How do I get Trained in EMDR?

How do I get trained in EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy used to treat an extensive range of issues and diagnoses related to disturbing events as well as current conditions of life.

EMDR training (needs to be approved by EMDRIA if the therapist would like to pursue certification) provides mental health professionals with the knowledge and the skills to use EMDR therapy, an in-depth understanding of case perception and therapy planning, and the ability to integrate EMDR therapy into their clinical practice. The “Basic Training” provides minimum instructions in the demonstration model, methodology and basic mechanisms of EMDR through practices, lectures, and integrated consultations. The EMDRIA calendar of trainings can be found here.

Significance of EMDR Training

EMDR therapy is a dedicated approach that demands supervised training to ensure complete therapeutic efficacy and client safety. The training will include lectures, live presentations, videotaped practices, and observations. The format of this workshop was designed by the creator of EMDR Therapy, Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. The workshop facilitators are selected and trained individuals to provide the complete information necessary for the appropriate selection of the client and the effective use of EMDR therapy. As an approach to integrative psychotherapy, EMDR is consistent with all contemporary models, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, systemic and experiential dynamics.

EMDRIA Certification

EMDRIA certified therapists are licensed mental health professionals with at least two years of experience in their field. They received EMDRIA training approved by EMDRIA, conducted at least 50 clinical sessions where EMDR was used and received an accredited counselor within 20 hours of their consultations. (For more information on the certification process read this blog)To maintain the EMDRIA certification status, these therapists must maintain a license in mental health and complete 12 hours of continuing education at EMDR every two years.

Summary of EMDR certification requirements, according to the EMDR  International  Association (EMDRIA) are listed as follows

1. Register, certified and licensed or approved for independent practice in the mental health profession.
2. EMDRIA Certified EMDR therapy training program
3. Completed more than 50 EMDR therapy sessions, with at least 25 clients.
4. Complete more than 20 hours of EMDR consultation (after initial training), including 10 individual consultations.
5. Approval of the EMDR consultant

While the EMDR training program adopted by EMDRIA describes the minimum requirements that must be met, a particular program developer can enhance or develop any element as he sees fit. These minimum training requirements include 20 hours of instructional material, 20 hours of supervised practice and 10 hours of counseling.

Eligibility Requirements for EMDR Training

EMDR therapists who want to become an EMDR certified therapist must provide written proof of:

1. License /certificate/registration of the state as a mental health professional
2. Two years of clinical practice in the field of his degree.
3. Conducted at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients.
4. 20 hours of consultation by an EMDR consultant accredited by EMDRIA
5. At least 10 hours of individual and personal consultation of EMDR cases (rural telephone consultation)
6. The remaining ten hours can be obtained through small group consultations
7. Letter (s) of recommendation from one or more EMDR accredited EMDR consultants regarding the use of EMDR by the applicants
8. Two letters of recommendation concerning the professional use of EMDR in practice, ethics in practice and professionalism.
9. Complete a minimum of hours of EMDRIA balances in EMDR during each two-year period.
10. The certificate will be reviewed for two years and will require 12 hours of EMDRIA credit and renewal fees

EMDR is powerful and transformative psychotherapy recommended by NICE and many other international organizations. It is a psychotherapy that offers trained professionals a new way of working with their clients. Many professionals dramatically change their clinical practice as they gain more experience with this approach. Some choose this primary therapy method and others use it effectively in conjunction with their other therapeutic approaches.

Kelly Burris is a LMFT (CA 86688) based in California. Kelly is EMDR certified and offers EMDR as a treatment modality to clients. Kelly is also an EMDRIA registered Consultant in Training offering consultation to therapists interesting in expanding their EMDR knowledge.