About EMDR Qualifications

Choosing a therapist certified by an EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) approved program is an excellent way to ensure that they meet the standard and quality of the EMDR therapy you are seeking. EMDRIA “promotes, fosters, and preserves the highest standard of excellence and integrity in EMDR.” (EMDRIA.org)

The terms “EMDR trained” and “EMDR certified” can also be an important consideration regarding the level of training an EMDR therapist has. A clinician who has completed basic training can call themselves an “EMDR trained” therapist and can ethically practice EMDR under their clinical license. A “certified EMDR” clinician has gone beyond basic level training and “has opted to meet standards of excellence in EMDR therapy, measured by consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education.” (EMDRIA.org) An EMDR certified therapist volunteers themselves to additional training and ongoing accountability that requires continuing education to stay current on the practice and application of EMDR in their therapy practice.

I opted to pursue the level of “certification” in EMDR because I did not feel the basic training adequately equipped me to apply EMDR treatment in a wide enough variety or complexity of circumstances for my clients.