EMDR Training: A Guide to Becoming a Certified Therapist

Behind every skilled Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) clinician is an EMDR training. Each of the more than 16,000 clinicians in the U.S. who utilize EMDR began their practice with Basic Training to learn how to use the modality to treat their patient’s trauma.

As patients look for more and better ways to cope with traumatic experiences, clinicians are searching for rigorous EMDR training programs and certifications to help. Here, we will explain what EMDR training is and how to find the best program to enhance your practice, including:

The benefits of EMDR training
What EMDR training entails, including a breakdown of basic and advanced training
EMDR training options
How (and why) to achieve EMDR certification
Frequently asked questions about getting EMDR trained

What Is EMDR Training?

EMDR training teaches clinicians how to use EMDR therapy modalities to help individuals process and heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Clinicians learn the theoretical basis of EMDR and the treatment model, as well as opportunities for hands-on practice and continuing education.

Many clinicians turn to EMDR training to expand the techniques available to them. It’s also the first step to EMDR certification, which is a powerful signal to patients that you are committed to meeting the highest industry standards.

Benefits of EMDR Training

Clinicians who want to offer their clients EMDR must complete training first. However, completing training and practicing EMDR has far-reaching benefits for clinicians’ practices, including:

Expanded Skill Set: Clinicians gain a new, evidence-based therapeutic approach to treat many common mental health challenges like trauma and anxiety.
Effective Trauma Treatment: EMDR is widely considered one of the most effective treatments for trauma-related issues, making EMDR training valuable for clinicians who want to offer a modality with proven results.
Broader Client Reach: Many clients have begun seeking EMDR therapy specifically to treat trauma, expanding the pool of clinicians’ possible clients.
Increased Credibility: Learning EMDR and gaining certification can boost a clinician’s reputation, as it demonstrates a commitment to advanced therapeutic techniques.
Enhanced Confidence: As clinicians help their clients achieve breakthroughs using EMDR, they will have a greater ability to navigate complex cases — leading to a stronger therapeutic approach.
Alignment with evidence-based practices: EMDR’s efficacy is backed by substantial research. Clinicians who are trained in EMDR align themselves with a scientifically supported modality.

What Does EMDR Training Entail?

All clinicians will start with basic EMDR training before pursuing advanced training hours on their path to certification. What EMDR training entails depends on what type of training it is:

Basic Training

In all areas of psychotherapy, clinicians are helping clients to resolve traumas, both large and small. Learn to address the underlying trauma and presenting issues with the outstanding, evidence-based therapy of EMDR. A basic EMDR training curriculum should be comprehensive and inclusive.

EMDR basic training typically covers:

The foundations of working with trauma and dissociation
In-depth understanding of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model
Basic neurobiology of trauma
Standardized assessment of symptoms for trauma, dissociative symptoms and disorders
Case formulation- Attachment theory as a foundation for EMDR therapy treatment planning
Methods for stabilization and improved regulation
Thorough understanding of each of the eight phases of EMDR therapy and how to implement this therapy with a broad range of cases.

For more information, dates, pricing, and to register, click here.

Advanced Training

Clinicians who complete basic EMDR training may decide to pursue certification or seek to improve their practice on an ongoing basis. Advanced EMDR training is structured to teach clinicians about cutting-edge EMDR therapy strategies and care.

A typical advanced training curriculum can entail:

Live or on-demand: Training may be virtual or in person. If virtual, advanced training acn either entail a pre-recorded or live workshop.
A specific focus: While basic training is broad, advanced training will focus on specific aspects of EMDR like addiction and recovery or complex trauma.
Continuing education credits: For clinicians pursuing or maintaining EMDRIA certification, a course will designated the number of continuing education units for which it qualifies.
Post-training quiz (for on demand home study courses): Clinicians will take a quiz after completing the workshop to prove that they understand and can apply the material. To count toward continuing education units, you must score 80% or higher for the course.

EMDR Training Options

Clinicians have a variety of paths to learning and mastering EMDR. However, clinicians must choose reputable training that will prepare them to treat clients effectively.

Consider training options that are:

EMDRIA Approved: The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) is the leading authority on EMDR and EMDR training. Any training they certify will provide a comprehensive EMDR curriculum and prepare you to apply EMDR techniques in a clinical setting.
Comprehensive Training: Effective training programs will include a rigorous curriculum such as the one we explained above. Clinicians should only consider programs that cover all aspects of EMDR, including solid foundational information, important assessment measures for screening for dissociation, and how to apply EMDR into their clinical settings.
Training Format: Look for a training that best suits your learning style. Many trainers offer in-person and virtual sessions so clinicians can choose the best format for them. This also allows clinicians to consider expert, seasoned trainers outside of their geographic area.

Join a Cohort

At EMDR Center of the Rockies, new cohorts for our EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Training generally begin every other month — but classes fill fast! Join our next cohort now.

Sign Up for an Advanced Training

Advanced training is available on demand. Clinicians can deepen their understanding and application of EMDR through engaging workshops led by experts. See available advancing training workshops.

Achieving EMDR Certification

Completing EMDR training is a significant achievement, but it is only the first step to developing as an EMDR therapist. Clinicians can go on to earn EMDR Certification through EMDRIA, which signifies a clinician’s commitment to a high standard of practice.

To become EMDR Certified, clinicians will need a combination of post-basic training consultation hours, practice hours, and advanced training hours, in addition to having license to practice as a mental health clinician.

EMDR Training With EMDR Center of the Rockies

EMDR Center of the Rockies provides high-quality, rigorous EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic and Advanced Trainings led by seasoned clinicians and trainers who care. Learn EMDR through a comprehensive program that is challenging enough to go in depth into the essentials, yet paced in an easy-to-digest format for clinicians that busy with their own practice.

Learn more about our training or join an upcoming cohort today.

“This was a fabulous training and really has brought my overall approach to mental health and counseling to the next level. Worth every penny!”
– Cecile M., Therapist