Becoming Certified in EMDR
Completing an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training allows clinicians to begin integrating EMDR into their clinical work within their scope of practice and licensure. Basic Training provides the foundational knowledge, practicum experience, and consultation needed to start using EMDR with clients.
EMDRIA Certification is a separate, optional credential for therapists who want additional consultation, clinical experience, and advanced development in EMDR therapy. Certification is not required in order to practice EMDR.
Many clinicians pursue consultation after training because EMDR tends to deepen over time and through experience. Consultation can help therapists strengthen case conceptualization, work through stuck points, better understand pacing and readiness, and integrate EMDR in a way that feels more confident, flexible, and grounded.
You can think of Basic Training as the foundation, while certification and ongoing consultation support continued growth and refinement as an EMDR clinician.
EMDRIA Certification is a separate, optional credential for therapists who want additional consultation, clinical experience, and advanced development in EMDR therapy. Certification is not required in order to practice EMDR.
Many clinicians pursue consultation after training because EMDR tends to deepen over time and through experience. Consultation can help therapists strengthen case conceptualization, work through stuck points, better understand pacing and readiness, and integrate EMDR in a way that feels more confident, flexible, and grounded.
You can think of Basic Training as the foundation, while certification and ongoing consultation support continued growth and refinement as an EMDR clinician.
EMDRIA Certification Requirements
1. Completion of an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Training
2. Independent Clinical License
3. Clinical Experience + EMDR Experience
Applicants must:
4. Complete 20 Hours of EMDR Consultation
Current EMDRIA guidelines include:
Only consultation completed after finishing EMDR Basic Training may count toward certification.
5. Letter(s) of Recommendation from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Applicants must provide recommendation letter(s) from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant addressing their use of EMDR and readiness for certification.
6. Professional Recommendation Letters
Provide two professional references speaking to ethical practice, professional character, and clinical work.
7. Educational - 12 EMDRIA Credits
Applicants must complete 12 EMDRIA Credits in EMDR-related continuing education completed after Basic Training.
8. Agreement to EMDRIA Policies
Applicants must agree to follow EMDRIA policies and standards as part of the certification application process.
- Provide documentation showing completion of an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training progra (50 hrs)
2. Independent Clinical License
- Provide a copy of your license to independently practice as a mental health professional in your state or province (you can begin pursuing certification while an intern, but you need to be fully licensed for the credential)
3. Clinical Experience + EMDR Experience
Applicants must:
- Have at least 2 years of experience in their licensed mental health field
- Have completed at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients
- This is typically submitted through a notarized statement.
4. Complete 20 Hours of EMDR Consultation
- Applicants must complete 20 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.
Current EMDRIA guidelines include:
- At least 10 hours must be individual consultation
- Remaining hours may be completed in small group consultation
- Group consultation may not exceed 8 participants
- Consultants-in-Training may provide up to 15 consultation hours
- The remaining 5 hours must be completed with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Only consultation completed after finishing EMDR Basic Training may count toward certification.
5. Letter(s) of Recommendation from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Applicants must provide recommendation letter(s) from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant addressing their use of EMDR and readiness for certification.
6. Professional Recommendation Letters
Provide two professional references speaking to ethical practice, professional character, and clinical work.
7. Educational - 12 EMDRIA Credits
Applicants must complete 12 EMDRIA Credits in EMDR-related continuing education completed after Basic Training.
8. Agreement to EMDRIA Policies
Applicants must agree to follow EMDRIA policies and standards as part of the certification application process.
Therapists pursuing EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ status must currently complete the following requirements through EMDRIA:
I am a Consultant in Training, which means I can provide 15 of the 20 hours of consultation needed as you pursue your EMDR certification.
Consultant in training
