Licensed clinicians often arrive at EMDR therapy training as a serious professional consideration, whether prompted by a caseload increasingly shaped by trauma and PTSD, a referral source specializing in EMDR therapy, or an interest in broadening clinical scope. The decision is not usually automatic.
EMDR Basic Training represents a substantial investment of time and cost, and its fit for the clinician depends on caseload composition, license type, and career stage. Understanding the program requirements, structure, and eligibility criteria in advance supports a more informed decision.
The sections below outline what EMDRIA approved EMDR training involves and the factors clinicians should weigh before enrolling.
EMDR Basic Training is not a single workshop or a one-weekend CE course. It is a full foundational program built around three components: didactic instruction with live or video demonstrations, supervised practicum experiences, and case consultation with EMDRIA Approved Consultants.
*The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) sets the standards for basic training content, hours, and structure. EMDRIA approved EMDR training is the standard that counts toward future certification and advanced coursework.
Didactic sessions cover the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the eight phases of the EMDR protocol, and how to apply the concepts safely with clients. Demonstrations show the protocol in practice, typically through role play or recorded sessions.
Supervised practice, referred to as practicum, is where clinicians apply what they have learned. Participants take turns in both clinician and client roles, working through the protocol with feedback from trainers and facilitators.
Case consultation allows participants to work with an experienced clinician, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, who guides the trainee in the nuances of using EMDR therapy with at least two real clients.
EMDR basic training requirements center on two paths of eligibility. Clinicians qualify if they hold a license in a mental health field, or if they are on a pre-licensed or associate track with a supervisor able to document their eligibility.
In either case, a master's degree in a mental health field, counseling, social work, psychology, or marriage and family therapy among them, is the baseline requirement. This applies regardless of licensure status.
Graduate students may attend once they are in the clinical portion of their program with an active caseload (the second part of practicum).
Confirming requirements before registering is recommended.
Certain patterns tend to indicate that EMDR training will add clinical value to your practice:
Clinicians who recognize more than one of these patterns in their practice are well positioned to benefit from training.
Three factors warrant evaluation before enrollment:
Completing Basic Training is the credential that qualifies a clinician to practice EMDR therapy and the starting point for two options clinicians typically consider next: EMDRIA Certification and advanced trainings.
For clinicians researching how to become EMDR certified, certification is a distinct, voluntary credential built on top of Basic Training. It requires active licensure, clinical experience, consultation hours, EMDRIA credits via advanced trainings, and peer recommendation, none of which Basic Training alone satisfies.
However, EMDR Basic Training establishes the foundation to practice and equips clinicians with the foundational tools and practical experience to work with clients. Advanced training and certification are decisions that follow, each building on that foundation over time.
Evaluating EMDR Basic Training comes down to four considerations: caseload fit, eligibility, time and cost investment, and readiness for what comes after training.
Clinicians who meet these criteria are well positioned to enroll. Review the EMDR Basic Training schedule for upcoming Premier and Select training options at EMDR Professional Training and available formats.
For clinicians concerned about cost, EMDR Professional Training offers an Impact Scholarship for licensed and license-eligible clinicians serving underrepresented or disadvantaged populations, covering a portion or all of tuition.
No. Certification through EMDRIA is a voluntary next step. Completing an EMDRIA approved EMDR Basic Training program qualifies a clinician to practice EMDR therapy. Certification is a separate, optional credential pursued later.
Yes. Pre-licensed and associate-track clinicians can typically attend, provided a licensed supervisor documents eligibility and the clinician maintains an active caseload suitable for the training. Graduate students who are in their second part of practicum and seeing clients can also attend with supervisor approval.
EMDRIA requires 50 total hours of training including 10 hours of consultation to be an approved program. EMDR Professional Training offers a total of 57 hours of training. EMDR Basic Training runs across multiple training days, often spread over several weeks to a few months. EMDR Professional Training’s programs are segmented in 3 or 4 parts of training. According to EMDRIA’s standards, training must be completed within 12 months of the participant’s start date.
Training qualifies a clinician to practice EMDR therapy. Certification is a separate, voluntary credential pursued afterward. Becoming EMDR certified starts with completing the requirements of EMDR Basic Training. Then the clinician can enroll in the certification program.
