EMDR Basic Training vs. Certification vs. Consultant: What's the Difference?

*EMDR training/certification requirements come from EMDRIA and can change. Confirm current requirements here.

Figures below reflect EMDRIA's standard Basic Training structure as of 2026.

These are three different levels:

• Basic Training qualifies you to practice EMDR.

• EMDRIA Certification is an optional credential showing advanced competency.

• Approved Consultant is a further step that lets you provide the consultation other clinicians need for certification and training.

Basic Training: The foundation

20 hours instruction + 20 hours practicum + 10 hours consultation. Completing it means you can ethically use EMDR. It does not make you "EMDRIA Certified."

EMDRIA Certification: Advanced competency (optional)

After Basic Training, certification typically requires 20 additional consultation hours with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, 12 hours of EMDRIA Credit continuing education, documented EMDR sessions/experience, and an active license. It's a respected signal, but optional.

Approved Consultant: Training the next clinicians

The most advanced step: certified clinicians with significant EMDR experience can become Approved Consultants and (further) Trainers, providing the consultation and training others rely on. (This is where you are. Note your status.)

FAQ

Is certification worth it?

For many clinicians, yes. See the "Is EMDR training worth it?" post.

Where do I get consultation?

From an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant.

Train with me in Salt Lake City

I co-lead EMDR Training: Integrating EMDR into Your Clinical Practice, an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training, in person at the SLC Marriott University Park: Part 1: Oct 29–31, 2026 and Part 2: Dec 3–5, 2026 (with Trevor Hardcastle, LMFT). It meets all EMDRIA Basic Training requirements: 40 CE hours plus 10 hours of consultation. Early-bird pricing through Aug 19, 2026; register by Oct 18.