So you want to be an EMDR therapist. That’s great! But where can all of this go as a possible career path in the EMDR therapy space? Let’s explore some options.

Reminder: it is very okay if you just want to stay as EMDR trained. That is always good enough.

Step #1: EMDR Trained Therapist
This step entails attending and completing an EMDRIA approved EMDR basic training. Basic trainings can be in-person or virtual and include lectures, practicing the EMDR protocols, and consultation. You are considered an EMDR Trained Therapist once you complete the basic training and the subsequent 10 hours of consultation. You will submit your consultation hours form to EMDRIA and you will receive a full completion certificate. It is important to note that completing basic training and consultation does NOT mean you are certified and you cannot market yourself as such.

Step #2: EMDRIA Certified Therapist^TM
Becoming an EMDR Certified Therapist requires the following:

• Complete EMDR basic training

• Complete at least 50 EMDR-based sessions with at least 25 different clients

• Complete at least 20 hours of additional consultation with an approved consultant or CIT

• Complete at least 12 hours of EMDRIA approved advanced EMDR trainings

Once these are completed, you can then submit your application for certification. More information can be found on a previous blog post here or on EMDRIA’s website here.

Step #3: EMDRIA Approved Consultant-in-Training^TM (CIT)
Once you have obtained your certification, you can then declare to become a Consultant-in-Training (CIT). This starts the process to become an Approved Consultant. CITs receive consultation-of-consultation from EMDRIA Approved Consultants on how to offer effective consultation services to other EMDR therapists. Depending on certain programs or how one wants to go through the CIT process, CITs may also be assistants or coaches alongside their consultants in EMDR basic trainings.

The following are required during the CIT process:

• Submit the declaration form to EMDRIA. 

  • You may need to have the consultant(s) you will be working with listed.

• Maintain your EMDR Certified status.

• Complete at least 300 EMDR-based sessions with at least 75 different clients.

• Complete 20 hours of consultation-of-consultation with an approved consultant(s).

• When providing consultation to your consultees, keep in mind you must have at least 5 different consultees, 3 of whom have completed EMDR basic training and/or are in process of becoming EMDR Certified. 

More information about the CIT process can be found here.

Step #4: EMDRIA Approved Consultant^TM
You can apply to become an EMDRIA Approved Consultant once you complete the following requirements:

• Utilizing EMDR therapy for at least 3 or more years

• Conducted over 300 EMDR-based sessions with at least 75 different clients

• Completed at least 20 hours of consultation-of-consultation

• Have a notarized letter confirming the above statements

• Have letter(s) of recommendation from your consultant(s)

• Have completed at least 12 hours of EMDRIA approved advanced EMDR trainings

More information about becoming an approved consultant can be found here.

Step #5: EMDRIA Approved Trainer^TM
In order to become an EMDR Trainer, you must be in good standing as an EMDR Consultant as well as go through an in depth application process to become an educator. Courses and the curriculum being taught are thoroughly reviewed for approval.

More information about becoming an approved trainer 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.