EMDR Trained vs Certified

How a person is equipped to practice a type of therapy can be confusing, especially when phrases seem to be the same, like EMDR trained vs certified. The terms “EMDR trained” and “EMDR certified” are often used to characterize clinicians’ knowledge of doing Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), but they have distinct meanings, despite sometimes being used interchangeably.  EMDR trained and EMDR certified represent different levels of a therapist’s experience and expertise in EMDR therapy.¹ The difference is significant, particularly for clients seeking a high level of competence and safety in their treatment.

EMDR Trained therapist

A therapist who is EMDR trained has completed the basic foundational training program in EMDR therapy.² This training, typically approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), involves a combination of:

• Instruction and Lecture (20 hours): Learning the theoretical basis of EMDR, its eight-phase model, and the standard protocols.³  
• Supervised Practicum (20 hours): Hands-on practice sessions with other clinicians to learn and apply the EMDR techniques.
• Consultation (10 hours): A required number of hours of case consultation with an EMDRIA-approved consultant to discuss cases and receive feedback.⁵

Upon completing this basic training, a clinician is qualified to use EMDR therapy with clients and can refer to themselves as “EMDR trained.”⁶ This is the essential first step for any therapist wanting to integrate EMDR into their practice.

EMDR Certified Therapists Near Me

An EMDR certified therapist is an optional and more rigorous process that goes beyond the basic training.⁷ It signifies a higher level of proficiency and commitment to the practice of EMDR.⁸ To become EMDR certified by EMDRIA, an EMDR trained therapist must meet several additional criteria, including:

• Extensive Experience: The EMDR trained therapist must have at least two years of experience in their field and must have conducted at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients.⁹ 
• Advanced Training: Completion of 12 additional hours of advanced EMDR training and continuing education.
• Intensive Consultation: The EMDR trained therapist must complete 20 additional consultation hours with an EMDRIA-approved consultant, often a mix of individual and group sessions.
• Letters of Recommendation: The EMDR trained therapist must provide letters of recommendation from their EMDR consultant and professional peers who can attest to their skills and ethical practice.¹⁰

This process can take a year or more to complete after the initial training. Once the requirements are met and the application is approved, the EMDR trained therapist then becomes an EMDR certified therapist.

Why EMDR Certified is Better for Clients

While an EMDR trained therapist can provide effective treatment, an EMDR certified therapist offers several advantages for clients, particularly those with complex trauma or more challenging situations.

• Demonstrated Expertise: Certification is a formal recognition of a therapist’s commitment to excellence and a higher level of proficiency.¹¹ It shows that they have not only learned the basic protocol but have also demonstrated their ability to apply it effectively in a wide range of situations. Certified EMDR Therapists also have double the consultation hours with top EMDR consultants as EMDR trained therapists.
• Higher Standard of Care and Safety: The consultation process is a critical part of certification. It provides a space for the therapist to get feedback from an expert EMDR clinician on their toughest cases, ensuring they are applying the EMDR protocol safely and ethically.¹³ This minimizes the risk of retraumatization and helps ensure the best possible outcomes for the client.¹⁴ Even after certification, many EMDR certified therapists continue their consultations to further refine and expand their skills.
• More Experience and Confidence: The extensive experience and consultation required for certification means the therapist has worked with a greater number of clients and cases.¹² This leads to increased confidence and a deeper understanding of how to navigate the nuances of the therapy, especially with complex trauma, dissociation, or co-occurring issues.
• Commitment to Professional Development: Maintaining EMDR certification requires ongoing continuing education—12 hours every two years.¹⁵ This ensures that the therapist is staying up to date with the latest developments, research, and best practices in the field.
• Credibility and Trust: For many clients, seeing that a therapist is certified provides an added level of assurance and credibility. It signals that the therapist has extended their training and understanding of providing EMDR as a treatment approach. Do note that EMDR certification doesn’t guarantee a perfect fit. Clients should also consider a therapist’s rapport, specialization, and overall experience.

Certified EMDR Therapist near me

In short, while both trained and certified therapists can use EMDR effectively, an EMDR certified therapist provides higher level of experience, skill, and commitment to their clients.

Come and experience EMDR from a Certified EMDR therapist. I became an EMDR trained therapist in September 2023. In June 2025, I became a Certified EMDR therapist! Reach out to me today and let’s start addressing the problems of the past affecting your present.

Let’s Talk About What is Going On

References

1. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/treatment/emdr-therapy

2. https://morgancounseling.net/therapy-topics/emdr-counseling/#:~:text=Complete%20at%20least%2050%20EMDR,after%20basic%20training%20is%20complete.

3. https://www.emdria.org/emdr-training/#:~:text=Methodology%20explains%20and%20teaches%20the,Taking%2C%20Case%20Conceptualization%20%26%20Treatment%20Planning

4. https://emdrtherapy.com/emdr-training-resources/emdr-faq-and-support

5. https://www.emdr.com/support-categories/case-consultation/#:~:text=To%20be%20%F0%9D%97%98%F0%9D%97%A0%F0%9D%97%97%F0%9D%97%A5%20%F0%9D%97%A7%F0%9D%97%BF%F0%9D%97%AE%F0%9D%97%B6%F0%9D%97%BB%F0%9D%97%B2%F0%9D%97%B1%20by,of%20(required)…

6. https://www.emdr.com/support-center/what-is-the-difference-between-emdr-trained-and-emdria-certified/

7. https://coasttocoastemdr.com/emdr-training-certification#:~:text=It%20signifies%20advanced%20proficiency%20in,adherence%20to%20EMDRIA’s%20professional%20standards.

8. https://www.emdria.org/emdr-training/emdr-certification-2/#:~:text=Applicants%20can%20simply%20state%2C%20%22I,sessions%20with%20at%20least%2025

9. https://www.emdria.org/emdr-training/emdr-certification-2/#:~:text=Letters%20of%20Recommendation%20Regarding%20Professional%20Practice&text=Two%20letters%20of%20recommendation%20from%20colleagues%20or%20peers%20are%20required.

10. https://coasttocoastemdr.com/emdr-training-certification#:~:text=Therapists%20who%20complete%20basic%20training,professional%20recognition%20and%20skill%20refinement.

11. https://coasttocoastemdr.com/emdr-training-certification#:~:text=Conduct%20at%20least%2050%20EMDR,from%20an%20EMDRIA%2Dapproved%20consultant

12. https://emdrtherapy.com/emdr-blog-posts/role-consultation-finding-support-and-mentorship#:~:text=Receive%20feedback%20on%20your%20implementation,and%20improving%20your%20therapeutic%20interventions.

13. https://emdroftherockies.com/2023/02/11/why-becoming-an-emdr-certified-therapist-is-important/

14. https://scalingupemdr.com/securing-continuing-education-credits-for-emdr-certification-a-professional-pathway/#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,to%20maintain%20skills%20and%20knowledge

15. https://emdroftherockies.com/2024/09/20/what-is-emdr-training-from-training-to-certification/#:~:text=It’s%20also%20the%20first%20step,meeting%20the%20highest%20industry%20standards.

16. https://emdreducators.com/mastering-trauma-therapy-the-power-of-emdr-certification/#:~:text=This%20certification%20signifies%20your%20dedication,trusted%20expert%20in%20the%20field.