Welcome to our EMDR basic training website. We have a most excellent training program which will take your clinical practice to a new level of effectiveness with client symptom reduction and elimination, and EMDR therapy is applicable to all ages. Please view our full course description, reviews, and then sign up by clicking on the “Register Now” button to become EMDR Trained in four months’ time, one weekend per month.
If you have questions, Call Toll Free (800)515-1091, or email us at: drSells@eMDRcalifornia.com
Our Fall of 2024 VIRTUAL EMDR Basic Training registration is now open!
If you would like to apply for our Diversity Scholarship, please contact Dr. Sells at the above email.
High Quality, Comprehensive Training in EMDR Therapy
We know you are highly interested to take your clinical practice to a new level of effectiveness that provides rapid symptom resolution! EMDR therapy is a comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapy that increases the speed of client treatment for a wide rage of client referral issues connected to disturbing past events and present life conditions.
This introductory program prepares participants to be EMDR Trained via (25) hours of didactics, (21) hours of practicum, and (12) hours of consultation via a comprehensive, four-weekend format. The EMDR Center of Southern California (ECSC) is accredited through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Although this is considered an introductory-level course, instruction is provided at the level of a completed doctoral program in psychology.
Participants will learn how to apply evidence-based clinical research in EMDR to their clinical caseloads, formulate case conceptualizations based on attachment theory, the theory of structural dissociation of the personality, and the Adaptive Information Processing Model (AIP) promulgated by EMDR's founder, Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Participants will learn to execute EMDR through all its eight phases with their clinical caseloads focusing in particular on the spectrum of PTSD from simple to complex presentations, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and many other DSM-V-TR diagnoses.
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be EMDR Trained and qualify for membership and benefits with the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). The learning objectives of this training program may be viewed on the Learning Objectives page of this website.
Completion of this training is equivalent to finishing Level I & Level II training elsewhere. Regular tuition for the Basic Training is $1,775 payable via our website ($1,575. for pre-licensed clinicians). Single, two-payment, and three-payment plan options are available to fit your budget.
Our next EMDR Basic Training for the Fall of 2024 will be VIRTUAL on all the following Saturday/Sunday weekends:
August 10 & 11, September 7 & 8, October 5 & 6, and November 2 & 3
All training days start sign in at 8:15 am and end at 5:15 pm (Pacific Time).
Read our Recent Participant Testimonials
”I have such a better understanding of what standard EMDR and EMDR treating [Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified] DDNOS and PTSD is… Now having completed EMDR basic training with ECSC I am going further with it in my career. I have seen first hand the benefits of what EMDR therapy can do when applied safely and appropriately.”
—Michelle C., LMFT
“The practical application of attachment theory to the eight phases of EMDR therapy have been invaluable for me working with my clients who have past relational trauma.”
—Laura P., Ph.D.
“Dr. Sells was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and effective as a lecturer and as a facilitator of the practicum portion of the training. Dr. Sells was professional and relatable. I also appreciated Dr. Sells' respect for our time as she started and ended our training sessions on time. I have already recommended this training by Dr. Sells to several colleagues.“
—Marla P., Psy.D.
“Dr. [Christine] Sells is very knowledgable and dynamic as a presenter. She also created a very inviting environment to ask questions and was quite helpful when providing feedback during consultation. I'm so glad I took this training with Christine!”
—Camille M., LCSW
“Amazing training! Staff were inspiring and helpful in facilitating a supportive learning environment.”
—Priya S., LPCC
“I thoroughly enjoyed this training and am very glad I chose this one.”
—Alex A., Psy.D.
Training Dates for Fall of 2024
registration for Fall of 2024 VIRTUAL Training is Now Open
Aug. 10 & 11 (Sat./Sun.) Regular Tuition*:
Sept. 7 & 8 (Sat./Sun.) Licensed Clinicians: $1,775.
Oct. 5 & 6 (Sat./Sun.) Pre-licensed Clinicians: $1,575.
Nov. 2 & 3 (Sat./Sun.) *Single payment, Two-payment, and
Three-payment options are available
All course dates are inclusive of lecture, practicum and consultation requirements per the governing body of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Sign-in begins at 8:15 am, and we finish at 5:15 pm (Pacific Time) each training day.
Trainer Bio & EMDR Basic Training Description
Christine Sells, Ph.D., is the Founder and Director of Training at the EMDR Center of Southern California (ECSC). She has over 25 years experience as a clinical psychologist and specializes in EMDR therapy with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing attachment-related traumas, complex PTSD, and severe dissociative disorders. She maintains a private practice in Newport Beach, CA. Her latest publication addresses EMDR certification consultation: Madere, J., Leeds, A.M., Sells, C., Browning, J., Sperling, C. (2020). Consultation for EMDRIA Certification in EMDR: Challenges and best practices,
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(2), 62-75.
Our trainings follow a Saturday-Sunday format of 8 days (8:30 am to 5:15 pm) spaced apart by at least three to four weeks to maximize participants’ ability to apply paced learning with their current client populations. Supervised practice of EMDR Therapy skills during training weekends is the procedural and perceptual foundation for applying learned concepts during class lecture. Beginning in Weekend Two, in-class consultation via presentation of written and verbal materials by participants solidifies skill development following their application with client populations. After the first training weekend you will begin applying foundational concepts and EMDR preparation with your clinical caseload with consultation during class sessions. Beginning after weekend two you will be applying the Standard EMDR Therapy protocol with your client caseload and receive consultation during class sessions. You will complete our training program with the preparation, skills and knowledge to confidently apply an EMDR Therapy framework to your existing clinical caseload based on an EMDR case formulation and individualized treatment plan. If you have questions or any concerns about participation in the EMDR basic training, please feel free to call the toll free number at the top of this landing page. By the conclusion of your EMDR Basic Training, you will be EMDR Trained using EMDR Standard Protocol!
Module One: Days 1 & 2 (8:30am-5:15pm Pacific Time)
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: Commitment & Approach of ECSC’s Basic Training Program, The Foundations Of Working With Trauma And Dissociation, History and Overview of EMDR, The Foundations of Attachment Theory as a Basis for EMDR Case Conceptualization, Overview of the Model of Structural Dissociation of the Personality, The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
(AM Break: 10:15-10:30 am)
Methods of Client Stabilization, EMDR Therapy and Telehealth
Morning Practicum
(Lunch: 12:30-1:30 pm)
Model, Method, and Mechanism of EMDR, Case formulation — Attachment Theory as a Foundation for EMDR Treatment Planning, Principles and Approaches to EMDR Phase One — History Taking (with various client populations), Assessing Stability and Readiness for Reprocessing, EMDR Phase Two — Preparation
(PM Break: 3:30-3:45 pm)
Afternoon Practicum
Totals: Lecture — 8.5 hrs., Practicum — 6.0 hrs., Daily AM Break — 15 mins.; Daily Lunch Break — 60 mins.; Daily PM Break — 15 mins.
Module Two: Days 3 & 4 (8:30am-5:15pm Pacific Time)
Consultation
(AM Break: 10:30-10:45 am)
The Modulation Model — Dual Attention and the Window of Tolerance
Bridge Techniques to use for Forestalled History Taking, and in Certain Problems of Reprocessing
Case Examples of History Taking and Targeting Sequence
EMDR Phase Three – Assessment of the Reprocessing Target
EMDR Phase Four – Desensitization
EMDR Phase Five – Installation
(Lunch: 12:30-1:30 pm)
EMDR Phase Six – Body Scan
EMDR Phase Seven – Closure
Standards for Scope of Practice during and after Basic Training in EMDR
(PM Break: 3:15-3:30 pm)
Practicum
Totals: Consultation — 4 hrs.; Lecture — 5.50 hrs.; Practicum — 5 hrs.; Daily AM Break — 15 mins.; Daily Lunch Break -- 60 mins.; Daily PM Break — 15 mins.
Module Three: Days 5 & 6 (8:30am-5:15pm Pacific Time)
Consultation
(AM Break: 10:00-10:15 am)
Phase Eight — Re-evaluation
The 3-Pronged Approach in EMDR Therapy — Past, Present, Future
Introduction to using EMDR with Children and Adolescents
Dual Attention and the Window of Tolerance during Reprocessing
(Lunch: 12-15-1:15 pm)
Maintaining and Restoring Effective Reprocessing, including the use of Clinical Interweaves
Treating Unconsolidated Memories with the “Recent Events” Protocol
EMDR Treatment of Somatic Disorders and Chronic Pain
EMDR Treatment of Traumatic and Complex Grief
Practicum
(PM Break: 3:15-3:30 pm)
Practicum
Totals: Consultation — 4 hrs.; Lecture — 5.5 hrs.; Practicum — 5 hrs.; AM Break — 15 mins.; Lunch Break — 60 mins.; PM Break -- 15 mins.
Module Four: Days 7 & 8 (8:30am-5:15pm Pacific Time)
Consultation
(AM Break: 10:30-10:45 am)
EMDR Treatment of Depression, Specific Phobias and Panic Disorder
EMDR Treatment of Complex PTSD — the CIPOS Method
Titrated EMDR Reprocessing — the Inverted Protocol, and EMD
EMDR Treatment of Substance Abuse and Compulsive Behaviors
Working with Survivors of Incest, Sexual Abuse and Early Neglect
(Lunch: 12:30-1:30 pm)
Cultural Competency and Cultural Humility in the Practice of EMDR Therapy The EMDR Community and the Need for Ongoing Continuing Education in EMDR and Consultation
Systems Issues, Insurance Reimbursement, and Adjunctive Use of EMDR
Practicum
(PM Break: 3:30-3:45 pm)
Totals: Consultation — 4.0 hrs., Lecture — 5.5 hrs., Practicum — 5 hrs.; Daily AM Break — 15 mins.; Daily Lunch Break — 60 mins.; Daily PM Break -- 15 mins.
Tuition for EMDR Basic Training
Regular Tuition*
Licensed Clinicians: $1,775.
Pre-licensed Clinicians: $1,575.
*Single payment, two-payment, or three-payment plan options are available
Register Now For our comprehensive Basic Training in eMDR Therapy
Registration is now open for the Fall of 2024 VIRTUAL EMDR Basic Training. Our Basic Training is open to graduate students given the prerequisite of being in a second-year practicum with a current client caseload, and clinical supervisor approval; graduate interns must also secure clinical supervisor approval. Independently licensed mental health professionals may register provided that they have a current clinical caseload.
Before you click the “register now” button near the top of this landing page, be prepared to fully complete the Participation Agreement and Payment/Registration Form. You may pay online here for your registration through our secure portal. Your spot in the Basic Training in EMDR Therapy is not official until you are emailed your Acceptance Letter from the Director of Training.
ECSC Basic Training Polices
Cancellation Policy - The following conditions apply if withdrawal from the training is necessary after acceptance: 1) Full refund minus a $150. administration fee 30 days or more before the training onset, 2) Within 30 days prior to training onset no refunds will be issued for any reason, and 3) After the onset of training, no refunds will be issued for personal reasons or business situations, including medical circumstances as vacancies after the onset of training cannot be filled. Any refund requests must be in writing via email to the Director of Training: drsells@emdrcalifornia.com. The following additional conditions apply if you need to withdraw from the training after acceptance: 1) You may request in writing via email to the Director of Training (drsells@emdrcalifornia.com) transfer to a future training cycle with an associated transfer fee of $150., 2) When the time between the first and second training course is six months or less, and if you attended and satisfactorily completed only weekend one of the course, then you may resume training at weekend two of the next training course, 3) If you only attended and satisfactorily completed weekends one and two of the course, then you are required to start again at weekend two of the next training course, 4) If you attended and satisfactorily completed weekends one, two and three in one course, then you may return and take just weekend four of the next training course, 5) Before satisfactorily completing the course, you may elect to start over and attend all four weekends of one course. For purposes of this registration, if you attend only one day of a weekend, that will be considered as if you had not attended that weekend at all, 6) If the time between the first and second training courses is more than six months, you will be required to start over and attend all four weekends at the next training course, and 7) Only one transfer to a future EMDR basic training course (which has an associated $150. transfer fee) is allowed.
Satisfactory Completion
Participants must have paid the tuition fee, signed in and out each day, attended the entire program, and completed all course requirements in order to receive a certificate. Failure to sign in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Unfortunately, partial credit is not available. Certificates will be available following course completion via the Canvas learning management system platform. You may view the course requirements within the Participation Agreement prior to finishing the registration process for this course (near the top of this landing page, click the ‘register now’ button to view the contents of the Participation Agreement).
Conflicts of Interest - Neither Dr. Sells nor any other instructors at ECSC has received any commercial support for this program or its contents, and will not receive any commercial support prior to or during this program.
Accessibility Policy - This program adheres to the standards of the Americans Disabilities Act. Please contact us if special accommodation is required.
Grievance Policy - We seek to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair and timely manner. Please email us with your written grievance. Grievances will receive, to the best of our ability, timely corrective action in order to prevent further problems.