How
Much Time Does EMDR Therapy Certification Really Take?
Practicing EMDR requires thorough training and continuing education, but it’s the type of career that can offer rewarding results. While there are certain practices and standards to follow, the truth is every case will be different. Now, how much time does the certification take? Here’s what you need to know.
What Am I Competent to Practice EMDR?
EMDR is a glowing career, but it requires proper training. At the end of the day, you’re working with people’s traumas, emotions and feelings, so it needs to be done in a professional manner.
This isn’t just a moral duty, but a legal requirement in most countries too. Even if you get trained in your home country to practice abroad, chances are you’ll still need a certification.
"One thing to keep in mind, just at the outset, is that the entity that you have to respond to and that you are beholden to is going to be your licensing board." says Dr. Jennifer Sweeton from Online CE Credits.
In other words, when you pick your EMDR training provider, you need to consider where you’re about to practice. Simply put, the provider must be certified and approved by a licensing body or professional board, such as those following the EMDRIA-approved training requirements.
The more reputable a provider is, the more options you’ll have.
How Long Does EMDR Training Take?
On average, you won’t need to train for months or years to practice in this field, yet EMDR requires continuous education with new practices and standards, in line with continuing education guidelines for licensed psychologists.
Generally speaking, an intensive course should take about a week, especially if you opt for the basic option. However, it can also take longer, as each provider offers a different structure.
Some providers divide their courses into more parts or levels.
Then, if you require a certain specialization, add some extra days to your training. For example, you may want to specialize in children or teenagers. Such a specialization will require a few more days of training.
The Basic Training
How long does EMDR training take if you only need the basics? This course shouldn’t take more than seven days. It’s basic and introduces you to the foundation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
You’ll learn more about the core principles of this practice, but you’ll also discover the most common techniques in this therapy.
While it’s great for someone who’s just starting, it’s not a specialized option, so you may require more education or additional modules if you plan to work on specific populations or pursue certification.
Different Modules and Packages
Pay attention to how the training course is structured. Some providers will give you up to four parts for the course. Splitting it like this may take a bit longer, as you may have a few days between each training session. Some others only split the course into two phases or levels, which can be completed more quickly if your schedule allows.
Sometimes, you could find modules that go deeper into details, offering access to unique specializations, such as working with elders only or focusing on trauma in specific populations.
Such a structured course could give you a good deal if you can’t afford paying for everything in one go. You can go through one module at a time, as you can afford it. However, as a general rule of thumb, you’ll get a better deal if you book the whole course.
The Actual Accreditation
EMDR continues to gain recognition for its effectiveness, with a growing evidence base supporting EMDR therapy in trauma-focused care. Although the training only takes about a week, the truth is you won’t be 100% ready to practice. In fact, you need to pass the exam and complete some supervised practice as well. Most providers also offer access to supervisors, so make sure you pick someone with experience.
Supervision can be done online, but you can also have it in person. To become accredited in some states, you may need to practice with three to 24 clients, depending on the law. Additionally, you need to complete a certain number of supervised hours like 10 or 20 as a part of the certification process.
Specialized and Consultant Training
Last but not least, specializations will take about two days. For example, you'll need Level 1 and Level 2 training if you want to specialize in teenagers and children only. Each specialization has its own requirements, so it’s important to check eligibility before enrolling.
On the other hand, consultant training is slightly different. Such training is suitable if you want to become an accredited consultant. Most commonly, these courses take around three days to complete and are intended for practitioners who already have substantial experience with EMDR therapy.
They’re not usually included in basic training packages and must be booked separately.
Bottom line, how long does EMDR training take? If you go for the basic training, give yourself around a week. Based on modules and structures, it may extend over two weeks, yet that’s less likely to happen. Most trainees can get the basics within the first seven days.
Like for any other practice, you may need additional training, depending on your goals. Therefore, take these things into consideration too, whether you want a particular specialization or you’re seeking to become an accredited consultant.
Either way, make sure to book your course with a certified and approved provider who can offer exactly what you need, rather than the other way around.
