EMDR Training FAQs

Here at EMDR Educators, you’ll find a non-judgemental atmosphere that’s rich with support and encouragement.

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"EMDR has transformed my work and my life"

Dr. Andrew J. Dobo

EMDR Trainer and Consultant

EMDR Training Questions

For information such as training locations, dates, and times, feel free to view our EMDR Training Calendar.

Can Dr. Dobo be my supervisor if I am a student or an intern?

No, Dr. Dobo cannot be your supervisor for licensure. Dr. Dobo’s role and the role of his team is that of a consultant and not of a supervisor.

Do the ten consultation calls that are required to complete EMDR Training count toward EMDR certification?

No, they do not. Certification is an additional credential that requires 20 more hours of consultation with an approved consultant. Certification is not required.

Is there a time limit to complete the consultation calls for my EMDR training?

Yes, you have one year from the first day of your Part I training. For example, if you were to attend a training that begins on March 1, 2023, must complete your ten consultation calls before March 1, 2024. If you do not complete these calls by that date, you must retake the entire course.

Is there a time limit to complete the requirements to become certified?

Yes. The time limit for EMDR certification after training is 5 years.

What is the difference between an EMDRIA certified therapist and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant?

The certified therapist has no other privileges except to say they are certified and can advertise that they are certified. Certification is primarily done to accelerate your skills as an EMDR therapist.

The approved consultant is a clinician who provides EMDR consultation to those taking their basic training and also for anyone who wants to become certified.

EMDR consultants can also assist with EMDR trainings and even create their own training and become CEU providers.

Why do I need to be trained in EMDR? What’s the difference between EMDR and say CBT that I am already trained in?

Books could be written on this subject.

We do discuss the differences between EMDR and other models in the training. But let me just say, with most talk therapies, the client talks about an experience, with EMDR the client has an experience right in front of you. You actually get to see the “ah-huh” moment occur.

Perhaps a metaphor will help. Talk therapy is like having the power of a nine-volt battery available to you in your work. EMDR is like having the power of a lightning bolt at your disposal. This is not an exaggeration.

EMDR Usage Questions

Is EMDR like hypnosis?

No, one might say that EMDR is the opposite of hypnosis.

With hypnosis, the client is put in a trance state and is semi-aware. The therapist does all the talking. EMDR activates thoughts, feelings, images, memories, and body sensations. The client doesn’t think about an experience; the client has an experience. Additionally, the therapist says very little. Most of the work is done in the client’s own head.

Are some clients too old or two young for EMDR therapy to be used with them?

The research shows that children as young as 2 years of age and adults as old as 85 years of age have benefited from EMDR. It should be noted that there are other contraindicators other than age. These kinds of questions are covered in more detail in the training.

Can EMDR be used in the treatment of addiction?

Yes, in fact, recent research shows that a trauma-focused approach to the treatment of addiction greatly increases the rate of success.

When EMDR was added to the treatment protocol of addiction success rates significantly increased. We discuss some of these approaches in the basic training. The Part II component of the training.

Can EMDR be used with Children?

Yes, the research shows that children as young as two years of age benefit from EMDR. It is often integrated with play therapy techniques, but you do not have to be trained in play therapy to use EMDR with children. This too is discussed in Part II of the professional training.

Can EMDR be used with clients on the spectrum?

Yes, most of the time there can be a benefit, but it is usually less robust because this population doesn’t generalize, and generalization is one of the powerful healing components of EMDR therapy.

Does EMDR help with phobias and panic?

Absolutely, EMDR is a treatment of choice for cPTSD and PTSD. Often panic and phobias are aspects of these diagnoses. There are specific ways to conceptualize these issues utilizing the adaptive information process model that is explained in the training.

Is there any research about EMDR?

Yes, there have been over 500 academic studies.

The first study was in 1988 and showed incredible results. Since then studies have continued. EMDRIA publishes a quarterly research journal.

There have been more than 40 randomized controlled studies with adults and 14 with children. This is the gold standard of research.

In 2018 a group of European researchers completed a three-year study that showed EMDR as an effective treatment for depression.

For additional information, feel free to contact us.

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Learn EMDR therapy from Dr. Dobo firsthand. It takes just one 5-day intensive and 10 consultation calls to become an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist, or you can complete parts 1 and 2 online. Join EMDR Educators now and enjoy the many unique benefits we offer.

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