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What is EMDR Basic Training

EMDR Basic Training at the Trauma Therapist Institute is a live, EMDRIA-approved, neuroscience-informed training program designed to equip clinicians with the skills to effectively treat trauma using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

See the link here to sign up and more information.

The training is delivered in a live, synchronous online cohort format, emphasizing:

    • Real-world clinical application
    • Hands-on practice (practicum)
    • Ongoing consultation and mentorship
    • Community-based learning

Why EMDR Training Matters

Key Problem

Traditional talk therapy often:

  • Helps clients understand trauma cognitively
  • But fails to resolve physiological trauma responses

Core Insight

Trauma is stored in the nervous system — not just in thoughts.

EMDR Solution

EMDR works by:

  • Engaging the brain’s natural information-processing system
  • Targeting maladaptive memory networks
  • Supporting integration and nervous system regulation

Evidence Base

  • 84–100% PTSD remission in some studies
  • Effective for:
    • PTSD
    • Depression
    • Substance use disorders

Recognized as a first-line treatment by:

  • World Health Organization
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

Training Structure

Total Program Components

  • 50 total hours
    • 20 hours lecture
    • 20 hours practicum
    • 10 hours consultation
  • 40 Continuing Education (CE) credits
    • Approved by APA, NBCC, ASWB

Delivery Format

  • Live, synchronous (no asynchronous option)
  • Virtual cohort-based training
  • Typically completed in ~6 months
  • Must be completed within 1 year (EMDRIA requirement)

Program Breakdown

Part 1 (Foundations)

Focus:

  • EMDR theory and foundational skills

Key Content:

  • Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model
  • Memory networks and trauma
  • 8 Phases of EMDR
  • Client readiness and preparation
  • Treatment planning
  • Bilateral stimulation
  • Working with blocks

Outcome:

  • Participants can begin using EMDR with clients after Part 1

Part 2 (Advanced Application)

Focus:

  • Complexity and clinical depth

Key Content:

  • Interweaves (for blocked processing)
  • Complex PTSD
  • Dissociation
  • Addictions
  • Constricted processing (EMD/EMDr)
  • Future templates

Outcome:

  • Ability to work with complex and diverse clinical presentations

Consultation Component

  • 10 hours total
  • Small group format
  • Monthly over ~5 months
  • Led by EMDRIA-approved consultants

Purpose:

  • Case consultation
  • Skill refinement
  • Clinical integration

Learning Experience

Training Model

  • Morning: Lecture
  • Afternoon: Practicum (hands-on practice in small groups)

A Lecture Zoom link will be made available separately from the Practicum Zoom link

Included Resources

  • EMDR Therapist Integration Guide
  • Demo videos
  • Scripts and clinical tools
  • Training manual
  • Private community
  • Ongoing support

Learning Philosophy

  • “Shame Free Space for Learning©”
  • Emphasis on:
    • Safety
    • Collaboration
    • Realness
    • Practical application

What Participants Gain

Clinical Skills

  • Full understanding of EMDR phases
  • Ability to assess client readiness
  • Trauma-informed treatment planning
  • Skills for real-time application

Professional Benefits

  • Increased referrals (~60% reported)
  • Access to EMDRIA community (~16,000 clinicians)
  • Greater credibility as a trauma therapist

Career Impact

  • Expanded scope of practice
  • Ability to treat complex trauma more effectively
  • Improved client outcomes

Eligibility Requirements

See all of EMDRIA's eligibility requirements for Basic Training here

TTI's EMDR Basic Training program's eligibility and requirements is based on EMDR International Association standards:

Eligible Participants

Licensed Clinicians

  • Master’s degree in mental health field
  • Licensed to practice

Pre-Licensed Clinicians

  • Master’s degree
  • Working under supervision toward licensure

Graduate Students

  • In practicum/internship phase
  • On licensure track
  • Under supervision

Not Eligible

  • Individuals with only substance abuse licenses (without mental health scope)

Make-Up Time & Scheduling

Overview

The Trauma Therapist Institute provides structured options for completing missed consultation hours through scheduled make-up groups.

Make-up sessions ensure trainees can still meet **EMDR International Association training requirements while maintaining program continuity.

Consultation Make-Up Groups

Format:

  • Conducted in 2-hour group sessions
  • Held live via Zoom
  • Led by EMDRIA-approved consultants

Cost:

  • $80 per group session

Scheduling Details:

  • Participants register for specific make-up sessions
  • Confirmation and Zoom details are sent 1 week prior
  • Includes introduction to the assigned consultant

Availability (Example Schedule)

Make-up groups are offered regularly (typically monthly), with multiple time options. Schedules are updated regularly.

Key Policies


    • Make-up sessions are required if more than 10 minutes of consultation time is missed
    • Participants may attend multiple make-up sessions as needed
    • Sessions must be scheduled in advance
    • Availability is subject to scheduling and cohort capacity

Attendance & Completion Requirements

Core Requirements

  • Full attendance required (live participation only)
  • Camera on during training
  • Completion of:
    • All training hours
    • 10 consultation hours
    • Evaluations
    • EMDRIA post-training quiz

Time Constraints

  • Must complete within 1 year

Missed Time Policy

Minor Absences (<8 hours):

  • Make-up sessions available ($80/hour)

Major Absences (>8 hours):

  • Cohort transfer required
  • Fees apply ($100–$500 depending on timing)

Consultation Missed:

  • Make-up groups required ($80/session)

Program Logistics

Format

  • Virtual, live training (primarily)
  • In-person available upon request

Schedule

  • Two 3-day training intensives
  • Monthly consultation groups

Environment Requirements

  • Quiet, private space
  • Laptop/desktop required
  • Active participation expected

Cost & Payment Options

Base Price

  • $1,690 USD

Payment Options

  • Pay in full
  • 3- or 6-month interest-free plans
  • Financing (Klarna / Afterpay, U.S.)

Includes

  • Full 50-hour training
  • Consultation hours
  • CE credits
  • Training materials
  • Community access

Cohort Model

  • Multiple cohort start dates throughout the year
  • Led by expert trainers
  • Limited capacity (often sells out)

Key Benefit

Strong emphasis on connection, peer support, and community

 


Certification vs Basic Training

  • Basic Training = Required foundation
  • Certification = Advanced credential (post-training)

Basic Training is the first step in becoming fully EMDR Certified, if that is the route you want to take. Analogy used:

  • Basic Training = Bachelor’s degree
  • Certification = Master’s degree