Trainings, Levels and Certifications: What Should I Be Looking for in an EMDR Therapist?
Blog by Heather Post. Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
One of the most important aspects in finding the right therapist, whether you are looking for EMDR therapy or any other modality, is training and qualification. As with any type of therapy, having shared values, identities and shared experiences can help determine “fit,” which is sometimes easier to determine than the quality of your therapist’s training. Luckily, if you are looking for EMDR, that determination can be made relatively easily!
You might see therapists listing a variety of qualifications for practicing EMDR: Level 1, Level 2 (more on levels later), EMDR Trained, EMDR Certified, etc. It can be confusing to determine what these mean, hopefully this will help demystify it a bit! Since EMDR is a treatment method that works best when the fidelity of the model is preserved, knowing your therapist has received the correct training is very important!
EMDR Training: The Basics
EMDR training is a lengthy process. There are many places offering EMDR training, but only EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) approved trainings include the theoretical basis for the model, in-depth instruction on all 8 phases, stabilization techniques and 20 hours of practice sessions (practicum) and 10 hours of post-training consultations. Many platforms offer quick (as short as 8 hour) trainings on what EMDR is, but taking a training about EMDR is not the same as being trained in EMDR! Most EMDRIA approved trainings consist of two separate 3 day in person or live web-based workshops. Over the course of the first 3 days, which is 20 hours (10 hours instruction, 10 hours practicum), trainees are taught the basics of how to use EMDR, and are able to begin using EMDR while receiving consultation. After a trainee has taken the second weekend (another 20 hours), and completed required consultation hours, they are considered to be trained in EMDR. To be fully trained in EMDR is 50 hours of training, in addition to whatever graduate degree your therapist holds to be able to provide therapy.
EMDR Certification
EMDR certification is an even lengthier process. At our practice we have both clinicians who are certified and clinicians who are working toward certification. Both are able to use EMDR with clients. EMDR Certification is a designation that allows therapists to be listed on the EMDRIA website as certified. This allows clients to know that their clinician has put in extra hours of training and consultation. To be EMDR Certified a therapist must:
Have a full independent license to practice as a therapist
Be fully trained in EMDR
Have completed 20 hours of consultation specific to EMDR from an EMDRIA approved consultant (this is often in addition to regular clinical consultation)
Submit a letter of recommendation from their EMDRIA approved consultant
Submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or peers
Complete 12 hours of advanced EMDR training
Submit a notarized statement of practice and experience
Depending on the frequency of consultation, this process can take up to several years after training is complete.
“Levels”
From time to time, we get asked about whether our clinicians are Level 1 or Level 2 trained. The short answer to this question is: neither, because EMDR levels do not exist. However, as is the case with a lot of common misconceptions, there is a small grain of truth to the concept of levels in EMDR. For a point in time, clinicians would advertise themselves as “Level 1 Trained” after they had completed the first weekend/20 hours and “Level 2 Trained” after completing the second weekend/20 hours. However, this language and perspective is outdated and no longer used by EMDRIA. A clinician can begin using EMDR on trauma that is not complex after the first training, but they are considered “in training” and not Trained.
So do I need an EMDR Certified therapist?
As with any other preferences for therapists, the answer to that is going to be unique to you. Some things to consider are availability, fit, insurance/cost, the therapist’s experience in other therapy styles you may be interested in, and the complexity of your mental health needs. A benefit to getting an EMDR Certified therapist is that you have the assurance in knowing they have received advanced training in EMDR and third parties have certified their work. Also, if a clinician is EMDR Certified, it is safe to say they have a passion for it and enjoy doing EMDR! If a clinician is in the process of getting certified, one benefit is the assurance that they are currently getting ongoing consultation. New scientific discoveries are happening in the field of mental health constantly, and new protocols are being created for EMDR all the time. A clinician who is receiving consultation is receiving not just feedback on their work and approach, but keeping current on the latest advancements. It’s also safe to say, if they are in the process of certification, they have a passion for EMDR too! Some clinicians may elect to not move forward with certification at all, and as long as they are fully trained (both weekends) they are able to provide EMDR therapy as well.
Good Questions to Ask:
Did you attend an EMDRIA approved training?
Are you fully trained (both weekends)?
Are you Certified?
Are you working on Certification?
Do you receive regular consultation? Do you receive EMDR specific consultation?
What other therapy styles do you use that blend well with EMDR?
How long have you been using EMDR?
What is it you love about EMDR?
Do you have experience using EMDR for (your specific concern)?
In short, training levels (1 or 2) is a designation that isn’t used any longer, there is only trained or in training. Of the clinicians that are fully trained in EMDR, you may have the options of EMDR Certified clinicians or clinicians working on certification. EMDR trained clinicians can also elect not to work toward certification, and that’s OK too, they are still qualified to utilize EMDR! No matter the certification status or credential, it is always helpful to know if your clinician receives consultation, if they attended an EMDRIA approved training, and of course their experience with your particular concern. As with any type of therapy, the totality of training, experience, approach, identity and personality are all factors in determining the best fit for you! Let us know if you have any questions or would like to explore working with someone on our team.
