Four Key Questions to Ask before You Choose an EMDR Basic Training
EMDR training requires a commitment of time and resources, so it's important to take some time to choose from among the many websites offering EMDR Basic Training. All of them claim to be "the best" but it can be hard to compare.
To help you make the most of your training investment and to get the best training experience, we encourage you to ask these questions before you make a final choice.
1. Is this basic training “EMDRIA Approved?”
EMDRIA sets the standards for excellence and integrity in the training and practice of EMDR. It defines minimum requirements to make sure basic trainees gain a comprehensive understanding of case conceptualization and treatment planning, acquire the skills for using EMDR clinically, and learn strategies for integrating EMDR therapy into their clinical practices.
Some EMDRIA Approved basic trainings offer more than the required minimum, so be sure to ask:
- Is case consultation included? Is it part of the package or is there an extra charge?
- Is ongoing support and access to faculty over the course of the training?
- Are there additional resources such as articles, educational blogs, free Q&A sessions, video review of the training content or other, bonus content, and are up to date on the latest EMDR research?
EMDRIA approval comes with professional advantages. Once you complete all basic training requirements, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate is the key to your professional growth and your credentialing going forward. You need it to begin additional training that leads to your formal recognition as a Certified EMDR Therapist and then a Certified EMDR Consultant. Any basic training that is not EMDRIA-approved limits your professional growth.
2. Will I have a community of support as I train?
Look for basic EMDR training that keeps you, your small group cohort together throughout the entire basic training and the case consultation meetings that follow. Ask how community is supported once you complete basic training. Will you have access to “Members Only” resources and a secure online community space where you can ask questions and network?
3. What do other therapists say about this training?
Testimonials can be a gold mine. Look for specific comments about the training experience, responsiveness of the trainer and facilitators, quality of the video case studies and materials. Did trainees receive support from peers and training faculty? Was the “space” for small group work safe and generative? Were questions thoughtfully answered? Do they feel well prepared? Are they inspired?
4. What is the trainer's story?
EMDR is much more than a technology or a tool. It is also an art. And mastering the craft is a lifelong learning endeavor. That's why you want a trainer who is not only a brilliant and inspiring teacher, but also an EMDR therapist with years of experience working with some of the most complex and challenging clients.
Make sure that your small group facilitator is an EMDRIA Certified Consultant. That means they have the skill and experience to support you as you begin to use EMDR with your clients.
It’s tempting to over-emphasize the technology and the science of EMDR. The therapeutic alliance is always a critical factor in transformational healing. In an ideal basic training, your trainer and facilitator are role models in balancing the art and science of EMDR therapy. They are your guides and, hopefully, they become mentors in your lifelong learning journey as an EMDR therapist.
Meet our founder and Master Trainer, Deany Laliotis
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