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EMDR Basic Training

This introductory course prepares participants to become EMDR Trained by providing 25 hours of didactic instruction, 21 hours of practicum, and 12 hours of consultation, all within a four-weekend format, either virtually or in-person

Participants will learn to apply evidence-based EMDR techniques and develop case conceptualizations using attachment theory, the theory of structural dissociation of the personality, and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

Participants will be trained to perform all eight phases of EMDR therapy Standard Protocol, with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other DSM-V-TR diagnoses.

When registered for this training, participants must remain with this cohort for all training dates due to staffing ratios and cohort cohesion.

Register Here

Basic Training Module Timeline

  • 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

    10:15-10:30 am -MORNING BREAK

    Morning Practicum- Methods of Client Stabilization, EMDR Therapy and Telehealth

    12:30-1:30 pm - LUNCH

    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

    3:30-3:45 pm - BREAK

    Afternoon Practicum

    Total: 

    • Lecture — 8.5 hrs.

    • Practicum — 6.0 hrs.

    • Daily AM Break — 15 mins

    • Daily Lunch Break — 60 mins.

    • Daily PM Break — 15 mins

  • Consultation

    10:30-10:45 am - BREAK

    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

    12:30-1:30 pm - LUNCH

    EMDR Phase Six – Body Scan
    EMDR Phase Seven – Closure
    Standards for Scope of Practice during and after Basic Training in EMDR

    3:15-3:30 pm - BREAK

    Practicum

    Total:

    • 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.

  • Consultation

    10:00-10:15 am - BREAK

    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

    12-15-1:15 pm - LUNCH

    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

    3:15-3:30 pm - BREAK

    Practicum

    Total:

    • Consultation — 4 hrs

    •  Lecture — 5.5 hrs

    • Practicum — 5 hrs

    • AM Break — 15 mins

    • Lunch Break — 60 mins

    • PM Break -- 15 mins

  • Consultation

    10:30-10:45 am - BREAK

    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

    12:30-1:30 pm - LUNCH

    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

    3:30-3:45 pm - BREAK

    Total:

    • 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.

Learning Objectives

  • 1

    Describe the key principles of the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

  • 2

    Describe the five elements of Francine Shapiro’s (2018) model of a memory network.

  • 3

    Describe the effects of trauma on information processing.

  • 4

    Provide effective stabilization procedures and EMDR therapy to persons referred for PTSD, panic disorder, and phobias of a traumatic origin.

  • 5

    Explain EMDR therapy’s standard 3-prong protocol.

  • 6

    Describe at least three different theoretical mechanisms underlying EMDR therapy’s treatment effects.

  • 7

    Evaluate which measure of dissociation is appropriate for use based on client presentation. 

  • 8

    Determine whether a client meets the readiness criteria for EMDR therapy reprocessing or requires extended preparation for reprocessing.

  • 9

    Describe the importance of assessment for dissociation before the onset of EMDR therapy reprocessing.

  • 10

    Apply standardized assessment measures, tools, and/or structured interviews to screen all prospective EMDR therapy clients for dissociation prior to applying any bilateral stimulation.

  • 11

    Demonstrate at least three different client stabilization procedures and the rationale for their use. 

  • 12

    Discuss possible cultural adaptations within the eight phases of EMDR therapy’s standard protocol.

  • 13

    Create a treatment plan that includes a targeting sequence for EMDR therapy reprocessing based on a history of symptoms, the history of the client, and their treatment goals. 

  • 14

    Summarize the purpose of each of the eight phases of EMDR therapy standard protocol, as well as the sequential steps in each of the eight phases.

  • 15

    Describe the client's verbal and nonverbal responses that indicate effective EMDR therapy reprocessing.

  • 16

    Name the four causes of EMDR therapy ineffective reprocessing.

  • 17

    Demonstrate procedures for closing an EMDR therapy reprocessing session.

  • 18

    Evaluate the client’s need for stabilization at the close of each EMDR therapy session.

  • 19

    Explain the differences and similarities between EMDR standard protocol and EMD.

  • 20

    Describe possible technical and procedural adaptations to EMDR therapy’s standard protocol needed for use with children and adolescents.

  • 21

    Describe possible reasons why EMDR therapy treatment of active duty military personnel and veterans is a specialty area.

  • 22

    Create at least four specific phobia questions to develop a targeting sequence for EMDR therapy reprocessing.

  • 23

    Describe at least two specialized protocols for EMDR therapy use with substance use disorders.

  • 24

    Describe the purpose and procedure for utilizing Arne Hofmann’s (2010) Inverted Protocol for use with complex PTSD clients.

FAQs

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps accelerate treatment for a wide range of issues related to disturbing past events and present life conditions. EMDR therapy is applicable for all ages. It is especially effective in rapidly reducing symptoms across various clinical concerns.

What will I learn in this EMDR training program?

This program prepares participants to become EMDR Trained by providing 25 hours of didactic instruction, 21 hours of practicum, and 12 hours of consultation, all within a four-weekend format. Participants will learn to apply evidence-based EMDR techniques, develop case conceptualizations using attachment theory, the theory of structural dissociation, and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. They will also be trained to perform all eight phases of EMDR, with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other DSM-V-TR diagnoses.

Who accredits this training program?

The EMDR Center of Southern California (ECSC) is accredited by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). This course meets the standards for EMDRIA’s EMDR Training requirements and provides an introductory, doctoral-level instruction in EMDR. The EMDR Center of Southern California (ECSC) is also an approved sponsor of Continuing Education (CE) by the American Psychological Association (APA). Our EMDR basic training offers an optional 58 CEs upon completion of the training program.

Is this program suitable for beginners?

Yes, this is considered an introductory course for mental health professionals. Appropriate participants are at least on a pathway for independent licensure and in their second year of graduate school and within a practicum setting with an active clinical caseload. Mental health professionals already holding independent licensure anywhere in the United States and around the world are welcome to join our training program! Our EMDR basic training program is taught at a level equivalent to a completed doctoral program in psychology.

Are all the EMDRIA consultation requirements contained within the posted hours for this EMDR Basic Training?

Yes! All ECSC’s EMDR Basic Training courses offer all the EMDRIA required consultation during the posted hours of the course. No extra effort is needed to find consultation outside of training course posted hours.

What are the costs and payment options for the program?

The standard tuition for the Basic Training program is $1,775. Pre-licensed clinicians are eligible for a discounted rate of $1,575. We offer flexible payment plans, including single, two-payment, and three-payment options, to accommodate different budgets.

What are the benefits of completing this training?

Upon completing this program, participants will be EMDR Trained, qualifying them for membership in the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and with its associated benefits. This training is also equivalent to completing both Level I and Level II EMDR training programs offered elsewhere.

Where can I view the specific learning objectives for this training?

The detailed learning objectives for the program can be found on the Learning Objectives page of our website.

Does the course meet the requirements set by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)?

Yes! All course dates are inclusive of lecture, practicum and consultation requirements per the governing body of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).      

What is the schedule format for the EMDR training weekends?

Our training follows a Saturday-Sunday format, with sessions from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm. The training is spread over 8 days, spaced three to four weeks apart, allowing participants to apply their learning with client populations at a manageable pace.

Will I practice EMDR Therapy skills during the training weekends?

Yes, each weekend includes supervised practice of EMDR Therapy skills, which reinforces the concepts covered in class lectures. Beginning in Weekend Two, participants present written and verbal materials in consultation sessions, helping to solidify their skills based on client work.

When will I start applying EMDR techniques with my clients?

After the first training weekend, you’ll begin using foundational concepts and EMDR preparation techniques with your clinical caseload, with ongoing consultation provided during class. Starting after Weekend Two, you’ll apply the full EMDR Standard Protocol therapy with clients, and receive further consultation during training dates for the two final weekends.

What level of proficiency will I have by the end of the training?

By the conclusion of this EMDR Basic Training, you will be EMDR Trained in thee Standard Protocol and earn a Certificate of Completion after all course requirements are met. You’ll complete the program with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to apply an EMDR Therapy framework tailored to each client based on individualized treatment plans and case formulations.

Will I be Certified as an EMDR therapist upon completion of this EMDR Basic Training?

To become an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, additional consultation and hours of EMDR therapy practice are required post EMDR Basic Training. Once participants are EMDR Trained, any of our team of consultants are eligible to assist EMDR Trained clinicians on their consultation journey to obtain the advanced designation of an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist! The EMDRIA requirements for this advanced designation will be discussed during the last weekend of ECSC’s EMDR Basic Training. You may also learn about the requirements via: http://www.emdria.org.

If you have further questions, call us toll free at (800)515-1091
or email us at drsells@emdrcalifornia.com

Meet Your Instructors

  • Christine Sells, PhD, Founder and Director of Training

  • Donna Hunter, CMHC

    Donna Hunter, CMHC

  • Sarah Callow-St. George, MA, LPCC

    Sarah Callow-St. George, MA, LPCC

  • Kristina Butner, LCSW

    Kristina Butner, LCSW

  • Megan Dejean, LCSW

    Megan Dejean, LCSW

  • Diane Di Grazia

    Diane Di Grazia, LMFT

  • Denise Levine, LCSW

    Denise Levine, LCSW

  • Barbara Hall, LCSW

    Barbara Hall, LCSW

  • Briana Ferron, LMFT

    Briana Ferron, LMFT

  • Luz Robles, Psy.D.

Enroll Now

Enroll Now ☆

This introductory course prepares participants to become EMDR Trained by providing 25 hours of didactic instruction, 21 hours of practicum, and 12 hours of consultation, all within a four-weekend format, either virtually or in-person

Participants will learn to apply evidence-based EMDR techniques and develop case conceptualizations using attachment theory, the theory of structural dissociation of the personality, and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

Participants will be trained to perform all eight phases of EMDR therapy Standard Protocol, with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other DSM-V-TR diagnoses.

When registered for this training, participants must remain with this cohort for all training dates due to staffing ratios and cohort cohesion.

Register Here

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