How To Get EMDR Certified
Being able to provide a transformative therapy with clients heal from psychological trauma is life changing. Before diving into the specifics of getting certified, it’s important to understand what EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is. As a blend of psychotherapy techniques and bilateral stimulation, EMDR has been revolutionizing the treatment of trauma since the 1980s.
The journey to certification involves a multi-step process starting with acquiring basic training in EMDR techniques. This rigorous EMDR training ensures that therapeutic practitioners are well-equipped to help their clients effectively. Upon completion, a professional license in a mental health field must be obtained, which is a standard prerequisite for practicing therapists.
This article will serve as your roadmap to EMDR certification, guiding you through each step, from completing your basic training to satisfying continuing education requirements. Keep reading to discover how you can enhance your therapeutic skills and widen your professional horizon through EMDR certification.
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a distinctive, non-traditional form of psychotherapy designed to diminish negative feelings associated with traumatic memories. Instead of focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR focuses directly on the memory itself and is intended to change the way that memory is stored within the brain, thereby reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.
During EMDR therapy sessions, the patient recalls traumatic experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs their eye movements. This is believed to be associated with a physiological mechanism that helps the brain process and integrate traumatic memories, which can lead to a decrease in emotional disturbance.
EMDR is commonly used for individuals who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is also applied to treat a broad spectrum of other psychological stressors. The level of effectiveness of this form of therapy has garnered recognition worldwide, and it is now endorsed by numerous organizations as an effective treatment for trauma resolution.
This treatment modality is gaining traction within the mental health field because of its potential to bring quick and lasting relief for psychological distress.
EMDR Therapy Steps | Description |
|---|---|
1. History and Treatment Planning | Assessing the client’s readiness and developing a treatment plan |
2. Client Preparation | Establishing trust, creating client safety and explaining the therapy process |
3. Assessment | Activating the traumatic memory |
4. Desensitization | Using eye movements to diminish emotional disturbance |
5. Installation | Strengthening positive beliefs |
6. Body Scan | Identifying any residual tension |
7. Closure | Returning the client to equilibrium |
8. Reevaluation | Ensuring the efficacy of the treatment and the stability of the results |
Note: This table provides an overview of the steps involved in EMDR therapy sessions.
Step 1: Complete EMDR Basic Training
The journey to becoming an EMDR-certified mental health professional begins with completing the EMDR Basic Training. This foundational step is crucial, as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to competently apply EMDR Therapy within your scope of practice. It is designed for those already established in the mental health field and keen to expand their therapeutic repertoire.
Eligibility checks
Before leaping into EMDR Basic Training, it’s vital to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to ultimately qualify for certification. As a mental health discipline, candidates typically need to have a minimum education of a master’s degree in a mental health-related field, such as Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Psychiatric Nursing. Often, this includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program in one of these fields.
In addition, candidates must hold a current active license that allows for the independent practice of mental health care. This means your field of license should permit you to practice without supervision within your professional locale. Your licensing should reflect an ethical and professional character and fall within a recognized mental health discipline.
It’s worth noting that eligibility requirements can vary, so checking with specific EMDR professional training providers for precise criteria is recommended.
Registration for training
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to register for an EMDR Basic Training program. Seek out a reputable training provider that adheres to the standards set by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) or equivalent authority in your region. Keep in mind training programs may differ slightly, so consider the structure, the credentials of the trainers, and the content to ensure it aligns with your professional needs.
To register, you will typically need to provide documentation of your graduate degree, current license, and possibly letters of recommendation or proof of professional practice. Be prepared for a registration certification fee and to secure your spot on the virtual training days that best align with your schedule and professional obligations.
Completion of training
Completing EMDR Basic Training involves attending EMDR training days, which are often split into parts, involving didactic learning sessions and experiential practice. These training days cover the eight phases of EMDR Therapy, ethical considerations, and special applications. Additionally, you will be required to engage in consultation hours; this includes both group and hours of individual consultation with EMDR Consultants, designed to strengthen your understanding and application of the form of therapy training.
Once you’ve completed all EMDR training days and your required consultation hours, you should receive a completion certificate. This basic training certificate is pivotal: not only does it validate your commitment to learning this specialized approach, but it also stands as a stepping stone to full EMDR certification. Keep in mind that a certain number of therapy with client sessions under supervision may also be a requisite for completion. Be sure to document all experiential training sessions and consultation meetings, as these records will be essential for your certification process.
Therapy Training Component | Definition |
|---|---|
Training Days | Scheduled days dedicated to learning EMDR therapy principles and experiential practice. |
Consultation Hours | Guided supervision sessions with an EMDR Consultant to refine therapy skills. |
Certificate of Completion | Document proving required EMDR professional training has been successfully finished. |
You’re now set on the initial path to becoming an EMDR-certified therapist – well on your way to helping countless individuals navigate and heal from their complex trauma, developmental trauma, and PTSD through this powerful therapeutic modality.
Step 2: Obtain a professional license or certification
If you’re aiming to become an EMDR certified mental health professional, step 2 in the process is crucial: obtaining a professional license or certification. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:
- In order to provide EMDR therapy with actual clients, it’s a non-negotiable that you hold a valid license in your mental health field. This could be in Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, or a doctoral program, to name a few.
- Your professional character and ethics in practice are of utmost importance and are often assessed as part of the licensing process.
- Licensing training requirements vary, depending not only on your discipline but also on your state or region. Typically, a graduate program followed by a certain number of supervised practice hours is a mandatory pathway toward licensure.
- Once you’ve completed your graduate program and the required clinical practice hours—subject to the scrutiny of your mental health scope of professional practice—you’ll need to pass a licensing exam.
- After successfully obtaining your license, you’re allowed to practice independently, including in private practice settings, in line with the ethics and standards of your discipline.
Remember, having a professional license corroborates that you possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and professional character to practice in the mental health discipline, and it’s a foundational step in providing EMDR therapy with clients.
Step 3: Complete 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR consultant
When looking to expand your skills as a mental health professional, completing 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR consultant is an essential step in the certification process for EMDR Therapy. This consultation is designed to refine your understanding and application of EMDR in your clinical practice, whether it’s private practice, Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, or another mental health discipline.
Here’s a breakdown of what these 20 EMDR Consulting hours typically entail:
- Expert Guidance: Work directly with a qualified EMDR Consultant who can offer you tailored advice and critique on your therapy sessions.
- Review of Techniques: Enhance your mastery of specific EMDR techniques through detailed feedback on your performance during EMDR professional training sessions.
- Case Discussion: Discuss EMDR-focused case studies that help integrate EMDR into your mental health scope of practice, ensuring ethics in practice and adherence to professional standards.
- Skill Development: Improve your clinical skills by addressing areas for growth identified during your individual consultation and by observing EMDR therapy sessions.
EMDR Consulting hours can be completed in a group setting or one-on-one, depending on the arrangements made with your EMDR training provider or consultant. Keep in mind that these training hours are not only a requirement but also a valuable opportunity to grow in professional character and competence in the mental health field.
Remember to document these hours carefully, as you’ll need to submit proof of completion to obtain your certificate of completion for EMDR Basic Training.
Step 4: Obtain letters of recommendation
Becoming EMDR certified is a rewarding path for a mental health professional, paving the way to specialize in an effective therapeutic method. Step 4 in this journey involves obtaining letters of recommendation. These are vital in endorsing your professional character and aptitude for practicing EMDR therapy with clients. Here’s what you need to know:
Requirements for Letters of Recommendation:
- Number of Letters: Typically, you will need two letters.
- Who Should Write Them: These endorsements should come from colleagues or supervisors who can speak to your clinical skills and professional ethics in practice. It is preferable to have recommenders who are familiar with, or are themselves, EMDR therapists.
- Content of Letters: They should detail your qualifications, experience in the mental health field, and specifically your capability and readiness to apply EMDR therapy with clients in a clinical setting.
Considerations:
- Ensure the recommenders are aware of EMDR’s scope of practice and your EMDR professional training.
- Discuss with them the EMDR training programs you’ve completed or are enrolled in, so they can attest to your preparedness.
- The letters should reflect your commitment to adhering to the highest therapeutic and ethical standards within the practice of EMDR and should not be peer letters.
Remember, these letters are a professional testament to your suitability for independent practice in EMDR, and should thus highlight your experience, training, and professional demeanor in the field of mental health.
Step 5: Earn 12 hours of EMDRIA accredited continuing education courses every two years
Earning your stripes in the mental health field requires continual learning and growth. Step 5 in securing your EMDR certification is a prime example of this—every two years, you’re tasked with gaining 12 hours of continuing education from an EMDRIA accredited course. This ongoing education is crucial for maintaining high professional standards and being up-to-date with best practices, which is essential for any mental health professional’s toolkit.
Continuing education can take various forms, such as workshops, seminars, or additional EMDR training sessions, all designed to enrich your understanding and skills in EMDR Therapy practice. It’s not just a box to tick but an opportunity—these hours grant you access to the latest insights in clinical practice and help forge your professional character.
For those in full swing of their professional practice, it’s wise to plan ahead—keeping track to ensure you meet your hours and don’t find yourself scrambling as the deadline approaches. Securing your 12 hours every two years is more than a requirement; it’s an investment in your professional development and the efficacy of your therapy practice sessions.
Step 6: Submit application for certification
Becoming an EMDR certified professional is a significant milestone in a mental health professional’s career. After completing the required EMDR professional training and EMDR Consulting sessions, the final step towards certification is submitting your application. This process typically involves compiling and presenting your credentials and experience evidence to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) or another accrediting body.
Here’s what you generally need to include in your EMDR certification application:
- Completed application form from the accrediting body
- Proof of your degree from an accredited graduate program in a mental health field (such as Social Work, Psychology, or Psychiatric Nursing).
- A copy of your current license in your field of practice.
- Verification of completion of EMDR Basic Training, which includes specific training days and hours.
- Documentation of client hours, showcasing a minimum number of EMDR therapy sessions conducted.
- Documentation confirming a specific number of EMDR Consulting hours with an EMDRIA-approved consultant.
- Letters attesting to your professional character and adherence to ethics in practice.
Upon submission, your application will be reviewed for completeness and compliance with the certification training requirements. Once approved, you will receive a certificate of completion, affirming your status as an EMDR certified professional and solidifying your credentials in the mental health community.
