Becoming and EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant

My journey to becoming an EMDR therapist and business owner has been an exciting adventure.  As a clinical therapist, trauma was present in several areas of my clinical practice.  I understood how trauma could affect the brain and cause secondary challenges.  I was given the opportunity to supervise and lead a trauma-focused community substance abuse program.  I was thrilled with the experience, and also at the same time innately saw the patients were activated when they left the sessions.  I didn’t know what intervention it would take to resolve their distress, and could not identify clear signs of progress.  

 I knew there had to be a different way to resolve distress…

I had heard of EMDR and was curious about the modality.  I was given the opportunity to be basic trained and complete my first 2 weekend training and complete my practicum and consultation hours to become “Basic Trained”.  There was no doubt this was similar to military basic training with the protocols, procedures, and information that was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. 

Little did I know going to this training would change my life….

 Going through this, I had no idea the venture I was about to undertake.  I believed in the modality and quality of training, and I decided to seek Certification as an EMDR Therapist.  I saw the visceral change in patients as I returned to my office to practice the modality. Memories were changing. People were changing before my eyes.  

It was magic….

These experiences led me to want to share with others from my innate capacity to teach, as I had as an adjunct faculty with Boise State for several years.  I then decided to advance my love of EMDR and integrate it with my love of teaching and become an approved EMDR Consultant.  This was a natural connection, and I want to encourage others to do the same.  EMDRIA was able to help clinicians consult with others with standards for clinical excellence. EMDRIA's consultation guidelines provided a pathway for competence in the field that could support my love of teaching.  

I love working with other consultants to help them teach and learn from other people. Through this process I was able to begin my own practice and business in regards to consulting. Today, I have a thriving clinical practice and am a mom of three wonderful children, including twin boys.  I am able to be a present parent and to give them the happiness and leadership they deserve due the investment in my clinical skills and practice.  The good news is, you can do it too!  Here are the details on the difference between an EMDR Certified Therapist and an EMDR Consultant. 

 EMDR Certified Therapist

An EMDR Certified Therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has completed the standard EMDR training, which consists of both basic and advanced training levels. The certification process typically involves the following steps:

Basic Training: EMDR basic training is the initial step in becoming an EMDR therapist. It covers the foundational principles of EMDR therapy, including its eight-phase approach, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, and the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile taps. Basic training usually spans several weekends or equivalent hours of training.

Consultation: Following the basic training, therapists are required to complete a certain number of EMDR therapy sessions under the guidance of an EMDR Consultant or EMDRIA-approved consultant. These sessions are designed to help therapists gain practical experience and ensure they are effectively implementing the EMDR protocol.

Advanced Training: After completing the basic training and consultation, therapists can take advanced EMDR training to further refine their skills and deepen their understanding of EMDR therapy. This training often covers more complex cases and specialized applications of EMDR.

Certification: To become an EMDR Certified Therapist, professionals must meet specific requirements, including a minimum number of clinical hours using EMDR, documented case reports, and successful completion of an EMDR certification exam. Once certified, therapists are recognized as competent in delivering EMDR therapy to clients.

EMDR Consultant

An EMDR Consultant, on the other hand, is a highly trained and experienced EMDR therapist who has obtained additional qualifications to provide consultation and supervision to EMDR therapists seeking certification. EMDR Certified Therapists who have completed the online CIT Declaration Form are eligible to begin working towards EMDR Consultant status.  They must also include the following:

1. Have three years of experience with EMDR after completing an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training Program.

2. Have conducted at least three hundred clinical sessions in which EMDR was utilized.

3. Received twenty hours of consultation-of-consultation from an EMDR Consultant.

4. Must have completed twelve hours of continuing education in EMDR every two years to continue to hold this credential/  The role of an EMDR Consultant involves:

Advanced Training: EMDR Consultants typically undergo advanced training beyond the standard EMDR certification. This training equips them with specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of EMDR therapy.

Consultation Skills: EMDR Consultants are trained to provide clinical consultation to EMDR therapists who are working towards certification. They help therapists develop their skills, address complex cases, and ensure the proper application of EMDR therapy principles.

Mentorship: EMDR Consultants often oversee the work of therapists in training and providing guidance throughout the certification process. They play a crucial role in mentoring therapists and helping them refine their EMDR skills.

Quality Assurance: EMDR Consultants uphold the standards of EMDR therapy by ensuring that therapists under their guidance adhere to best practices, ethics, and the established EMDR protocol.
Conclusion

In summary, the key difference between an EMDR Certified Therapist and an EMDR Consultant lies in their roles and responsibilities within the field of EMDR therapy. An EMDR Certified Therapist has completed the standard training and certification process, allowing them to provide EMDR therapy to clients effectively. On the other hand, an EMDR Consultant is a highly experienced EMDR therapist with specialized training, responsible for providing supervision, consultation, and quality assurance to therapists seeking EMDR certification. Both roles are crucial in ensuring the ethical and competent practice of EMDR therapy, ultimately benefiting clients seeking relief from trauma and other related issues.  Visit EMDRIA's site for more information.

Citation:
Couch, K. ( 2023, September 25). Becoming and EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant [Blog Post]. Rewired360. Retrieved from https://www.rewired360.com/blog/kathy-couch-becoming-and-emdr-approved-consultant.