EMDR Basic Training That Works in the Real World

A comprehensive, EMDRIA-approved training that prepares you to use EMDR with clarity, confidence, and clinical impact.

For the therapist who knows talk therapy isn’t always enough to heal trauma—this is your next step.

"Hands down, the best training I've ever taken in my 20 year career."

Lori, P - Therapist in private practice

"I think of my career in terms of pre and post EMDR training. Pre EMDR I felt limited in what I could achieve in trauma therapy. Post EMDR training I feel more than equipped to help clients experience long lasting change."

Alex B. - Outpatient therapist in community mental health

Is EMDR Training Right for You?

Not sure if EMDR Training is the right fit? This guide breaks it all down—so you can decide with confidence.

WHY THIS METHOD CHANGES LIVES

Even when clients understand their trauma—when they can name their triggers, explain their past, and connect the dots—they often remain stuck.

That’s because trauma isn’t just in the mind. It lives in the nervous system.

You need an approach that helps your clients process trauma where it lives—in their neurobiology and body.

Insight and coping strategies only get you so far. That's why EMDR therapy that works with the neurobiological systems that hold trauma is imperative for producing lasting change and true healing.

“I used to hit a wall with my clients—they understood their trauma, but we couldn’t move past it. EMDR gave me a way to help them actually process what was stuck in their system. It’s changed everything about how I practice.”

Samantha R. - LCSW, group practice

“This training helped me understand trauma on a deeper level. I finally have a method that supports my clients in ways talk therapy alone couldn’t reach.”

P. Thompson - LPC, intensive outpatient clinician

Learn EMDR and Change Lives

YOU CAN'T THINK YOUR WAY OUT OF TRAUMA

You became a therapist to help people heal. And you do—every day. But sometimes, you hit a wall.

Progress stalls out.
Clients get stuck.
Talk therapy just isn’t cutting it.

The techniques you have are useful and impactful - but it can feel like applying band-aids, falling short of deeply healing the wound.

Coping strategies are helpful—but they’re not the end goal. You want to help clients truly heal, so they can live, not just manage.

EMDR is that deeper solution—and we’ll guide you through it with clarity, support, and real-world application.

Real results

In a randomized controlled study, 84–100% of participants were no longer diagnosed with PTSD after EMDR treatment.
—Journal of Traumatic Stress

EMDR is effective in treating depression, particularly in severe cases.
- Seok & Kim, 2024

EMDR has been demonstrated to have significant efficacy in decreasing cravings in people with substance use disorders.
- Martínez-Fernández, et al., 2024

A NEURO-INFORMED, INCLUSIVE TRAINING - ROOTED IN REAL-WORLD PRACTICE

You’ve seen what trauma steals from people. Now you want to be the kind of therapist who helps clients rewrite the story.

EMDR is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for treating trauma. Backed by over 40 randomized controlled trials and recognized as a first-line treatment for treating trauma by leading organizations—including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)—EMDR is proven to create lasting, meaningful change.

Learning to practice EMDR is more than a skill—it’s a shift in how you understand and treat trauma. Our training doesn’t just teach the protocol. It equips you to use EMDR in real-world practice, with clarity, confidence, and impact.

At Trauma Therapist Institute, our EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training is:

Rooted in neuroscience, research, and cutting-edge approaches.
All-inclusive: Lecture, practicum, consultation hours, CEs, a comprehensive manual, clinical tools, and ongoing support—all included.
Packed with real-world tools, scripts, and session demos.
Led by industry experts who know the complexities of trauma therapy.
Supported with mentorship, peer consultation, and a private community.

More effective and fewer sessions

EMDR has been shown to be as effective as or more effective than CBT, with fewer sessions required.
— National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

"I discovered something called EMDR, which has been the most healing."

- Sandra Bullock, actress

"EMDR saved my life."

- Whitney Cummings, comedian and actress

NOT JUST A TRAINING - A PROFESSIONAL TRANSFORMATION

When you train with the Trauma Therapist Institute, you get an all-inclusive training program - packed with all your required training portions along with support and resources.

An EMDRIA-approved training.
Over 50 hours of training.
- 40 APA, NCC, and ASWB CEs.
- 10 hours of small group consultation with a TTI-trained consultant.
A course library that includes TTI's trademarked training manual along with downloads, assessments, and client worksheets.
On-demand EMDR demo videos with Rebecca Kase to support you outside of training.
Practice sessions and peer feedback.
A private online trauma therapist community.
Join our Shame-Free Spaces for Learning™—where compassion, play, and realness are part of the process

Secure Your Spot Now

YOU'RE NOT JUST ANOTHER ZOOM SQUARE HERE

Training That Translates: We teach EMDR the way you’ll actually use it—with real clients, in real sessions.
Rooted in the Neuroscience of Healing: We teach you how trauma affects the nervous system—and how EMDR can help restore balance and integration.
Real World Application: Our trainers aren’t just educators—they’re practicing trauma therapists who know what it’s like to be in the room. They bring fresh insight from their ongoing clinical work, sharing practical tools and case examples that translate directly to your sessions.
Support You Can Feel: Between consultation, community, and expert-led mentorship, you’re never doing this alone.
Inclusive and Values-Aligned: We’re equity-focused, trauma-informed, and offer BIPOC scholarships every quarter.

"Every detail of this training felt intentional. From the pacing to the flow of information to the holding of space, this team goes above and beyond when it comes to delivering a quality program."

Maya L., PsyD, Clinical Director of University Counseling Services

"I'm astounded at the warmth and compassion that this training team brings. I felt supported in a shame free space to learn and make mistakes."

L. Linden, LMFT, Adolescent Day Treatment

Real Stories. Real Results.

THIS IS WHERE THE WORK GETS REAL - AND SO DO THE RESULTS

This isn’t just a training—it’s the start of a new chapter in your trauma work.

A chapter where you gain tools that actually work.
A supportive community that understands the weight of this work.
And a clear roadmap for helping clients truly move forward.

You’ll leave with more than just theory.

You’ll understand the EMDR phases, know how to begin with the right clients, and feel more skilled, more competent, and more grounded in your role as a trauma therapist.

Most importantly, you’ll walk away with a toolkit you can use right away—plus a network of mentors and peers to keep you supported as you grow.

Because learning EMDR is a journey—and we’re here to walk it with you.

Start Building the Skills Your Clients Need Today

"I did the largest NIH-funded study on EMDR. And what we found, of people with adult-onset traumas...it had the best outcome of any treatment that has been published."

- Bessel van der Kolk

MORE THAN A MODALITY - IT'S A CAREER MOVE

EMDR is one of the most in-demand and respected trauma therapies available today. Getting trained doesn’t just sharpen your clinical skills—it elevates your credibility as a trauma therapist.

Therapists trained in EMDR often attract more of their ideal clients and receive referrals from colleagues who aren’t trained in EMDR themselves. Simply put: EMDR training opens doors.

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Completing Basic Training gives you access to the EMDRIA community—the EMDR International Association. As a member, you’ll gain entry to a growing community of over 16,000 trauma therapists, as well as:

Special Interest Groups focused on niche clinical topics
A quarterly peer-reviewed journal
Exclusive continuing education opportunities
An annual summit AND annual national conference
And so much more

EMDR training is more than a credential—it’s an access point to greater professional visibility, clinical mastery, and meaningful community.

See Upcoming Cohorts!

Top 5 Most Searched Therapies By Clients

EMDR is one of the top 5 most searched therapy modalities on Psychology Today.

- Psychology Today, 2022

60% of therapists report increased referrals after completing EMDR Basic Training.

- Internal survey of EMDR trainers and consultants

THE BREAKDOWN: WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Our all inclusive EMDR Basic Training is delivered over two, three-day training intensives, and five monthly group consultations.

This is a virtual, LIVE, training. That means you can attend with your cat and a cozy blanket from home - but we are in live, synchronous time.

Each training intensive blends a dynamic morning lecture with hands-on afternoon practicum in small practice groups led by one of our expert training team members. Yes, this training is virtual—but don’t let that fool you. You’ll be fully prepared to deliver EMDR confidently in both in-person and telehealth sessions.

But you don't have to wait for training to start diving in! Upon registration you'll get access to our EMDR Learning Hub. Inside the course hub you'll find everything you need - a community chat, protocols and clinical aids, training manuals, and demo videos. We've thoughtfully organized this 50-hour training to make learning seamless - and your EMDR Basic Training Roadmap will help guide you step-by-step.

Special Populations We'll Cover Include:

Children & Adolescents
Veterans
Addictions
Complex Trauma
Dissociative Disorders
Chronic Pain
Anxiety Disorders

Part 1

Participants learn the history, theoretical model, and 8 phases of EMDR Therapy. First, you will learn the adaptive information processing model - the foundation for case conceptualization in EMDR therapy. AIP is a model that will support you work more skillfully with all of your clients, as you learn the role that memory networks play in presenting symptoms.

Next, learn tools to prepare clients for EMDR reprocessing along with how to assess client readiness for reprocessing targets with the EMDR protocol.

Up next is how to develop an EMDR treatment plan and the steps of reprocessing. Learn how to apply bilateral stimulation to process a memory to a point of adaptive resolution, how to work with blocks in processing, and how to -re-evaluate the work.

We'll also cover techniques for modifying EMDR for children and adolescents.

After completing Part 1, you will be able to begin practicing, virtually or in person, 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.

Schedule

DAY ONE

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
Lunch
Safe/Calm Place video & Treatment Planning
Practicum Exercises with Case Vignettes
Small group practice of EMDR techniques

DAY TWO

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
Lunch
Small group practice with Case Vignettes and Practice Exercises

DAY THREE

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

Part 2

In Part 2 you'll start out with a refresher of the 8 phases. As we review we'll add on information to bolster your foundation and expand your skills within each phase. You'll dive into additional preparation techniques for Phase 2 work, and learn how to support individual with complex presentations engage with the work.

Next up you'll learn the art of the interweave! Interweaves are skillful techniques to support blocked processing in Phase 4. We'll cover a variety of interweaves and provide you strategies for working with adults and children.

Day two is devoted to skills for working with complex PTSD. Learn how to work with intrusive symptoms and stabilize clients without opening up expansive memory networks that the client may not be ready for. We'll cover several techniques for working with considerable complexity, that align with the client's physiology and readiness.

On day 3 we'll examine what happens after training and how to set yourself and your clients up for success after you complete training. We'll do a deep dive into Dissociative Disorders, and examine considerations for EMDR therapy with this specialty population. Finally we'll review tips and techniques for working with addictions.

The entirety of this course contains content that is especially relevant for working with veterans and first responders.

Part 2 will teach you to work with greater complexity, and will leave you prepared to work with a variety of clinical presentations.

Learning Objectives

Name the prongs of 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 a Future Template with a client.
Identify one potential category of experiences appropriate for reprocessing with veterans.

Schedule

DAY ONE

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

DAY TWO

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
Lunch
Small group practice with Case Vignettes and Practice Exercises
3:45 - 5:30: Small group practice of EMDR techniques

DAY THREE

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

Consultation

How It Works

Attendance Policy

EMDR has been one of the most profound healing experiences I have ever personally experienced. It has been instrumental in helping me heal PTSD. It's also been the most powerful therapy I have ever provided to clients.

- Rebecca Kase, Author of Polyvagal Informed EMDR, The Polyvagal Solution, and EMDR Senior Trainer

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

How To Prepare for Basic Training

Prerequisites

Continuing Education

EMDR Basic Training is eligible for 40 CEs. CE hours are not issued for readings, assignments, or consultation. Part 1 training is eligible for 20 CE hours, and Part 2 training is eligible for 20 CE hours. 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 completion of the training evaluation. Although 10 hours of consultation is an EMDRIA requirement for completing EMDR Basic Training, consultation hours do not count for CE continuing education credit hours. CE credit cannot be provided for required readings or consultation. Therefore, while the Basic Training 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 will receive an EMDR Basic Training Certificate of Completion fromTrauma Therapist Institute. This is documentation that you have completed an EMDRIA-approved training, and that you are qualified to practice EMDR Therapy as an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Therapist.

If you have a state licensure that does not require board specific CEs, your certificate of EMDR Basic Training Certificate of Completion can be used as documentation for your licensure renewal.

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. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/16/25 - 1/16/28. Social workers completing this course receive 40 clinical continuing education credits.

NBCC Approved Provider

Trauma Therapist Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7033. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Trauma Therapist Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

EMDRIA Approved Provider

Trauma Therapist Institute is an EMDRIA Approved Training Provider. Trauma Therapist Institute courses are individually approved. 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. Trauma Therapist Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

EMDR Basic Training That Works in the Real World

A comprehensive, EMDRIA-approved training that prepares you to use EMDR with clarity, confidence, and clinical impact.

"Hands down, the best training I've ever taken in my 20 year career."

"I think of my career in terms of pre and post EMDR training. Pre EMDR I felt limited in what I could achieve in trauma therapy. Post EMDR training I feel more than equipped to help clients experience long lasting change."

Is EMDR Training Right for You?

WHY THIS METHOD CHANGES LIVES

“I used to hit a wall with my clients—they understood their trauma, but we couldn’t move past it. EMDR gave me a way to help them actually process what was stuck in their system. It’s changed everything about how I practice.”

“This training helped me understand trauma on a deeper level. I finally have a method that supports my clients in ways talk therapy alone couldn’t reach.”

YOU CAN'T THINK YOUR WAY OUT OF TRAUMA

Real results

A NEURO-INFORMED, INCLUSIVE TRAINING - ROOTED IN REAL-WORLD PRACTICE

More effective and fewer sessions

"I discovered something called EMDR, which has been the most healing."

"EMDR saved my life."

NOT JUST A TRAINING - A PROFESSIONAL TRANSFORMATION

YOU'RE NOT JUST ANOTHER ZOOM SQUARE HERE

"Every detail of this training felt intentional. From the pacing to the flow of information to the holding of space, this team goes above and beyond when it comes to delivering a quality program."

"I'm astounded at the warmth and compassion that this training team brings. I felt supported in a shame free space to learn and make mistakes."

Real Stories. Real Results.

THIS IS WHERE THE WORK GETS REAL - AND SO DO THE RESULTS

"I did the largest NIH-funded study on EMDR. And what we found, of people with adult-onset traumas...it had the best outcome of any treatment that has been published."

MORE THAN A MODALITY - IT'S A CAREER MOVE

Top 5 Most Searched Therapies By Clients

THE BREAKDOWN: WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Part 1

Learning Objectives

Schedule

Part 2

Learning Objectives

Schedule

Consultation

How It Works

Basic Training takes place virtually overtwo, three training day periods.

Do you offer EMDR Basic Training in-person?

Attendance Policy

You must attend all portions of training, synchronously, to complete your EMDR Basic Training course.

EMDR has been one of the most profound healing experiences I have ever personally experienced. It has been instrumental in helping me heal PTSD. It's also been the most powerful therapy I have ever provided to clients.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

How To Prepare for Basic Training

Prerequisites

Continuing Education

ACE Approved Provider

NBCC Approved Provider

EMDRIA Approved Provider

APA Approved Provider

Course Completion

EMDRIA'S EMDR Basic Training Requirements

Cancellation Policy

Ready to feel more confident, skilled, and supported as a trauma therapist?

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Basic Training takes place virtually over
two, three training day periods.