EMDR Training Overview
Understanding the Structure of EMDR Training
EMDR training follows a defined progression. Therapists begin with foundational instruction and may continue into advanced study, consultation, and certification pathways depending on their professional goals. This overview clarifies how the structure works and how each stage connects within the broader training model.
All of our trainings and consultations are EMDRIA Approved.
What is EMDRIA?
EMDRIA is the international association for EMDR therapists. It is the credentialing body that establishes ethical guidelines and standards for the safe administration and expert training of EMDR. Everyone on our team has completed the rigorous EMDRIA standards for the credentials they possess.
What are the stages of EMDR training?
The structure begins with the foundational training (in-person or virtual). The foundational training is a 50-hour EMDRIA Approved EMDR Basic Training. The therapist does not need any other training to ethically and legally administer. No other training is required.
After completing the basic training, the therapist can refer to themselves as an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist. This is the title on their certificate after competition the 50-hour training. The therapists, however, may decide to pursue advanced certification that deepens their understanding of EMDR therapy.
What is the difference between basic and advanced study?
Basic training establishes competency in the model. Advanced coursework deepens application, case conceptualization, and developmental understanding.
Is certification required after basic training?
Certification is optional and follows additional consultation and professional development beyond initial coursework.
How do I decide where to begin?
All clinicians who have completed the 50-hour basic training are encouraged to move on to certification before taking a variety of EMDR CEU courses. This is not a rule but a suggestion from Dr. Dobo. He has discovered that people he has trained go and take CEU courses and they are taught to add things that actually weaken the EMDR model and often harm the client.
Before you start tampering with a model of therapy you hardly know, he encourages that you spend time getting better at EMDR and understanding it at a much deeper level.
The 50-hour training teaches you to administer EMDR safely. It you want to get really good at EMDR really fast, spend another year toward certification with Dr. Dobo or one of his team. This improves your skill exponentially.
The Structure of EMDR Training
EMDR training follows a defined progression. Each stage builds on the one before it, ensuring competency, clinical depth, and continued professional development.
EMDRIA Approved 50-hour Basic Training
The starting point for clinicians learning EMDR. Learn the complete eight-phase model, practice it through guided practicum, and develop the foundation needed to administer EMDR safely with clients. The 50-hour training gives therapists enough understanding and experience to begin using the model responsibly while discovering just how much more there is to learn.
Advanced EMDR Training
Designed for clinicians who have completed EMDR basic training and want to understand what is really happening during a session. Learn to recognize, create, and maintain FLOW while developing a more precise understanding of every word, breath, movement, and response the client reveals.
Certification & Transformational Pathways
For clinicians ready to explore what becomes possible beyond symptom reduction. Transformational EMDR® brings greater depth to the work through Jungian psychology, dreamwork, and a whole-person understanding of healing that helps clients move toward who they are becoming.
Eligibility and Professional Requirements
EMDR training is intended for licensed mental health professionals and qualifying pre-licensed clinicians working toward licensure. Foundational training includes required practicum components and consultation hours consistent with EMDRIA standards.
Completion of initial coursework does not conclude development. Therapists pursuing certification or advanced pathways complete additional consultation and professional refinement beyond foundational instruction.
Specific eligibility criteria, consultation requirements, and certification standards are outlined within each training pathway.
Training Dates and Registration
Training dates are scheduled throughout the year and include both foundational and advanced offerings. Each session outlines location, format, and registration details specific to that course.
Clinicians begin with foundational EMDR therapist training before progressing into advanced or certification pathways. Registration is completed individually for each training level.
Current schedules, locations, and enrollment information are available below.
Formation Precedes Mastery
EMDR training is not an event. It is a progression. Each stage builds on disciplined study, supervised practice, and continued consultation. Competency develops through structure, not speed.
For clinicians committed to deepening their work, the path forward is defined. Foundational training establishes core proficiency. Advanced study refines clinical judgment. Certification formalizes professional standing.
The structure is deliberate. The progression is clear.
Serious work requires serious formation.