EMDR Experience Levels & The Importance of EMDR Certification
As therapists, we have a variety of therapeutic modalities that we can use to help our clients. Depending on their situation, some approaches may be more appropriate than others.
One of the most popular methods for treating trauma is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR has come to be my favorite way to work with clients, especially in an intensive format, because of the quick and profound changes clients experience. While EMDR was originally founded to treat PTSD, it is now widely used for treating other mental health concerns such as anxiety, sleep troubles, self esteem, sexual concerns, depression, and performance enhancement.
For therapists who want to practice EMDR, it is not a requirement to be certified by EMDRIA, but you do need to be properly trained (no therapist should be providing EMDR if they’ve only ever taken a PESI training).
There’s a big difference in experience level between being EMDR trained and certified. Let's look at the levels of EMDR experience and talk about why EMDR certification is beneficial.EMDR training & the certification process
EMDR training and certification process
To practice EMDR effectively and safely, it is crucial to complete official EMDR training through an EMDRIA-approved program.
This process definitely takes some time to complete. It might be a lengthy process, but being properly equipped to provide EMDR as it becomes more popular is definitely worth it.
I would like to take the next few sections to talk about the training process and everything involved before you are eligible to apply to be certified.
Before an applicant be officially certified in EMDR, they must complete the following criteria.
EMDR Basic Training
The requirements for someone to call themselves an “EMDR trained therapist” is completion of EMDR Basic Training, which consists of a minimum of 20 hours of instructional material (encompassing historical review, overview, methodology, and mechanisms of EMDR), 20 hours of supervised practicum, and 10 hours of consultation with an Approved Consultant. EMDR Basic Training requirements are set forth by EMDRIA.
The initial 40 hours of instruction and practice typically takes place over a two-weekend period; the 10 hours of consultation are typically required in between EMDR weekend 1 and weekend 2.
EMDR Certification
Once you complete Basic Training, you can begin working towards EMDRIA Certification. Certified EMDR therapists are required to document 50 EMDR hours with at least 25 different clients, take 12 advanced EMDR continuing education credits, and receive another 20 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.
Certification also requires letters of evaluation from your EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and letters of recommendation from colleagues or peers testifying to the successful practice of EMDR, an explanations of ethics while practicing, and a summary of your professional character.
I am so thrilled and proud of the fact that we have multiple Certified EMDR therapists at Sea Glass!
EMDR approved consultant process
If a therapist wants to work with other EMDR therapists to help them refine their skills, they can go on to become EMDRIA-approved EMDR consultants. This begins by maintaining EMDR certification status and committing to work with with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. I am so proud of the fact that we * also * have multiple EMDR consultants at Sea Glass!!
Consultant in Training
A consultant in training (CIT) is able to provide EMDR consultation to other therapists under the guidance of their own consultant.
Approved Consultant
EMDRIA Approved Consultant status is the highest status most folks will work towards. Approved Consultants have maintained EMDR certification, completed 300 EMDR hours with at least 75 different clients, taken another 12 advanced EMDRIA CEUs (that’s totalling 24 for anyone keeping track!), and received another 20 hours of consultation-of-consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. This level also requires letters of recommendation from your Approved Consultant and peers.
I am very excited to announce that in February I finally became an Approved Consultant!
EMDR Trainer
This is the highest level of training experience; these are the folks who are actually providing the instruction for all of the therapists going through Basic Training. There are just a small number of EMDR trainers!
Benefits of EMDR Certification
Okay, now that’s all out of the way… why does all of this matter? It’s a time-consuming and expensive process to go through, often taking years of work and costing thousands of dollars.
Credibility with clients
Even if a client doesn't fully understand therapy terms and credentials, certifications from reputable organizations can help potential or current clients to trust their therapist. Having EMDR certification from the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) really helps to boost credibility and authority with a client who wishes to participate in this type of therapy. In-the-know clients often seek out a certified EMDR therapist specifically.
If your client is another clinician, or an EMDR therapist themself, they might prefer an EMDR therapist who’s certified, not just trained, so they can be confident in the amount of training and experience you have using this modality.
Credibility with referral sources
As a certified EMDR therapist, I refer to other certified EMDR therapists before I recommend an EMDR trained therapist. I’ve heard other certified EMDR therapists mention similar boundaries and guidelines around referrals.
And why? Because we know the amount of training and experience you have to get those credentials. EMDR certification shows a dedication to the highest standards and using the latest research in the field. EMDR certification shows a solid understanding of using the standard protocol (which the research is based on!), and when to modify it.
When I’m referring my clients, potential clients, friends, or family members to other EMDR therapists, I want the absolute best for them. Referring to a certified EMDR therapist gives confidence in the therapist’s clinical skills and education.
Increased experience and education
The amount of experience and education required for EMDR certification is much higher than required for basic training. Time and time again, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact on clients when therapists have high quality education and experience. It makes such a huge difference in the relationship, treatment, and progress.
Certified EMDR therapists have more experience and education to safely and effectively guide clients through the EMDR treatment process.
Demonstrated commitment to excellence
EMDR Certification shows dedication, commitment to high standards, value for the latest research, and creating opportunities for other therapists to become trained in EMDR.
If you are an EMDR therapist looking for EMDR Consultation, please contact me today! I work with EMDR therapists who are looking to refine their clinical skills, seek consultation on a tough case, incorporate IFS, use EMDR for purity culture recovery or as part of sex therapy.
Sea Glass Counseling and Consultation is an EMDR therapy practice in Dublin, Ohio. Our compassionate, skilled therapists use evidence-based techniques grounded in the neurobiology of stress, trauma, and relationships to make sure your treatment is personalized and effective. Sea Glass therapists provide telehealth counseling in Ohio for individuals and couples. We’re best known for providing Intensive EMDR therapy, anxiety treatment, and sex therapy for Christians. Interested in working together? Contact us today to get started with a Certified EMDR therapist in Ohio.