Are you intrigued by the potential of supporting those with trauma in their healing and transformation? Discover the array of opportunities available for professional certification training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR is classified as a psychotherapy approach and specifically falls under the category of evidence-based therapies used to treat various mental health conditions, particularly those related to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This approach offers profound benefits and incorporates elements of cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and bilateral stimulation techniques to help individuals process traumatic memories and alleviate associated symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues.
In today's landscape of trauma treatment, EMDR stands as a leading modality. Its methods provide advanced and enduring healing for individuals navigating trauma. Its effectiveness has been extensively researched and has garnered support from various mental health organizations and professionals globally, making it a valuable tool in the field.
Navigating the selection process for EMDR training programs can be complex and daunting. This guide aims to simplify the journey, assisting you in understanding your options and confidently selecting the ideal training program to suit your aspirations.
To support your exploration, here's a curated list of top institutions offering EMDR Certification Training. These schools provide a robust foundation for individuals seeking a deeper and more impactful approach to trauma healing.
Before committing to a training program, it's essential to weigh several factors. Programs vary widely, and it’s important to choose a program that meets your professional goals, learning needs, and personal preferences, setting you up for success in implementing EMDR therapy effectively in your practice.
Each program has distinct entry requirements, contributing to the complexity of the decision-making process. This article is also a great resource to help you navigate all your options as you enter into the world of therapy and trauma.
Different programs offer a range of approaches to trauma therapy, each requiring a thorough understanding of the training content and therapeutic modalities involved. These programs may prioritize cognitive-behavioral therapy in their approach, while others may focus more on body-centered techniques. Additionally, the duration of these programs varies significantly, from shorter 12-15 hour sessions tailored for continuing education credits to extensive courses focused on a single modality that can span up to 500 hours of training.
It's essential to select a program that stays abreast of the latest research and developments in the field of trauma therapy. This ensures that participants receive training that is current and relevant, providing them with a comprehensive and informed educational experience that aligns with contemporary best practices.
One important consideration is the financial investment involved in your training. You'll need to decide whether you're ready to commit to a comprehensive 3-year, $9,000 mastery program or if you'd prefer to start with a shorter introductory course to begin your journey. Generally, concise continuing education courses are priced under $1,000, while more in-depth explorations of specific modalities can cost over $10,000. Opting for a shorter overview training initially can be a wise choice, giving you the opportunity to determine the path you'd like to pursue as you navigate the field.
Currently, the predominant mode of educational training for trauma treatment occurs online, although there are opportunities for in-person training as well. Training environments vary widely, with some leaning towards clinical and educational settings, while others take on a more spiritual approach, often conducted in group settings. It's essential to ensure that your instructors not only possess experience and qualifications but also authentically embody the teachings they impart. Selecting a program that not only ignites inspiration but also resonates with your intuitive guidance is crucial.
Taking these factors into account collectively will help you choose the most suitable training program for your specific needs. By considering all these elements, you can confidently select an EMDR training program that aligns seamlessly with your personal and professional aspirations.
A common challenge for most students is striking a balance brevity (10-20 hours) for an educational introduction to trauma-treatment methods and deep-diving into a specific method, which demands extensive training (hundreds of hours) only to certify in one modality.
The Aura Institute offers a middle ground to this dilemma with a general overview of various trauma therapies and practical training in 3-6 different modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The training spans 50 hours for level 1 and 75 hours for level 2, allowing for a gradual immersion and well-thought-out integration of the material.
This training is geared towards coaches, therapists, and holistic practitioners, and the curriculum provides practical modalities that you can immediately apply in a one-on-one client setting once you enroll and begin your journey with Aura to become a certified Integrative Trauma Coach and Practitioner.
The nine-week introductory Level-1 training guides you through live lectures, break-out rooms, practices, and real-time demonstrations, introducing the most integrative, body-based approaches, such as Integrative EMDR for Trauma Recovery, Trauma-Informed Breathwork, Somatic Therapy, and the Body Trauma Liberation™ method. Through firsthand experience, you'll embark on a personal exploration and embody the power of the modalities, serving as a living example for your clients. The Aura Institute fosters a supportive, empowering atmosphere, designed to infuse excitement as you bring new gifts, tools, and techniques into your life and practice.
Certification: Integrative Trauma Practitioner (Levels 1 & 2)
Continuing Education: 40 Continuing Education (CE) credits
Length: 9 weeks (level 1)
Price: $2,800
Website: https://aurainstitute.org/
Established by Dr. Francine Shapiro, the EMDR Institute® stands as one of the top authorities in EMDR therapy training. Their programs provide immersive experiences in authentic EMDR techniques, guided by internationally recognized speakers, published authors, and esteemed members of EMDR-focused associations.
Trainees must be licensed professionals, pre-licensed professionals, or graduate students in order to be eligible for this online training which consists of two weekend intensive sessions, ten hours of case consultation, and reading requirements. There are two basic training tracks to choose from, one that is tailored for clinicians focusing on adults, while the other includes additional content for those working with children and adolescents.
Each training day features supervised small-group practice. Topics include trauma overview, specialized history-taking, and treatment planning. Additionally, the training covers stabilization, addressing trauma and adversity, working with simple and complex cases, and applications to various contexts such as combat trauma, addictions, grief, anxiety, recent events, and family therapy. Personal use for therapist self-care is also addressed.
Certification: EMDR Institute Certificate of Completion
Continuing Education: 20 Continuing Education (CE) credits per weekend
Length: 50 hours
Price: ~$1,600
Website: https://www.emdr.com/
Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (Trauma Recovery/HAP) works to increase the capacity for effective treatment of psychological trauma in under-served communities anywhere in the world. Their programs train clinicians in low-cost, on-site Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training workshops, other specialty training, and an expanding online training curriculum.
The EMDR Basic Training is available to clinicians who work for a non-profit or public sector organization in a clinical mental health capacity. Clinicians working with underserved communities as well as students enrolled in a Master’s or Doctorate level program in the mental health field are also eligible to complete their EMDR training through Trauma Recovery/HAP.
If you are a therapist who works with trauma survivors, this program is a great option as they offer a variety of training options, including virtual and in-person workshops, to accommodate different learning styles and preferences.
Certification: certificate of completion
Continuing Education: 20 Continuing Education (CE) credits per weekend
Length: Two 3-day weekend training components + 10 hours of consultation
Price: $990
Website: https://www.emdrhap.org/
EMDRIA has two tracks to choose from: EMDR Basic Training and EMDR Certification. The basic training equips trainees with the knowledge and skills to use EMDR therapy, providing at least 50 hours of content through lecture, practicum, and consultation whereas the certification designates a mental health clinician as an EMDR Certified Therapist™. Eligibility for EMDR training requires independent licensure or working toward independent licensure to practice mental health in the service provider setting.
An EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Training provides, at a minimum, instruction in the current explanatory model, methodology, and underlying mechanisms of EMDR through lecture, practice, and integrated consultation.
For the certification track, mental health clinicians who are fully licensed to engage in private, independent practice and have completed an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training, in its entirety, are eligible to become an EMDR Certified Therapist™ through EMDRIA.
Training may be virtual or in-person and may have different date arrangements to best meet your needs.
Certification: EMDR Trained Clinician
Continuing Education: 12 EMDRIA credits
Length: 50 hours
Price: $1,400 - $1,700
Website: https://www.emdria.org/
EMDR Consulting, founded by Roy Kiessling, Master EMDR Trainer, is committed to providing an inclusive, affordable EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training course that honors diversity, and helps students integrate EMDR into their clinical practice.
Integrating EMDR into your Clinical Practice teaches mental health clinicians the foundations of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through lectures, videos, demonstrations, and practice sessions between participants. EMDR Consulting offers in-person or virtual attendance options for training.
At the completion of this course, participants will have applied the Adaptive Information Processing theoretical approach to psychotherapy, demonstrated the eight phases of EMDR therapy, and identified how to utilize EMDR with a variety of clinical populations. Special instruction is given on varying applications of bilateral stimulation that uses a client-centered approach by addressing the needs of each individual client. As of 2020, this course also teaches clinicians how to utilize EMDR in a telehealth environment.
Certification: EMDR Trained Clinician
Continuing Education: 20 Continuing Education (CE) credits for each part
Length: 2 three-day weekends
Price: $1,495
Website:https://emdrconsulting.com/
