Frequently Asked Questions

EMDR was developed for PTSD but is used with anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, chronic pain, and childhood trauma among other specialties. It can be used with children, adolescents, and adults, and is increasingly used for complex trauma, addictions, psychedelic integration therapy, and performance-related issues.

Basic Training is the entry point for learning EMDR. It is typically a class combining lectures, live practicums, and supervised practice of the full 8-phase protocol. It's often spread over two weekends or as an intensive, and is a prerequisite for certification. Following the lectures, there are ten hours of consultation required that is usually included in the basic training program.

Based on EMDRIA standards, trained means a clinician has completed an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training and can use EMDR with clients. Certified means the clinician received 20 additional hours of consultation, completed at least 50 EMDR sessions, and completed continuing education requirements.

EMDRIA-approved virtual training meets the same curriculum and practicum standards as in-person training, with technology available to support adequate BLS delivery in either format.

Certification requires completing an approved Basic Training, holding an independent clinical license, completing at least 50 EMDR therapy sessions with clients, 20 consultation hours, and continuing education credits.

EMDRIA requires 10 hours of consultation as part of basic training and a minimum of 20 additional hours with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant for certification.

Consultation is structured case review and skill-building with an approved consultant. It's required because EMDR's protocol has variations and specializations.

Helicon offers a private directory of consultants to help clinicians find and connect with specialists in the niche or focus areas you are interested in - as well as tools to help you track your progress and professional development. EMDRIA also maintains a searchable directory of approved consultants on its website. Many basic training providers and consultation services do the same for newly trained clinicians.

Supervision is typically tied to licensure and oversees a clinician's overall practice. EMDR consultation focuses on applying the EMDR protocol correctly and troubleshooting stuck points.

It's not required by EMDRIA once certified, but many clinicians continue consultation informally or through peer groups, especially when working with complex cases.

Becoming a consultant requires being certified in EMDR and becoming a Consultant in Training (CIT), where you've conducted at least 300 EMDR sessions with at least 75 clients, and provide consultation under the supervision of an Approved Consultant. Becoming a trainer is a further step, typically requiring consultant status plus additional experience and endorsement.

Beyond Basic Training, clinicians can pursue specialty trainings in areas like EMDR with children and adolescents, complex trauma and dissociation, addictions, pain management, performance enhancement, depression and suicide, psychedelic integration, group protocols (like G-TEP), recent-event, and more.

EMDRIA membership and certification requires ongoing CE credits for certification renewal, obtainable through conferences, specialty trainings, and approved webinars. Following EMDRIA's journal and regional networks, and staying active in consultation groups, are common ways clinicians keep skills current.