In M. Solomon & D. S. Siegel (Eds.), Healing Moments in Psychotherapy: Mindful Awareness, Neural Integration, and Therapeutic Presence (pp. 115–128). W. W. Norton & Company.
- Wesselmann, D., & Shapiro, F. (2013). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. In J. Ford & C. Courtois (Eds.), Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents (pp. 213–224). Guilford Press.
- Shapiro, F., Wesselmann, D., & Mevissen, L. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). In M. A. Landolt, M. Cloitre, & U. Schnyder (Eds.), Evidence-Based Treatments for Trauma-Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents (pp. 273–298). Springer.
- Wesselmann, D., Armstrong, S., & Schweitzer, C. (2017). Interweaves for children with an attachment trauma in foster and adoptive families. In R. Beer & C. De Roos (Eds.), Handbook EMDR: Children and Adolescents (pp. 399–413). LannooCampus.
- Wesselmann, D., Armstrong, S., & Schweitzer, C. (2017). Using an EMDR integrative model to treat attachment-based difficulties. In K. D. Buckwalter & D. Reed (Eds.), Attachment Theory in Action: Building Connections Between Children and Parents. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Wesselmann, D., Schweitzer, C., & Armstrong, S. (2015). Child attachment trauma protocol. In M. Luber (Ed.), EMDR Therapy: Scripted Protocols and Summary Sheets (pp. 9–44). Springer Publishing.
- Wesselmann, D., Settle, C., Mevissen, L., & Shapiro, F. (2024). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) with children and adolescents. In M. A. Landolt, M. Cloitre, & U. Schnyder (Eds.), Evidence-Based Treatments for Trauma-Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Springer.
- Wesselmann, D., Hein, I., & Schlattmann, N. (in press). Integrative attachment trauma protocol for children. In R. Beer & C. De Roos (Eds.), Handbook EMDR: Children and Adolescents (2nd ed.). LannooCampus.
- Swimm, L. L. (2018). EMDR intervention for a 17-month-old child to treat attachment trauma: Clinical case presentation. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12, 269–281. Read Now →
- van der Hoeven, M. L., Plukaard, S. C., Schlattmann, N. E. F., Lindauer, R. J. L., & Hein, I. M. (2023). An integrative treatment model of EMDR and family therapy for children with severe symptomatology after child abuse and neglect: A SCED study. Children and Youth Services Review, 152, 107064. Read Now →
- Wesselmann, D., Davidson, M., Armstrong, S., Schweitzer, C., Bruckner, & Potter, A. (2012). EMDR as a treatment for improving attachment status in adults and children. European Review of Applied Psychology, 62, 223–230.
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- Wesselmann, D., & Potter, A. E. (2009). Change in adult attachment status following treatment with EMDR: Three case studies. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3, 178–191.
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- Wesselmann, D., Armstrong, S., Schweitzer, C., Davidson, M., & Potter, A. (2018). An integrative EMDR and family therapy model for treating attachment trauma in children: A case series. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(4), 196–207.
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- Dreckmeier-Meiring, M. (2024). Integrative Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Family Therapy Model for Treating Attachment Trauma: Possibilities in the New Zealand Context. Journal of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, 34(1), 4–13.
  Learn More →
- Swimm, L. L. (2018). EMDR intervention for a 17-month-old child to treat attachment trauma: Clinical case presentation. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12, 269–281.
  Learn More →
- van der Hoeven, M. L., Plukaard, S. C., Schlattmann, N. E. F., Lindauer, R. J. L., & Hein, I. M. (2023). An integrative treatment model of EMDR and family therapy for children with severe symptomatology after child abuse and neglect: A SCED study. Children and Youth Services Review, 152, 107064.