Course Objectives

First part of course:

  • Learn the underlying theory of EMDR and other theoretical, brain functioning, and research issues
  • Learn to assess the appropriateness of using EMDR with your patients
  • Learn to conceptualize a case from an EMDR and trauma viewpoint
  • Learn to integrate EMDR into a comprehensive treatment plan
  • Develop skill in using all eight phases of the EMDR treatment method
  • Learn to identify, select, and develop appropriate target issues for use with an EMDR protocol
  • Learn the safeguards
  • Learn soothing and grounding techniques
  • Learn techniques to teach patients to tolerate and modulate affect
  • Learn resource development and installation
  • Learn responses to certain resistances
  • Learn the three stage standard protocol
  • Learn applications of EMDR to various patient problems
  • Be aware of clinician limitations
  • Make use of on-going supervision and case consultation

Second part of course:

  • Learn special protocols to use with specific patient groups and specific patient problems
  • Learn additional techniques to handle looping, resistance and other problems
  • Learn therapeutic and cognitive interweaves
  • Learn applications of EMDR to dissociative, Axis II, and other disorders
  • Learn to integrate EMDR into your current treatment approach
  • Be further cognizant of safety issues
  • Consider legal, ethical issues
  • Learn to identify practitioner problems with the method
  • Further practice with clients
  • Continue to make use of on-going supervision and case consultation with Instructor and with peers
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using the EMDR psychotherapy

Upon completion of the course:

  • Be able to incorporate the practice of EMDR in your work with a range of clients
  • Be eligible to:
    • Apply for membership in EMDRIA
    • Apply to EMDRIA to be certified in EMDR, after completing the additional requirements:
      • At least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients
      • 12 additional hours of EMDR training (EMDRIA credits)
      • 20 hours of consultation (10 of which must be individual, 10 of which may be in groups of 8 or less) with an Approved Consultant
    • Be listed in the EMDRIA Directory and on the EMDRIA web site
    • Attend the annual EMDRIA International Conference