In our previous blog post, we learned about the differences between a trained EMDR therapist and a certified EMDR therapist. Today we are going to break down the steps and requirements to become certified through EMDRIA.

Requirement #1: Complete EMDR Basic Training
Completion of an EMDRIA approved basic training is paramount. This helps lay the foundation for EMDR therapy in your practice. Part of completing a basic training includes completing 10 hours of consultation with an approved consultant as well.

For the certification application, you will need to submit the certificate with your first name, your last name, and the date that says you have completed the requirements for EMDR basic training. The completion date refers to not only completing the basic training itself but the day you finished your 10th hour of consultation.

Requirement #2: Complete 50 EMDR therapy sessions with at least 25 different clients
After you complete basic training, you may begin working with clients through the 8 phases of EMDR. As this requirement states, you need to conduct 50 EMDR-based therapy sessions with at least 25 different clients. This part may take some time to achieve.

Requirement #3: Provide a copy of your state license
You must provide a copy of your state license(s) that you intend to practice EMDR in. It’s also important to note that you must be fully licensed and able to practice independently. For example, unfortunately, LLMSWs (limited licensed master level social workers) in Michigan cannot apply to be EMDR certified until they are an LMSW. Be sure your license has your first name, your last name, your license number, and the most current expiration date.

Requirement #4: Notarized letter
The notarized letter needs two important lines attesting that you have at least 2 years of experience in your designated field and you have completed 50 EMDR therapy sessions with at least 25 different clients. Per EMDRIA, they recommend the following or something similar:

     I have at least 2 years of experience in my field.

     I have conducted at least 50 EMDR therapy sessions with at least 25 different clients.

Requirement #5: Complete 20 hours of consultation
During your time of practicing EMDR therapy with clients, it is vital to seek consultation from a competent EMDRIA Approved Consultant. They will help guide you through sticky spots in the process, provide guidance and reassurance, and help you fine tune how you use EMDR. You can find EMDRIA Approved Consultants on EMDRIA’s Find an EMDR Therapist Directory here and by using the filters.

Consultation can be individual meetings or by group. It just depends on the Consultant’s offerings. You can work with as many Consultants as you would like. You may also complete part of your hours with a Consultant-in-Training (CIT) but only 15 hours out of the 20 will be allowed.

Requirement #6: Consultant letter(s) of recommendation
Once you are ending your consultation hours and nearing the end of your 50 EMDR therapy sessions with 25 different clients, be sure to talk with your Consultant(s) or CIT(s) about obtaining letter(s) of recommendation. In the letter, the Consultant(s)/CIT(s) may provide the number of hours of consultation together whether as group or individual meetings, the timeframe consultation was completed, feedback on your use of EMDR in sessions, and a statement explicitly recommending you for EMDR Certification.

Requirement #7: Peer or colleague letters of recommendation
Two peer or colleague letters of recommendation are also required. In the letters, the peer/colleague should highlight and attest to your use or knowledge of EMDR therapy, ethical practices as a therapist, and professional character.

Requirement #8: Complete 12 credit hours of additional EMDR training
This requirement is a fun one because you get to attend other trainings that focus on something unique with EMDR. This could include structural dissociation (I really enjoyed Paula Merucci and Farnsworth Lobenstein’s training on this), incorporation of IFS or parts work with EMDR (I also enjoyed Paula Merucci’s training on EMDR/polyvagal theory/IFS with blocking beliefs, check out her training calendar here), interweaves, and so much more.

You will need to submit all completion certificates in your application. Be sure they have your first name, your name, the date the training was completed, number of EMDRIA approved continuing education hours, and the EMDRIA training approval number if possible.

Requirement #9: Attest and agree to the EMDRIA Policies Agreement
FINALLY! Everything is completed. You’ve uploaded everything. All you have to do now is read through the EMDRIA Policies and agree to follow them as an EMDR therapist. Click the button and you are good to go.

Requirement #10: Pay the application fee
Once everything has been provided and uploaded, you’ve read and agreed to the EMDRIA Policies, the last step is to pay the application fee. It is important to note that the cost of the fee is different if you are an EMDRIA Member or not. EMDRIA Membership is optional and not necessary when submitting for certification.

Then boom! You’re done! Typically EMDRIA takes about 3-5 weeks to review the application. They will follow up with you via email once you are approved.

More information regarding EMDR certification through EMDRIA can be found here. 

If you are curious to learn more about EMDR or are interested in beginning your EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here.

Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.