EMDR Therapy Training Requirements
An EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training provides clinicians with the knowledge and skills to utilize EMDR therapy, a comprehensive understanding of case conceptualization and treatment planning, and the ability to integrate EMDR therapy into their clinical practice. An EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training provides, at a minimum, instruction in the current explanatory model, methodology, and underlying mechanisms of EMDR through lecture, practice, and integrated consultation.
While the EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training Curriculum outlines the minimum requirements which need to be met, the developer of a specific curriculum can enhance or expand any portion as they see fit. These minimum training requirements include: 20 hours instructional material, 20 hours supervised practicum, and 10 hours consultation.
Instructional (20 Hours): The goal of the instructional section of the training is to provide information and understanding in each of the following areas:
B) Methodology explains and teaches the method of EMDR.
1) 8-Phases
Phase 1 - History Taking, Case Conceptualization & Treatment Planning
Phase 2 - Client Preparation
Phase 3 - Assessment
Phase 4 - Desensitization
Phase 5 - Installation
Phase 6 - Body Scan
Phase 7 - Closure
Phase 8 - Reevaluation
2) Advanced Methodology - This includes special protocols and specific populations
3) Professional, legal, ethical issues
C) Mechanism of Action underlying EMDR
Supervised Practicum (20 Hours): The goal of supervised practicum is to facilitate the demonstration and practice of EMDR. To achieve the goals of the supervised practicum, practice may be done in dyads or triads. It is imperative that trainees receive direct behavioral observation and feedback. Whenever appropriate, trainees practice with real life experiences. Ample practice is recommended before introducing/teaching the Cognitive Interweave. Practice should be included for each phase of the procedure as outlined in the instructional section.
Consultation (10 Hours): Consultation provides an opportunity for the integration of the theory of EMDR along with the development of EMDR therapy skills. During consultation trainees receive individualized feedback and instruction in the areas of case conceptualization, client readiness, target selection, treatment planning, specific application of skills, and the integration of EMDR therapy into clinical practice. Consultation is about real cases and not experiences that occur in practicum.
Consultation increases the use of EMDR therapy by those who have received training, reduces the formation of bad habits and the risks of problematic use of EMDR. It also allows the clinician to develop and integrate EMDR therapy skills creatively into their other skills in a way that enhances clinical efficiency and effectiveness in helping a wider range of clients meet their goals for change.
While the EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training Curriculum outlines the minimum requirements which need to be met, the developer of a specific curriculum can enhance or expand any portion as they see fit. These minimum training requirements include: 20 hours instructional material, 20 hours supervised practicum, and 10 hours consultation.
Instructional (20 Hours): The goal of the instructional section of the training is to provide information and understanding in each of the following areas:
- History and Overview - The goal of this section is to review the historical evolution of EMDR therapy from its inception through validation by randomized controlled studies. This includes, but is not limited to: A) Origin; B) Switch from EMD to EMDR; C) Current EMDR-related Research
- Distinguish Model, Methodology, and Mechanism - This section of the curriculum explains these three aspects of EMDR therapy and distinguishes among them.
B) Methodology explains and teaches the method of EMDR.
1) 8-Phases
Phase 1 - History Taking, Case Conceptualization & Treatment Planning
Phase 2 - Client Preparation
Phase 3 - Assessment
Phase 4 - Desensitization
Phase 5 - Installation
Phase 6 - Body Scan
Phase 7 - Closure
Phase 8 - Reevaluation
2) Advanced Methodology - This includes special protocols and specific populations
3) Professional, legal, ethical issues
C) Mechanism of Action underlying EMDR
Supervised Practicum (20 Hours): The goal of supervised practicum is to facilitate the demonstration and practice of EMDR. To achieve the goals of the supervised practicum, practice may be done in dyads or triads. It is imperative that trainees receive direct behavioral observation and feedback. Whenever appropriate, trainees practice with real life experiences. Ample practice is recommended before introducing/teaching the Cognitive Interweave. Practice should be included for each phase of the procedure as outlined in the instructional section.
Consultation (10 Hours): Consultation provides an opportunity for the integration of the theory of EMDR along with the development of EMDR therapy skills. During consultation trainees receive individualized feedback and instruction in the areas of case conceptualization, client readiness, target selection, treatment planning, specific application of skills, and the integration of EMDR therapy into clinical practice. Consultation is about real cases and not experiences that occur in practicum.
Consultation increases the use of EMDR therapy by those who have received training, reduces the formation of bad habits and the risks of problematic use of EMDR. It also allows the clinician to develop and integrate EMDR therapy skills creatively into their other skills in a way that enhances clinical efficiency and effectiveness in helping a wider range of clients meet their goals for change.
Certification in EMDR Therapy
The applicant for the credential of EMDRIA Certified Therapist must meet the following criteria:
1) EMDRIA Approved Training: Submit evidence of having completed an EMDRIA approved EMDR Training program. A copy of your certificate of completion is required.
2) License/Certification: Provide documentation of independent license as a mental health professional in the state or province where you practice. A photocopy of your license to practice independently is required.
3) Attach notarized documentation supporting the following statements:
4) Have you received 20 hours of consultation by an EMDRIA Approved Consultant in EMDR? Answer yes or no on the application form. Then you will need to obtain documentation from the Approved Consultant(s) you received your consultation from, verifying the number of hours you have received from him/her and how many of those hours were individual consultation and how many were group consultation. If you have received consultation from more than one Approved Consultant, you will need documentation from each. At least 10 of these hours must be obtained through individual, EMDR-focused consultation. The remaining 10 hours may be obtained through small group consultation. Consultation groups cannot exceed more than 8 participants at a time. Consultants-in-Training can provide up to 15 hours of consultation; the remaining 5 hours must be with an Approved Consultant. *Only consultation hours received AFTER completion of an EMDRIA Approved Training program can be applied towards this requirement. Click Here to Find an Approved Consultant
5) Attach letter(s) of recommendation from one or more EMDRIA Approved Consultant(s) in EMDR, regarding your utilization of EMDR with clients.
6) Attach two letters of recommendation regarding your professional utilization of EMDR (if possible), ethics in practice, and professional character. These can be obtained from colleagues or peers.
7) Attach certificates of completion of 12 hours of EMDRIA Credits (continuing education in EMDR). The EMDR Training is not awarded EMDRIA Credits - only EMDRIA Approved Credit Programs in EMDR that are completed after the entire Training program can receive EMDRIA Credits and be used towards this application requirement. If you are in need of EMDRIA Credits, you can earn EMDRIA Credits through the EMDRIA OnDemand eLearning site. For more information and to access the EMDRIA OnDemand catalog of choices, click here. Additionally, you may click here to view the Calendar of Events.
8) EMDRIA Policies. Applicants must read and verify on the application form that they agree to adhere to EMDRIA Policies.
1) EMDRIA Approved Training: Submit evidence of having completed an EMDRIA approved EMDR Training program. A copy of your certificate of completion is required.
2) License/Certification: Provide documentation of independent license as a mental health professional in the state or province where you practice. A photocopy of your license to practice independently is required.
3) Attach notarized documentation supporting the following statements:
- Do you have at least two years experience in your field of license?
- Have you conducted at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients?
4) Have you received 20 hours of consultation by an EMDRIA Approved Consultant in EMDR? Answer yes or no on the application form. Then you will need to obtain documentation from the Approved Consultant(s) you received your consultation from, verifying the number of hours you have received from him/her and how many of those hours were individual consultation and how many were group consultation. If you have received consultation from more than one Approved Consultant, you will need documentation from each. At least 10 of these hours must be obtained through individual, EMDR-focused consultation. The remaining 10 hours may be obtained through small group consultation. Consultation groups cannot exceed more than 8 participants at a time. Consultants-in-Training can provide up to 15 hours of consultation; the remaining 5 hours must be with an Approved Consultant. *Only consultation hours received AFTER completion of an EMDRIA Approved Training program can be applied towards this requirement. Click Here to Find an Approved Consultant
5) Attach letter(s) of recommendation from one or more EMDRIA Approved Consultant(s) in EMDR, regarding your utilization of EMDR with clients.
6) Attach two letters of recommendation regarding your professional utilization of EMDR (if possible), ethics in practice, and professional character. These can be obtained from colleagues or peers.
7) Attach certificates of completion of 12 hours of EMDRIA Credits (continuing education in EMDR). The EMDR Training is not awarded EMDRIA Credits - only EMDRIA Approved Credit Programs in EMDR that are completed after the entire Training program can receive EMDRIA Credits and be used towards this application requirement. If you are in need of EMDRIA Credits, you can earn EMDRIA Credits through the EMDRIA OnDemand eLearning site. For more information and to access the EMDRIA OnDemand catalog of choices, click here. Additionally, you may click here to view the Calendar of Events.
8) EMDRIA Policies. Applicants must read and verify on the application form that they agree to adhere to EMDRIA Policies.
Approved Consultant in EMDR Therapy
The applicant for the credential of EMDRIA Approved Consultant must meet the following criteria:
1) EMDRIA Approved Training: Submit evidence of having completed an EMDRIA approved EMDR Training program. A copy of your certificate of completion is required.
2) License/Certification: Show evidence of a license/certification/registration as a mental health professional. A photocopy of your license/certification/registration to practice independently is required.
3) Do you have at least three years experience after completing an EMDRIA approved Training program? Answer yes or no on the application form. Applicants MUST have the minimum 3 years experience after completion of the EMDR Training.
4) Have you conducted at least 300 EMDR sessions with at least 75 clients? Answer yes or no on the application form and then attach notarized documentation supporting this statement. You can write out the statement as it is written, "I have conducted at least 300 EMDR sessions with at least 75 clients", or something similar and then have it notarized.
5) Have you received 20 hours of consultation-of-consultation by an Approved Consultant in EMDR?* Answer yes or no on the application form. Then you will need to obtain documentation from the Approved Consultant(s) you received your consultation-of-consultation from, verifying the number of hours you have received from him/her and how many of those hours were individual consultation and how many were group consultation. If you have received consultation from more than one Approved Consultant, you will need documentation from each. These "consultation-of-consultation" groups in EMDR should be no larger than 4 consultants-in-training at any one time. Click Here to Find an Approved Consultant
*PLEASE NOTE: Only consultation hours received AFTER becoming a Certified Therapist can be applied towards this requirement*
6) Attach letter or letter(s) of recommendation from one or more Approved Consultant(s) in EMDR, regarding the quality of your consultation in EMDR to others.
7) Attach two letters of recommendation regarding your professional utilization of EMDR in clinical practice, consultation abilities, ethics in practice, and professional character. These can be obtained from colleagues or peers.
8) Attach certificates of completion of 12 hours of EMDRIA Credits (continuing education in EMDR).The EMDR Training is not awarded EMDRIA Credits - only EMDRIA Approved Credit Programs in EMDR that are completed after the EMDR Training can receive EMDRIA Credits and be used towards this application requirement. EMDRIA Credits are one time use only. This means if you used an EMDRIA Credit course to apply for Certification or renew your Certification, you cannot use that same EMDRIA Credit course towards this application requirement. If you are in need of EMDRIA Credits, you can earn EMDRIA Credits through the EMDRIA OnDemand eLearning site. For more information and to access the EMDRIA OnDemand catalog of choices, click here. Additionally, you may click here to view the Calendar of Events.
9) EMDRIA Policies. Applicants must read and verify on the application form that they agree to adhere to EMDRIA Policies.
1) EMDRIA Approved Training: Submit evidence of having completed an EMDRIA approved EMDR Training program. A copy of your certificate of completion is required.
2) License/Certification: Show evidence of a license/certification/registration as a mental health professional. A photocopy of your license/certification/registration to practice independently is required.
3) Do you have at least three years experience after completing an EMDRIA approved Training program? Answer yes or no on the application form. Applicants MUST have the minimum 3 years experience after completion of the EMDR Training.
4) Have you conducted at least 300 EMDR sessions with at least 75 clients? Answer yes or no on the application form and then attach notarized documentation supporting this statement. You can write out the statement as it is written, "I have conducted at least 300 EMDR sessions with at least 75 clients", or something similar and then have it notarized.
5) Have you received 20 hours of consultation-of-consultation by an Approved Consultant in EMDR?* Answer yes or no on the application form. Then you will need to obtain documentation from the Approved Consultant(s) you received your consultation-of-consultation from, verifying the number of hours you have received from him/her and how many of those hours were individual consultation and how many were group consultation. If you have received consultation from more than one Approved Consultant, you will need documentation from each. These "consultation-of-consultation" groups in EMDR should be no larger than 4 consultants-in-training at any one time. Click Here to Find an Approved Consultant
*PLEASE NOTE: Only consultation hours received AFTER becoming a Certified Therapist can be applied towards this requirement*
6) Attach letter or letter(s) of recommendation from one or more Approved Consultant(s) in EMDR, regarding the quality of your consultation in EMDR to others.
7) Attach two letters of recommendation regarding your professional utilization of EMDR in clinical practice, consultation abilities, ethics in practice, and professional character. These can be obtained from colleagues or peers.
8) Attach certificates of completion of 12 hours of EMDRIA Credits (continuing education in EMDR).The EMDR Training is not awarded EMDRIA Credits - only EMDRIA Approved Credit Programs in EMDR that are completed after the EMDR Training can receive EMDRIA Credits and be used towards this application requirement. EMDRIA Credits are one time use only. This means if you used an EMDRIA Credit course to apply for Certification or renew your Certification, you cannot use that same EMDRIA Credit course towards this application requirement. If you are in need of EMDRIA Credits, you can earn EMDRIA Credits through the EMDRIA OnDemand eLearning site. For more information and to access the EMDRIA OnDemand catalog of choices, click here. Additionally, you may click here to view the Calendar of Events.
9) EMDRIA Policies. Applicants must read and verify on the application form that they agree to adhere to EMDRIA Policies.