What makes a good EMDR therapist?

Read the first blogs in this series:
What is EMDR? Is it as powerful as they say?
What can I expect from EMDR therapy? A session to session guide.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?
How effective is EMDR therapy with anxiety and depression?
How effective is EMDR with Adolescents?
How effective is EMDR with Children?
How effective is EMDR with Physiological Diagnosis, such as Bipolar, Neurodivergence and Schizophrenia?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a very effective therapy that treats most mental health diagnosis and conditions.

Does training matter?

The effectiveness of EMDR therapy relies heavily on the skill of the practitioner. It is not a standalone technique that can be applied without context. Instead, it is delivered within the safety of a strong, professional therapeutic relationship.
A well-trained EMDR therapist understands how to pace the sessions to ensure you feel stable and supported. They know how to manage the intensity of the work while keeping your safety as the top priority. Choosing a provider with proper training ensures that your trauma therapy experience is both ethical and effective.

What does EMDR training involve?

Where your therapist was trained is just as important as their foundational clinical skills. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) is the governing body that oversees and regulates training standards in North America. Their programs are thorough in terms of requirements to achieve EMDR trained status.
To qualify, the participant must be at least a graduate level student in a counseling related field. Most are either provisionally or fully licensed in their state to provide mental health services. Basic training consists of 6 full days of training. This time is divided between lectures about EMDR and its foundation, observing demonstrations and practicing with a partner. The therapist is also required to participate in an additional 10 hours of consultation, where they will work with a qualified EMDR therapist to gain support and feed-back about their use of EMDR with real clients.

What are the additional levels of EMDR clinicians can pursue ?

• EMDR Trained – These are the clinicians that have completed the requirements listed above for basic training, through an EMDRIA approved training.
• EMDR Certified Therapist – After the requirements are met to be EMDR trained, the clinician must obtain additional education and experience to become certified. This includes a minimum of 12 hours of advanced trainings, typically in worked this specific populations such as children, addictions, phobias, or severe trauma. They must also participate in an additional 20 hours of consultation (similar to supervision) with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, to ensure they are applying EMDR correctly and appropriately. Proof of ongoing education is required to maintain this status.
• EMDR Consultant in Training (CIT) – This designation can be pursued after becoming a Certified EMDR therapist. It also requires another 12 hours of advanced trainings. The 20 hours of consultation at this level are around the therapist’s ability to support EMDR therapists, to ensure their consultees are applying EMDR correctly and appropriately in order to become certified. They are also required to provide recommendation letters from other EMDR therapists, verifying their strength is utilizing EMDR.
• EMDR Approved Consultant – Once all requirements of a CIT are met, these clinicians are now Approved Consultants. This level of training also requires additional ongoing education.
• EMDR Approved Trainer – Clinicians that achieve this designation have completed steps to be an Approved Consultant, as well as a rigorous application to be a trainer. Their training program (slide presentation) must be submitted and approved, video documentation of presenting certain core concepts, as well as short answer questions around your approach to working with adult learners, minorities and receiving feed-back. The application process is required every two years.

What other factors should I be aware of?

After you consider the therapist EMDR credentials and quality of training, think about your specific therapeutic needs and who the therapy is for. Therapists have their own specialties – areas where they are most interested and have the most training and experience. Find one that excels in your concerns. For example, when finding a therapist for a child that’s grieving a loved one, you wouldn’t look to a therapist that only works with adults that have addictions.

Once you find someone qualified in your area of need, consider how they work with other factors. These can include availability to fit your scheduling needs, are they in person or virtual only. EMDR has been shown to be effective in either case, however it has to comfortable for both you and the therapist to operate within these parameters.

Of course, building rapport may be the most important element of all. Many therapists offer a brief consultation call, an opportunity for you to ask questions about their approach and style, and for them to learn a little more about your situation to see if they can fit your needs. Take advantage of those conversations.

How do I Find a Qualified EMDR Therapist?

When looking for a qualified EMDR therapist, the first place to look is on the EMDRIA website. The EMDR International Association is the body that regulates both how EMDR is trained, and the therapists that wish to move up the credentialing process. There are companies that offer EMDR trainings, however they do not hold the same rigorous expectations, including supervised practice. Make sure your therapist has EMDRIA approval before moving forward.

If you have further questions about EMDR, either as a therapist or as a potential client, please reach out to Heather Dunn, EMDRIA Approved trainer, at heather@bluehorizoncounseling.com.

Summary

There is a lot more to EMDR, it requires a minimum or 60 hours in supervised training to be credentialed. This overview is designed to help you feel more prepared before starting EMDR for yourself. Admittedly, it does seem odd that experiencing BLS could have such a significant effect. It has been tested over and over again for 40 years, with strong results supporting this therapy.

Each phase is just as important as the next and need to be done thoroughly and in order. The most common mistakes that new or inexperienced EMDR therapists make is not doing the groundwork. Phases 1 and 2 are imperative to ensure the processing is emotionally safe and tolerable for the client. Unfortunately these phases are often rushed through. Additionally, you want to make sure your therapist is intentional about which memory to start processing through. Starting with an intense trauma, especially if the client is ill prepared, can have significant long-term impacts. It’s often advised to start with a smaller memory as the client gets comfortable with the process, and the therapist can evaluate their ability to stay regulated.

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At Blue Horizon Counseling we have several therapists that are passionate and qualified in EMDR therapy. We also offer consultation for EMDR therapists that are looking for additional support as they continue to learn and grow.

You’re Not Alone. Our Therapists are here to help, in Pearland, TX.

Hang in there. This won’t last forever, even if some days feel like it might. You’re planting the seeds for future blossoms. All our therapists at Blue Horizon Counseling offer sessions both in person and via telehealth.  Find the right therapist for you. We accept most major insurance plans.

Written by Heather Dunn, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, specializing in trauma, dissociation and EMDR. Heather has been practicing for over 20 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and helpful tips.

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