EMDR Basic Training

Participants learn the history, theoretical model, and 8 phases of EMDR Therapy. You'll start with the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the foundation for case conceptualization in EMDR therapy, and learn the role memory networks play in presenting symptoms.

You'll then learn tools to prepare clients for EMDR reprocessing, how to assess client readiness, and how to develop an EMDR treatment plan. We'll cover bilateral stimulation, working with blocks in processing, re-evaluation, and modifications for children and adolescents. After Part 1, you'll be able to begin practicing EMDR with clients.

Learning Objectives

• Identify three elements of the Adaptive Information Processing Model
• List the components of memory
• Identify and describe the Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
• Describe at least two indicators of client readiness for reprocessing
• List the steps for developing an EMDR treatment plan
• Identify at least three techniques to prepare and resource clients for EMDR Therapy
• Identify the purpose of the Assessment Phase of EMDR Therapy
• Describe two strategies for assisting a client to stay within their window of tolerance
• Demonstrate at least three steps for closing an incomplete session
• Describe how to re-engage an incomplete target

Day 1

• Intros, mindfulness, and orientation
• History and Overview of EMDR Therapy
• Case conceptualization and trauma theory
• Phases 1 & 2 of EMDR Therapy: history taking, the preparation hierarchy, and techniques
• Safe/Calm Place video & Treatment Planning
• Practicum Exercises with Case Vignettes
• Small group practice of EMDR techniques

Day 2

• Mindfulness, Q&A, and Review
• EMDR treatment planning & demonstration videos
• Phases 3, 4 & 5 of EMDR: the magic of desensitization
• EMDR Demonstration Video
• Phases 6 & 7 of EMDR: installation and body scan
• Small group practice with Case Vignettes and Practice Exercises

Day 3

• Q&A and Review
• Ethics & Documentation
• Phase 8: Re-evaluation of the work
• Working with stuck processing
• EMDR with children
• Small group practice of EMDR techniques

In Part 2 you'll start with a refresher of the 8 phases, then add advanced skills within each phase. You'll learn the art of the interweave, additional preparation techniques, and how to support individuals with complex presentations.

Day 2 focuses on skills for working with complex PTSD: techniques for working with intrusive symptoms and stabilizing clients without opening expansive memory networks the client may not be ready for.

Day 3 covers what happens after training, a deep dive into Dissociative Disorders, and tips for working with addictions. The entirety of Part 2 contains content especially relevant for working with veterans and first responders.

Learning Objectives

• Name the prongs of the Three-Pronged Protocol of EMDR Therapy
• Name at least two of the 8 Phases of EMDR and objectives associated with each phase
• Describe the intention of interweaves and when you may use them
• Name at least three potential interweaves
• Describe at least two strategies to use with complex PTSD
• Describe at least two indicators of dissociation
• Identify at least two factors that would indicate use of constricted processing techniques
• Describe how to implement EMD and how it differs from EMDR
• Analyze the use of a Future Rehearsal or Future Template with a client
• Evaluate the clinical application of EMDR with addiction-based presentations

Day 1

• Mindfulness and orientation
• Review of Phases 1 & 2 and demonstration video
• Techniques for resourcing and stabilization
• Review of Target Reprocessing
• The art of the interweaves
• Practicum Exercises with Case Vignettes
• Small group practice of EMDR techniques

Day 2

• Mindfulness, Q&A, and Review
• Symptom focused and fractionated treatment planning
• Constricted Processing (EMD & EMDr) and demonstration videos
• Overview of best practices for EMDR & Complex PTSD
• Small group practice with Case Vignettes and Practice Exercises

Day 3

• Mindfulness, Q&A and Review
• Advanced Practice & EMDR Certification
• Dissociation: screening, conceptualization, and best practice
• EMDR with Addictions
• Small group practice of EMDR techniques

EMDR Basic Training also includes 10 hours of consultation with EMDRIA Approved Consultants. Consultation is provided in an online group format, and groups are organized within your first training intensive.

Consultation groups meet once a month for five months, via Zoom, within normal business hours. You'll sign up for your consultation group during Part 1 of your training.

Group consultation offers a dynamic and engaging opportunity to ask questions of your consultant and colleagues about clients, treatment planning, techniques, specialty populations, and more.

Upon completion of all training and consultation, you'll receive a certificate of completion, after which you may elect to pursue EMDR Certification.

Read the Required Text

To prepare for Part 1, begin reading Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy; 3rd Edition (2018) by Francine Shapiro, then complete the text as you progress through your training.

System Requirements

To participate effectively in the online EMDR Basic Training, use a laptop or desktop computer. Tablets and smartphones will negatively impact your experience. TTI uses a professional Zoom (zoom.us) video conferencing system that adheres to HIPAA requirements. You can find the lecture Zoom link in your online account, and you'll also receive an email with Zoom links.

Ready Your Space

During training, plan to be as present as you would be for a live, in-person training session. During the practicum, please make sure all distractions are kept to a minimum, as they would be in a regular therapy session.

Practice Self-Care

Due to the nature of training, it's vital that you have skills to self-soothe, regulate, and contain distress. Self-care during and after training is strongly encouraged.

EMDR Basic Training is eligible for 40 CEs. Part 1 is eligible for 20 CE hours, and Part 2 is eligible for 20 CE hours. CE hours are not issued for readings, assignments, or consultation. Trauma Therapist Institute is an EMDRIA, APA, ACE, and NBCC approved continuing education sponsor.

Board specific CE certificates will be emailed following completion of 20 hours of training and the training evaluation. Although 10 hours of consultation is an EMDRIA requirement for completing Basic Training, consultation hours do not count for CE credit. While the course includes 50 hours of training, only 40 of those hours are available for CEs.

Upon successful completion of Part 1, Part 2, 10 hours of consultation, all course evaluations, and the EMDRIA post-learning assessment, you'll receive an EMDR Basic Training Certificate of Completion from Trauma Therapist Institute.

ACE Approved Provider

Trauma Therapist Institute, #1869, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. ACE provider approval period: 1/16/25 - 1/16/28. Social workers receive 40 clinical CE credits.

NBCC Approved Provider

Trauma Therapist Institute is approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7033.

EMDRIA Approved Provider

Trauma Therapist Institute is an EMDRIA Approved Training Provider. CE Certificate will contain course approval number.

APA Approved Provider

Trauma Therapist Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education to psychologists.

EMDRIA Post-Training Quiz

Trainees are required by EMDRIA to complete a post-training quiz. This 46-question quiz can be found in your course library and may be completed any time during training. It is not pass/fail, but completion is required to fulfill all Basic Training requirements.

Evaluations

Evaluations for your course are found in your learner account under "Evaluations." You'll be offered adequate time to complete your training evaluation at the end of Part 1 and Part 2. To receive a CE certificate and complete EMDR Basic Training, all training evaluations must be completed first. No CE certificates or training certificates are provided until evaluations are completed.

EMDRIA Requirements

For full eligibility and program requirements, see EMDRIA's Program Requirements for EMDR Basic Training.

Attendance Policy

You must attend all portions of training, synchronously, to complete your EMDR Basic Training course. No portion of training may be completed on-demand. Training consists of live lecture, live practicum (practicing techniques with colleagues), and consultation groups.

Cancellation Policy

Please refer to our cancellation policy for full details on refunds, transfers, and rescheduling.