Deb Kennard, MS, LLP
Developer of S.A.F.E. EMDR
Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, trained by Francine Shapiro and refined over 30 years of clinical practice.
Experience
Trained
Founded
Now AvailablePublished Work
EMDR for Anger Management: A Breakthrough S.A.F.E. Approach
Deb's debut book brings the S.A.F.E. EMDR framework directly to readers, clinicians and clients alike. Grounded in somatic and attachment-focused EMDR, the book offers a self-guided, trauma-informed approach to healing the unresolved trauma that drives chronic anger, using bilateral tapping to help the nervous system find balance.
"Powerful. Practical. Deeply compassionate... a breakthrough approach for moving past chronic anger."
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, author of Kid Confidence"An essential toolkit for anyone who wishes to transform their problematic anger and deepen their relationship to self and others."
Ame Cutler, PhD, Founder of the Transgenerational Regeneration Institute"I heartily recommend her book to anyone on a journey of self-discovery and healing."
Donald F. deGraffenried, LCSW, EMDRIA-Approved Senior TrainerAbout Deb
30 Years of Advancing EMDR Therapy
Deborah (Deb) Kennard is the founder of Personal Transformation Institute (PTI) and the developer of Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR (S.A.F.E.), a proprietary, trauma-informed expansion of Francine Shapiro's original EMDR model that integrates attachment theory, somatic awareness, and regulation principles into every phase of EMDR treatment.
Deb holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Liberty State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She is certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and has maintained a Vipassana meditation practice for over 14 years, both of which are woven into the S.A.F.E. approach and her teaching philosophy.
At PTI, Deb leads a team of seven mental health professionals and over 50 training assistants to deliver EMDR Basic Training, CE courses, intensives, and consultation programs. The PTI approach infuses nonviolence, mindful awareness, compassionate assumption, and healthy boundaries into every training experience.
Outside of PTI, Deb enjoys spending time with her husband and five grandchildren, golfing, hiking, and traveling. The youngest of 10 children, she brings a natural warmth and community-mindedness to everything PTI does.
Train with Deb's team
EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training, built on S.A.F.E.
Six days, live and interactive, with all 10 consultation hours included in tuition. Taught by the trainers Deb leads and mentors.
Deb's Methodology
The S.A.F.E. EMDR Framework
S.A.F.E., Somatic and Attachment-Focused EMDR, is Deb's proprietary expansion of the standard EMDR model. It integrates attachment theory, body-based (somatic) awareness, and regulation-first principles to help clients and clinicians work through the roadblocks that standard EMDR can encounter with complex trauma and relational wounding.
Explore the S.A.F.E. Approach →Nonviolence
Gentleness toward self and others as a foundation for healing.
Mindful Awareness
Present-moment attention to body, emotion, and cognition.
Compassionate Assumption
Leading with curiosity rather than judgment in the therapeutic relationship.
Healthy Boundaries
Building the safety structures that allow deep trauma processing.
Speaking, Interviews & Research Inquiries
Deb is available for podcast appearances, conference presentations, media interviews, and research collaborations.