Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the early 1980s, and it has become an industry standard for treating trauma in addition to many other mental health issues. Many mental health professionals are drawn to the growing body of research supporting EMDR’s efficacy in treating complex mental health challenges, such as PTSD.
Due to the nature of our world today, many clinical practices have fielded increasing patient inquiries about trauma treatments. As mental health practitioners seek to expand their practice, many wonder how to get trained in EMDR. Adding EMDR to your skillset can enhance your ability to treat patients with complex trauma, but it is important to follow an accredited and comprehensive training process.
Here, we offer a clear understanding of EMDR training, including:
- What EMDR training is
- Six essential steps to training in EMDR
What Is EMDR Training?
EMDR therapy uses standardized protocols like guided eye movements, taps, or auditory tones to help clients process traumatic experiences. EMDR practitioners can use these tools to create a safe space for their clients to address unprocessed memories and ultimately reduce their impact so the client can work toward healing.
As such, EMDR therapy is an incredibly specialized skill. EMDR training is a multi-step process that teaches practitioners how to apply this modality in clinical practice. Getting trained in EMDR is an essential first step because it develops practitioners’:
- Ability to treat trauma: When clinicians get trained in EMDR, they learn the tools to address trauma-related disorders in a way that offers hope to clients who have been struggling.
- Career pathways: EMDR is becoming the preferred method for treating trauma. Getting EMDR trained and obtaining certification enhances therapists’ clinical skills and growth opportunities, like starting a private practice or working in specialized trauma centers.
6 Steps To Get Trained in EMDR
When clinicians consider how to get trained in EMDR, most know they must start with an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training. However, clinicians should consider several other steps to signal to their clients and the industry that they are committed to a high standard of practice.
Step 1: Research and Choose an Approved Training Program
EMDR training will create the foundation for your EMDR knowledge and skills. As such, it’s essential to choose a program accredited by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA); their approval signifies the training meets rigorous quality standards.
Completing an EMDRIA-approved program is also a prerequisite to obtaining a certification, so starting with an accredited course ensures clinicians can access further professional development opportunities.
To find the best EMDR training:
- Visit EMDRIA website: EMDRIA publishes a full list of approved training programs and certified trainers organized by location.
Step 2: Meet the Prerequisites
Most certified trainers require clinicians to meet certain prerequisites before registering for their training. The prerequisites screen potential training candidates, ensuring those who train in EMDR have an appropriate professional background and clinical experience.
Before enrolling in training, clinicians should have:
- Licensure or working towards licensure: EMDR training is intended for mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, or psychiatrists, and professionals who are either licensed or are actively working towards their licensure under the supervision of a licensed mental health clinician. (Or in the internship portion of graduate studies- see below)
- Clinical experience: Requiring a minimum amount of clinical experience helps trainers ensure that all participants have a basic understanding of therapeutic practice.
- Educational background: EMDRIA requires that clinicians either have a master’s or doctoral degree in a mental health field or be in the internship portion of a graduate program before seeking EMDR training.
- Professional membership: Having a membership in a professional organization like EMDRIA is not always a requirement, but many trainers will recommend it for ongoing resources and support.
Step 3: Complete Basic Training
Basic EMDR training is designed to equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills to offer EMDR therapy to their clients. To get EMDR trained, mental health professionals will complete a combination of instructional coursework, supervised practice, and consultation. Trainings vary in their approach to training structure and not all training includes consultation during the time at the training.
- EMDR foundations: Training teaches preparation and foundations of EMDR therapy, the history and development of EMDR, the eight phases of EMDR therapy, and more. Participants should gain a comprehensive understanding of what EMDR therapy is and how to apply it to their unique practice.
- EMDR application: Training should not only teach but ensure that participants can safely apply EMDR therapy with appropriate clients, in a variety of clinical settings.
- EMDR practice sessions: Clinicians have the opportunity to practice the techniques they have learned with their peers and receive guidance and support from trainers and consultants at the training.
Step 4: Participate in Consultation
To complete EMDR basic training, participants must also engage in consultation to ensure they can competently apply the skills they learn to their clinical cases. Some trainings embed consultation hours into the course, while others require participants to seek consultation outside of training. In either case, though, the clinician will counsel their patients using EMDR techniques, then present those cases to an EMDRIA-approved consultant (often their trainer) to discuss challenges and share feedback.
If you select a training that does not include consultation, you can use EMDRIA directory to find approved consultants who offer both in-person and virtual consultation.
Step 5: Obtain EMDR Certification
After completing basic training, clinicians are considered EMDR trained. However, many EMDR-trained clinicians then seek EMDR Certification, which has its own requirements. Clinicians must complete 50 hours of EMDR therapy sessions after training ends, with some other requirements as well. With those complete, clinicians can apply to EMDRIA and provide documentation of training, consultation hours, additional advanced training, and clinical experience.
If EMDRIA approves the application, the clinician will be a certified EMDR practitioner. Though clinicians need not seek EMDR certification to get EMDR trained, doing so helps earn clients’ trust and displays that clinicians have met industry standards.
Step 6: Pursue Ongoing Professional Development
Clinicians wondering how to get EMDR trained may believe their education ends with certification. However, continued learning is essential for maintaining excellence in EMDR therapy.
The field of trauma therapy evolves often, making it critical for practitioners to learn about these developments. Clinicians can seek:
- Continuing education: Certified EMDR practitioners must complete continuing education hours every two years in advanced EMDR training. Doing so ensures practitioners are knowledgeable about EMDR best practices and changes in the modality.
- Membership in professional organizations: Joining organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) or EMDRIA ensures a robust network of fellow practitioners and a library of resources on the latest EMDR practices.
Take a Step Toward Being EMDR Trained
An increasing number of clients need trauma therapy, and many will ask for EMDR therapy specifically. Our advice for clinicians asking how to get EMDR trained: select training that prepares you to apply EMDR to diverse clients with unique mental health challenges and traumas.
The EMDR Center of the Rockies EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training and American Psychological Association (APA) approved training, is available both in person and virtually, offering a paced yet comprehensive curriculum clinicians can tailor to their unique practice setting and learning style.
Learn more about our Basic Training and sign up for an upcoming training.