Professor Gordon Emmerson, PhD, is an esteemed Australian therapist, originally from the United States of America, whose work has shaped modern parts-based therapy. He is the creator of Resource Therapy (RT)—a structured, trauma-informed approach now taught and practiced globally among psychologists, trauma therapists, social workers, counsellors, and coaches.
Academic and Clinical Foundations
Emmerson served as an Honorary Fellow in the School of Psychology at Victoria University, Melbourne, contributing to clinical education and research in personality and parts work. His early adoption and refinement of ego-state therapy, grounded in the work of John and Helen Watkins, informed his later development of Resource Therapy.
Evidence-Based Research & Journal Articles
One of Emmerson’s most influential empirical contributions was a quasi-experimental study on menstrual migraine, which demonstrated a five-fold reduction in symptoms following four ego-state therapy sessions. The study also found significant reductions in depression and anger scores on the MMPI‑2, providing rare causal evidence for parts-based interventions.
He has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on Resource Therapy and ego-state interventions. Examples include:
- Emmerson, G. J., & Farmer, K. (1996). Ego-state therapy and menstrual migraine. Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, 31(2), 121–129.
- Emmerson, G. J. (n.d.). Ego-state therapy with sexually traumatised clients. Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 31(2), 121–129.
The Evolution to Resource Therapy
Building on his earlier work, Emmerson developed Resource Therapy as a clinical evolution of ego-state theory. Resource Therapy stands out by offering:
- A diagnostic map categorising states as Normal, Vaded, Retro, Conflicted, or Dissonant
- 15 structured Treatment Actions, including Vivify Specific, Bridging, Expression, and Anchoring
- Direct dialogue with the state holding the issue—without relying on metaphor or hypnosis
These innovations allow therapists to engage directly and safely with internal parts, creating measurable, trauma-informed change.
Publications and Professional Texts
Professor Emmerson has authored several key clinical resources, including:
- Ego State Therapy (2003)
- Advanced Techniques in Therapeutic Counselling (2006)
- Healthy Parts, Happy Self (2012)
- Resource Therapy Primer (2014)
- Resource Therapy (2014)
- Therapist Gold (2025)
These works offer diagnostic insight, clinical case examples, and protocol-based guidance for practitioners across modalities.
Global Teaching and Professional Leadership
Professor Emmerson established Resource Therapy International (RTI) to ensure global standards of RT training, certification, and supervision. RTI training is now delivered in more than 15 countries, supported by a structured curriculum including Foundation, Clinical, and Advanced levels.
Emmerson continues to teach globally, often collaborating with senior trainers such as Philipa Thornton and Chris Paulin. He also serves as Assistant Editor of the Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy.
Relevance for Health Professionals
For clinicians working with trauma, mood disorders, behavioural issues, relational ruptures, or internal conflict, Emmerson’s Resource Therapy offers:
- A clinically structured and trauma-informed model
- Tools that directly access and heal wounded parts
- 15 evidence-informed treatment actions grounded in neuropsychology
- A client-led, strengths-based approach that complements modalities like EMDR, ACT, DBR, and IFS
References
- Christensen, C. A., Barabasz, A., & Barabasz, M. (2013). Efficacy of abreactive ego state therapy for PTSD: Trauma resolution, depression, and anxiety. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(2), 65–74.
- Emmerson, G. J., & Farmer, K. (1996). Ego-state therapy and menstrual migraine. Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, 31(2), 121–129.
- Emmerson, G. J. (2003). Ego State Therapy. Crown House Publishing.
- Emmerson, G. J. (2014). Resource Therapy. Resource Therapy International.
- Emmerson, G. J. (2025). Therapist Gold: Clinical Strategies for Parts Therapy and Emotional Healing. Resource Therapy International.
- Resource Therapy International. (2025). Training and Certification Overview. Retrieved from https://resourcetherapy.com
- Victoria University. (n.d.). Honorary Fellows and Academic Appointments. Retrieved from https://www.vu.edu.au
- Watkins, J. G., & Watkins, H. H. (1997). Ego States: Theory and Therapy. W. W. Norton & Company.