The remarkable power of memory is often underestimated. Thinking about positive memories can be relaxing and fill you with joy. Similarly, dwelling on negative memories can stir up distressing emotions that lead to depression and anxiety. Generally, good or bad, these emotions fade. So what happens if the negative feelings stay? What can you do when the emotions tied to a painful memory keep getting worse? If this is something you can relate to, consider seeking out EMDR treatment.

What is EMDR Treatment?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a specialized form of psychotherapy used to reduce negative feelings caused by memories linked to a traumatic event. First discovered in the late 1980’s, this groundbreaking method is now utilized by specially trained EMDR therapists throughout the world.

Though the reason why EMDR therapy is effective isn’t fully understood, the guiding principle behind its applications is. The Adaptive Information Processing Model, or AIP, which explains that problems arise when an experience is inadequately processed they become frozen in time which can lead to maladaptive responses. Positive change happens when tehse memories are processed and adaptive emotions are added to the neural network. The AIP model was developed after observing people in various states of mental health and is used along with bilateral stimulation to substitute negative beliefs and feelings with positive replacements.

How Does EMDR Work?

The brain is designed to handle adversity, but some experiences prevent it from doing so efficiently. Acting like a thorn, certain experiences impact the brain’s natural processing ability, causing psychological symptoms to develop.

An EMDR therapist helps “desensitize” the brain by accessing both its left and right side to process a memory efficiently. This is done using techniques such as tapping, vibrations, motions, or sounds that alternate bilaterally.

Similar to REM sleep, this is what is known as the eye-movement process. While performing those techniques, EMDR therapists will ask you questions and guide you through the memory.

Who Can EMDR Benefit?

EMDR treatment is a nontraditional method now offered by many psychologists, therapists, and other mental health experts. It’s especially useful for people looking to overcome the devastating effects of ongoing psychological trauma.

This makes EMDR therapy a uniquely suited solution for PTSD treatment, grief counseling, trauma therapy, abuse, and other negative experiences. It is also applied to treat symptoms related to a range mental health disorders (such as schizophrenia, phobias, and eating disorders) and used to supplement other treatment for anxiety and depression.

The Phases of EMDR Therapy

Trauma has the ability to negatively impact most aspects of life. The goal of EMDR treatment is to replace negative emotions with positive feelings in order to handle stressful situations without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Client History and Treatment Planning

2. Preparation (establish trust and fully explain the process)

3. Assessment (establish negative beliefs and determine positive replacements)

4. Desensitization (the bilateral motion or eye movement technique)

5. Installation (strengthen the placement of the positive replacements)

6. Body Scan (used to test your ability to think about the experience and determine if the negative emotions are still present)

7. Closure (destressing to safely end the session)

8. Reevaluation (establish your progress before beginning another session, if necessary)

For more information, read EMDR Therapists Offer an Alternative Treatment.

To request an appointment with a Certified EMDR therapist

Sessions can be 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. For some, a more intensive and shorter term model works best. Read more below.

EMDR Trained vs Certified: Differences Between Therapists

EMDR therapy s a remarkable tool being utilized by therapists to treat a growing number of different psychological conditions. Mental health professionals, psychologists, and clinical therapists are all embracing the many benefits of EMDR therapy. 

As such, the popularity of EMDR therapy comes with a common question often debated among professionals working in the mental health field – Does an EMDR therapist need to undergo the full process of certification or are basic EMDR training sessions all that is needed?

Understanding EMDR Training

EMDR training is a comprehensive program designed to equip mental health clinicians with the essential skills and knowledge to practice EMDR therapy effectively. This training encompasses a variety of learning methods, including lectures, demonstrations, videos, mentoring, and supervised hands-on practice. Typically completed over a period of six months, the training ensures that clinicians are well-prepared to use EMDR therapy in their practice. Following this intensive training, a therapist must participate in consultation, often taking up to two years.

The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) sets the standards for EMDR training, ensuring that only EMDRIA-approved programs meet the necessary criteria. These standards are crucial for maintaining the quality and effectiveness of EMDR therapy. Upon completing the training, clinicians receive an EMDR Training Certificate of Completion, which is a prerequisite for those who wish to use EMDR therapy professionally. This certificate signifies that the clinician has acquired the foundational knowledge and skills required to begin practicing EMDR therapy. 

Dr. Berg-Martinez's EMDR training was done with EMDRIA-approved EMDR Professional Training Institute. Consultation was completed with Dr. Michelle Gottlieb and Dr. Curt Rouanzoin, two of the most experienced EMDR providers in the area. Dr. Berg-Martinez then completed additional specialized training with Dr. Laurell Parnell, Ph.D., focusing on attachment-informed EMDR and with Dr. Mara Tesler Stein, Psy.D., PMH-C, focused on adaptations of EMDR with the perinatal population. 

The Value of EMDR Certification

EMDR certification is a formal recognition granted by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) to clinicians who have not only completed the approved training but also met specific additional criteria. This certification signifies a higher level of proficiency and qualification in utilizing EMDR therapy in clinical practice. By becoming EMDR certified, clinicians demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the highest standards of EMDR therapy.

For clinicians, EMDR certification enhances their confidence in using EMDR therapy with clients and broadens their ability to help a wider range of individuals seeking this specialized treatment. For clients, knowing that a therapist is EMDR certified provides assurance of the therapist’s advanced skills and dedication to maintaining high professional standards. Additionally, EMDR certification adds significant credibility to a clinician’s role as a mental health professional specializing in EMDR therapy. What was particularly appealing to me in deciding to pursue EMDR certification was the ability to deepen my understanding of the technique and work closely with experienced clinicians who had mastered the technique. 

Key Differences Between Trained and Certified Therapists

While both trained and certified therapists have completed EMDR training, there are key differences in their qualifications and experience. Trained therapists have completed the basic training program, which equips them with the foundational skills to practice EMDR therapy. However, they may not have the same level of experience or expertise as certified therapists.

Certified therapists, on the other hand, have not only completed the basic training but have also met additional rigorous requirements. These include accumulating a significant number of hours of EMDR experience, consulting with an approved EMDR consultant, and completing continuing education credits. This extensive process ensures that certified therapists have demonstrated a higher level of proficiency and are recognized as experts in the field of EMDR therapy. While trained therapists are qualified to practice EMDR therapy, certified therapists offer a higher level of recognition and credibility, which can be crucial for client trust and successful outcomes.

EMDR Training

EMDR Basic Training covers an evidence-based therapy designed to help manage the negative thoughts, sensations, and feelings commonly associated with traumatic memories. Though PTSD treatment and trauma are the most common applications for EMDR therapy, it can be applied to much more.

EMDR training prepares therapists to effectively use EMDR Therapy through lectures, demonstrations, videos, mentoring, practicing, and other useful tools. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) developed standards that accomplish its EMDR Training Learning Objectives for an adequate level of experience, as defined below:

• Learn various applications for EMDR counseling as treatment for PTSD, trauma, and other specialized needs.

• Become familiar with the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy beyond a general understanding of its use.

• Discover how EMDR works and why it is a useful treatment option.

• Learn how to develop a thorough treatment plan for trauma therapy. 

• Learn how to promote proper trauma processing for patients.

• Learn how to properly utilize Bilateral Stimulation (Dual Attention Stimulation) during treatment.

• Discover proper safety techniques for clients seeking trauma therapy.

• Learn how EMDR counseling can be applied to specialized treatment for anxiety, sexual assault, grief, addiction, substance abuse, phobias, secondary traumatic stress, and more.

• Learn how to integrate EMDR Therapy into an established clinical setting.

EMDR Certification

To become certified in EMDR, therapists who have completed the initial training program must also successfully accomplish an additional list of criteria. Official EMDR-certified therapists also complete the following responsibilities:

• Be a licensed mental health professional able to practice independently.

• Become a registered member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

• Consult with an approved consultant in EMDR for an additional 20 hours

• Minimum of 10 hours must be in an individual setting.

• Up to 10 hours may be obtained in a small group setting.

• Complete at least 50 EMDR treatment sessions with a minimum of 25 clients.

• Complete 12 hours of CEU’s in EMDR after basic training is complete.

Only once all of the criteria have been met can a mental health professional claim to be a Certified-EMDR Therapist. Additionally, in order to maintain certification a practitioner must complete 12 hours of EMDRIA approved continuing education credits biannually. Obviously this is a rigorous process!

Conclusion

The simple answer to what the difference is between an EMDR-trained therapist and an EMDR-certified therapist is experience and training. Trauma counseling is naturally a strenuous, volatile, and sensitive area in which to practice; thorough preparation is vital. EMDR Certification provides the professional and practical experience necessary to safely use EMDR counseling and achieve lasting results.