EMDR Certification & Consultation: What Every Therapist Should Know and How to Find Your EMDR Peeps

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, and a range of mental health conditions. However, for those new to EMDR—whether clients or clinicians—the different titles and levels of training can be confusing. What does it mean to be EMDR-trained versus EMDR-certified? How does an EMDR consultant differ from an EMDR therapist?

This guide will break down the distinctions between these titles and what they mean for clients seeking care and clinicians pursuing advanced training.

EMDR-Trained Therapist

An EMDR-trained therapist is a mental health professional who has completed an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training in EMDR. This training typically consists of:

• A minimum of 20 hours of instructional training

• 20 hours of practicum experience (hands-on practice of EMDR techniques)

• 10 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant or Consultant-in-Training

Upon completing this training, the therapist can legally provide EMDR therapy within their scope of practice. However, being “EMDR-trained” does not mean the therapist has obtained additional certifications beyond the required basic training. Some therapists stop at this level, while others continue their education to become certified. An EMDR-trained therapist has completed the minimum requirements to practice EMDR but has not pursued certification or additional consultation hours.

EMDR Certified Therapist

An EMDR Certified Therapist has gone beyond the basic training and completed additional education and consultation. This designation is awarded by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and requires:

• Completion of an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training

• A minimum of 50 clinical sessions using EMDR with clients

• At least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant

• At least 12 of those 20 hours must be individual consultation (the remaining can be in a group setting)

• 12 hours of EMDRIA-approved continuing education

• Holding a valid independent mental health license (e.g., LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist)

• Adherence to EMDRIA’s Ethical Code of Conduct

EMDR Certified Therapists demonstrate competency and experience in using EMDR therapy. This certification indicates a higher level of training and supervision than an EMDR-trained therapist. An EMDR Certified Therapist has completed additional consultation, practice, and education to refine their EMDR skills and demonstrate clinical competency.

For therapists looking to become EMDR Certified, Mindemics offers an exceptional curriculum for training, consultation, and certification. Mindemics is redefining the field by bringing therapists together for education, connection, and high-quality learning experiences that support professional growth and clinical excellence.

EMDR Consultant-in-Training (CIT)

A Consultant-in-Training (CIT) is an EMDR Certified Therapist who is working toward becoming an EMDR Consultant. The CIT status allows them to provide consultation hours to other EMDR-trained therapists under the supervision of an approved EMDR Consultant.

Requirements for CIT status include:

• Must be an EMDR Certified Therapist

• Must have completed at least three years of EMDR experience post-EMDR Basic Training

• Working toward obtaining consultation hours with an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant

A CIT cannot provide full consultation for those seeking EMDR Certification; they can only provide half of the required consultation hours. A CIT is an advanced-level therapist working toward becoming an EMDR Consultant and can provide partial consultation hours under supervision.

For those pursuing EMDR Consultant status, Mindemics is at the forefront of offering structured, expert-led consultation programs that empower therapists to take their skills to the next level.

EMDR Consultant

An EMDR Consultant is the highest level of EMDR training and credentialing. EMDR Consultants provide supervision and consultation for therapists at all levels of EMDR training.

Requirements for becoming an EMDR Consultant include:

• At least three years of experience using EMDR therapy after Basic Training

• Completion of 300 EMDR therapy sessions with clients

• A minimum of 20 hours of consultation received from an EMDR Consultant

• Providing at least 20 hours of consultation to other EMDR therapists (which includes work as a CIT)

• A demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and guide other clinicians

EMDR Consultants can provide consultation for both EMDR training and certification. They help therapists refine their skills, troubleshoot challenging cases, and ensure fidelity to EMDR protocols. An EMDR Consultant is an expert in EMDR therapy who mentors and provides consultation to EMDR-trained therapists and those seeking certification.

Mindemics is revolutionizing the way therapists engage in EMDR consultation by providing top-tier learning resources, interactive training, and a strong professional network for those seeking EMDRIA-approved Consultant status.

Mindemics is led by Carlie Deadman, LPC-S, the ultimate mental health hype queen who is always rooting for therapists to succeed. She believes in true healing, fostering community, and equipping therapists with the best EMDR training possible. As the owner of Mindemics, LLC, Carlie has built a community that fosters passion and offers multiple NBCC-approved programs, meaning therapists can also earn continuing education credits while advancing their EMDR skills.

Why Does EMDR Credentialing Matter?

For clients, working with an EMDR Certified Therapist or EMDR Consultant ensures they are receiving care from a clinician with advanced training, experience, and supervision. However, EMDR-trained therapists can still effectively deliver EMDR therapy if they adhere to best practices.

For therapists, pursuing EMDR Certification or Consultant status can:

• Enhance clinical skills and confidence

• Open opportunities for leadership and consultation roles

• Increase credibility and professional standing

• Improve treatment outcomes for clients

If you’re a therapist looking for high-quality EMDR training, Mindemics is a leading provider offering structured, expert-led pathways to EMDR Certification and Consultant status.

Understanding the different levels of EMDR training and certification can help both clients and clinicians navigate the world of EMDR therapy more effectively. Whether you are seeking therapy or considering advanced training, knowing the distinctions between EMDR-trained, EMDR-certified, and EMDR consultants will help you make informed decisions.

For more information, visit Mindemics or EMDRIA’s website to explore credentialing requirements and available resources.

-References-
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). (n.d.). EMDR Certification Requirements. Retrieved from www.emdria.org

Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. New York: The Guilford Press.

Parnell, L. (2013). Attachment-Focused EMDR: Healing Relational Trauma. W.W. Norton & Company.

Mindemics. (n.d.). EMDR Training & Certification Programs. Retrieved from www.mindemics.co

American Psychological Association. (2021). Clinical Guidelines for EMDR Therapy. Retrieved from www.apa.org