EMDR Basic Training

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is an interactional, standardized treatment which has been empirically validated as an effective and efficient therapy for a wide range of clinical issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, excessive grief, somatic conditions and addictions. EMDR therapy is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model which addresses the unprocessed memories that appear to set the basis for a current difficulties. A number of neuro-physiological studies have documented the rapid EMDR treatment effects.
 
The EMDR Basic Training, including EMDR Basic Training Part 1 and Part 2, is designed for licensed mental health practitioners who treat adults and children in a clinical setting. EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy that accelerates the treatment of a wide range of client difficulties and self-esteem issues related to the impact of traumatic and adverse past events and present life conditions. EMDR therapy is an evidence based clinical approach which is rated as a top-level treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization. EMDR is endorsed in other treatment guidelines throughout the world including the American Psychological Association and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

This training meets all standards established by the EMDR International Association to prepare a licensed clinician to be able to practice EMDR therapy. The training includes didactic lecture and discussion, extensive supervised practice opportunities, clinical consultation, two detailed manuals and access to extensive clinical resources.

 

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Lead Trainer:

Mark Nickerson, LICSW is a senior trainer for the EMDR Institute. He was selected and trained by Francine Shapiro, PhD, who founded and developed EMDR therapy and the EMDR Institute, the first and foremost training organization in EMDR therapy. Mark has been a therapist in Amherst, MA for 35 years, is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, served on the EMDR International Association Board for eight years and was Board President. He is the Director of EMDR Advanced Training and Distance Learning, LLC., EMDRAdvancedTrainings.com. He is editor/author of Cultural Competence and Healing Culturally-Based Trauma with EMDR Therapy: Insights, Strategies and Protocols (2nd edition, Springer, 2023) and The Wounds Within (Skyhorse, 2015), an expose on the challenges for war veterans and their families. Mark conducts basic and advanced EMDR trainings nationally and internationally.

Integrating EMDR with Other Approaches:

As an integrative psychotherapy approach, EMDR therapy is compatible with other contemporary treatment paradigms including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, experiential and systemic approaches. EMDR methods treat substance and behavioral addiction and support recovery.

Goal of the EMDR Basic Training:

This experiential training will familiarize participants with a broad spectrum of EMDR therapy applications sufficient for comfortable and efficient use with a wide range of patients and situations.

EMDR Basic Training Part 1 (20 CE Program)

EMDR Basic Training Part 1 is part of the full EMDR Basic Training and takes place over three days. Each day is divided into two sections: The morning includes didactic lecture, review of manual materials, video examples, Q&A and discussion. Afternoon practicum sessions include small group discussion related to morning didactic content, and practice sessions. during which participants practice methods by rotating in the role of therapist, clinician and observer.

Day 1

Day 1 begins with a review of the development of EMDR therapy, the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory which informs clinical assessment and intervention planning, research related support, and Treatment Guidelines recommendations. Participants are introduced to the mechanisms, model, and methodology of EMDR therapy including the Eight Phases of EMDR and the 3-prong protocol. Participants then learn details of Phase I History Taking and Treatment Planning and Phase 2 Preparation and Stabilization. Clients are advised in the use of the DES-II and other assessment tools. Participants learn the types of clinical complaints/diagnosis treatable with EMDR therapy. Participants are reminded of the importance of culturally responsive considerations and adaptations on Day 1 and throughout the training. Afternoon small group exercises discuss case conceptualization and treatment planning. During practicum sessions, when in the role of therapist, participants use scripted protocols and complete Phases 1 and 2 to identify a treatment issue for the participant in the role of client and prepare them for reprocessing of related memories to be conducted on Days 2 and 3. A trained facilitator monitors three groups of typically three participants throughout all days of the training to provide oversight and guidance during the practicums.

Day 2

Day 2 of the training begins with Q&A related to the prior days’ content and practicum experiences. New content reviews Phases 3-6 which are those most closely related to memory reprocessing. Participants also learn procedures for Phase 7 Closure. This knowledge provides instruction as to the goals and procedures central to EMDR therapy reprocessing. Afternoon small groups review the specific scripts for the afternoon practicum. Participants practice Phases 3-7.

Day 3

Day 3 begins with Q&A related to the prior days content and practicum experiences. New content includes managing client affect including hyper and hypo arousal. Participants learn multiple strategies to build client capacity for reprocessing including additional resourcing and stabilization techniques. Phase 8 Reevaluation is taught along with clinical approaches to present triggers and a protocol of the Future Template. Content also includes and EMDR protocol for recent events and key considerations in working with children and adolescents. Afternoon practice sessions continue client reprocessing of identified material.

PART 1 Learning Objectives Content

1. Identify 3 or more components of the EMDR approach designed to provide effective treatment with clients
2. Identify the prongs of the Three-Pronged Protocol of EMDR therapy
3. List 3 or more research studies relevant to EMDR therapy
4. List 3 or more types of client difficulties that have been successfully treated with EMDR therapy
5. List five components of memory
6. Describe 3 aspects of the adaptive information processing (AIP) Model that guide case conceptualization and treatment planning
7. Name the 8 phases of EMDR therapy
8. Describe 3 criteria on the Client Readiness Checklist
9. Describe 3 safety measures for effective and safe use of EMDR therapy
10. Describe when you would apply the Future Template
11. Distinguish between direct questioning and the Floatback technique during Phase 1
12. List examples of negative and positive cognitions.
13. Describe the purpose of the Phase 3 Target Assessment
14. Describe the purpose of utilizing the SUD scale
15. Describe the purpose of the VOC scale
16. Describe 3 or more considerations for clinicians during memory reprocessing
17. Describe when to return to target in Phase 4 Desensitization.
18. Describe how to resume reprocessing following an incomplete target memory.
19. Describe three strategies for assisting a client to stay within the window of tolerance
20. Describe how to conduct the Phase 6 Body Scan

Detailed Agenda/Times

Days 1 and 2:
8:00 am – sign in
8:30 – 10:00 didactic learning Part 1
10:00 – 10:10 break
10:10 – 12:00 didactic learning Part 2
12:00 – 1:00 lunch
1:00 – 2:10 group exercises and discussion
2:10 – 4:40 clinical practice groups (3 five-minute breaks)
4:40 – 5:00 final group discussions

Day 3:
8:30 am – 10:00 didactic learning Part 1
10:00 – 10:10 break
10:10 – 12:00 didactic learning Part 2
12:00 – 1:00 lunch
1:00 – 3:30 clinical practice groups (3 five-minute breaks)
3:30 – 4:00 final group discussions and closing

Course completion requirements to receive CE credit

–  Attend and participation in all 20 hours of training (Part 1)
– Complete course evaluation
– Pass content-related quiz (score 75% or above, 3 chances to pass quiz, citations to find answers in Shapiro text)
Note: CEs are not awarded for case consultation or reading requirements.

20 CE Hours are provided separately upon completion of EMDR Basic Training Part 1 (EMDRIA, Psychologists, ASWB ACE, NBCC)

EMDR Basic Training Part 2 (20 CE Program)

EMDR Basic Training Part 2  is part of the full EMDR Basic Training and takes place after completion of the EMDR Basic Training Part 1. It includes three days of training. Each day is divided into two sections: The morning includes didactic lecture, review of manual materials, video examples, Q&A and discussion. Afternoon practicum sessions include small group discussion related to morning didactic content, and practice sessions. during which participants practice methods by rotating in the role of therapist, clinician and observer.

Day 1

Day 1 (Part 2) begins with a presentation of applications and procedures when using EMDR therapy with more complex clinical presentation which are more likely to include diagnosis of C-PTSD, addictions, high levels of dissociation and dissociative disorders, attachment related issues, major acute stressors, and more. Participants learn related assessment strategies including distinguishing adult-onset trauma from developmental trauma. Additional resource development skills are taught including the Resource Development and Installation protocol. Participants are taught a process to move from clinical assessment to case conceptualization to treatment planning. Participants learn multiple principles for consideration in determining client readiness for various EMDR procedures. Participants are taught EMD to address specific stressors and triggers and are taught more nuanced considerations in memory target selection. Afternoon small groups reinforce clinical case conceptualization tools.

Day 2

Day 2 of the training begins with Q&A related to the prior days’ content and practicum experiences. New content includes discussion of means to identify blocked or inefficient reprocessing. The cognitive interweave procedure is described with multiple examples as well as other strategies to enhance adaptive reprocessing. Video examples of key procedures are reviewed. Core concepts of Phases 3-6 are reviewed. Participants learn how to close down sessions with incomplete targets. Afternoon small group exercises explore the use if the cognitive interweave.

Day 3

Day 3 begins with Q&A related to the prior days content and practicum experiences. New content focuses on the multiple uses of EMDR therapy to address the needs of diverse clinical populations and clinical presentations. These specific EMDR applications are highlighted with key clinically significant considerations and additional resources are cited. Topics include addressing social and culturally based trauma and adversity, psychological reactions to illness and injury, grief and mourning, anxiety and phobias, addictions, dissociation, and treating combat veterans and first responders. Phase 8 is reviewed. Q and A includes discussion of resources and strategies to assist participants as they advance post-training in their understanding and practice of EMDR therapy.

PART 2 Learning Objectives Content

1. Describe 3 strategies to treat complex trauma-related disorders
2. Identify 2 internal and external resources that clients need to have in place
3. Identify 2 clinical situations where EMD would be appropriate as an intervention
4. Distinguish between EMD, restricted reprocessing and the EMDR standard protocol
5. Distinguish between a recent traumatic experience and developmental trauma
6. Identify when you would target an adult-onset trauma versus applying the standard protocol touchstone early memory
7. Describe 2 clinical symptoms that may indicate the presence of dissociation during a clinical session
8. Describe the 3 categories of resources used in Resource Development and Installation
9. Describe 3 client factors indicating a need for additional stabilization and resourcing
10. Name 3 examples of adverse cultural/societal experiences and ways to address these within EMDR therapy
11. Describe a process to select and prioritize targets appropriate for EMDR treatment
12. Describe how to offer a cognitive interweave when the client’s reprocessing is blocked
13. Describe possible target memories when treating grief within EMDR therapy
14. Describe 3 strategies for dealing with highly emotional responses
15. Describe 3 ways to assure that EMDR therapy is culturally responsive
16. Describe strategies to desensitize a simple phobia or process phobia
17. Describe 3 considerations when using EMDR therapy with addictions and compulsions
18. Identify one category of memory appropriate for targeting with combat veterans
19. Describe 3 strategies for working with dissociative responses during reprocessing
20. Describe components of the recent events protocol

Detailed Agenda/Times

Days 1 and 2:
  8:00 am – sign in
  8:30 – 10:00 didactic learning Part 1
10:00 – 10:10 break
10:10 – 12:00 didactic learning Part 2
12:00 – 1:00 lunch
  1:00 – 2:10 group exercises and discussion
  2:10 – 4:40 clinical practice groups (3 five-minute breaks)
  4:40 – 5:00 final group discussions

Day 3:
  8:30 am – 10:00 didactic learning Part 1
10:00 – 10:10 break
10:10 – 12:00 didactic learning Part 2
12:00 – 1:00 lunch
  1:00 – 3:30 clinical practice groups (3 five-minute breaks)
  3:30 – 4:00 final group discussions and closing

Course completion requirements to receive CE credit

– Completion of EMDR Basic Training Part 1 within the prior year
– Attend and participation in all 20 hours of training (Part 2)
– Complete course evaluation
– Pass content-related quiz (score 75% or above, 3 chances to pass quiz, citations to find answers in Shapiro text)
Note: CEs are not awarded for case consultation or reading requirements.  

 PLEASE NOTE: Upon completion of the CE quiz, a CE certificate for 20 credits will be issued upon completion of both Part 1 and Part 2.

20 CE Hours are provided separately upon completion of EMDR Basic Training Part 2 (EMDRIA, Psychologists, ASWB ACE, NBCC)

Completion Requirements

Certificate of Completion Full Training completion 
After completion of the following, participants will receive a certificate stating that they have met all requirements of completion for EMDR Basic Training.

EMDR Basic Training Certificate of Training in EMDR Therapy Requirements:

– Completion of EMDR Basic Training Part 1 and EMDR Basic Training Part 2. Details above.
– Completion of 10 hours of case consultation with an EMDR Institute Approved Consultant provided as part of the training. (consultation costs are covered in the training fee and are scheduled to take place between Training Part 1 and 2, and after Part 2).
– Read EMDR Therapy: EMDR: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures (Shapiro 2017) and Getting Past Your Past (Shapiro 2013)  (books to be purchased separately)
– Read Go With That Magazine Fall 2020, Volume 25, Issue 3 [EMDR & Racial Trauma] (link provided after registration)

Tech requirements can be found by clicking here

Refresher Course option

Registration is available for Part 1 and Part 2 Refresher Course. This course is for those that have completed a prior EMDR Basic Training and it includes all of the morning lecture and didactic content of the EMDR basic training but without the practicum experience. Core content includes all of the above learning objectives and informational content described for Part 1 or Part 2 Basic Training.  Participants receive Training Manuals for both Part 1 and Part 2.

EMDR Part 1 and/or Part 2 Refresher Course
10 CE Hours are provided upon completion of Part 1 and/or Part 2 Refresher Course  (EMDRIA, Psychologists, NBCC).  ASWB ACE credit is not offered for the refresher course. 

Course completion requirements to receive CE credit:
– Prior certificate of completion for EMDR Basic Training
– Attend and participation in all 10 hours of morning didactic portion of EMDR Part 1 or Part 2 training
– Complete course evaluation
– Pass content-related quiz (score 75% or above, 3 chances to pass quiz, citations to find answers in Shapiro text)

EMDR Basic Training Refresher Course (for previously EMDR trained clinicians only) includes:
– 10 hours of training for Part 1 and Part 2 
– Part 1 and Part 2 Manuals
– Access to other resources and downloadable worksheets
$650 fee for refresher course

$30 discount for payments made by check

 

Policies

Inquire about group discount rates, payment plans. 

Refund Policy: Full refunds are provided until a month before the training, then 80% until 1 week before training, no refunds after that.

Disability Accommodations: All programs are held virtually or in facilities that accommodate mobility limitations consistent with ADA guidelines Americans with Disabilities Act.  Requests for preferred seating and other accommodations can be directed to info@markinickerson.com

Qualifications for Attending:  A clinical background is necessary for the effective application of EMDR therapy. Qualified participants include all levels of mental health professionals who have a masters degree or higher in the mental health field and are licensed or certified through a state or national board which authorizes independent practice; or are on a pathway to licensure and who provide documentation from a clinical supervisor. LADC licensed professionals must also have a masters level license eligible mental health degree.

Intern/Graduate Student Requirements: Completion of graduate level coursework at an accredited school and be on a licensing track under state sanctioned supervision by a licensed clinician. Please submit a current supervisor’s letter with his/her/their degree and license number.

CE, Policies and Help tab: Please see our CE, Policies and Help tab on our website for Complaint and Grievance Procedures, Refund Policy, Disability Accommodations and more.

If you have questions or concerns about the course content, references, content evaluation, or logistics, contact, Mark Nickerson, Director of EMDR Advanced Trainings, LLC and .Advanced Psychotherapy Trainings at info@EMDRAdvancedTrainings.com or, Box 3, Granby, MA 01033.  413-256-0550  

 

Accreditations

Continuing Education Information –20 Credit hours each for completion of EMDR Basic Training Part 1 and EMDR Basic Training Part 2 

EMDR International Association: EMDR Advanced Training & Distance Learning, LLC is an EMDRIA Approved Credit Provider (#07002) and maintains responsibility for this program and its content in accordance with EMDRIA standards.

National Board for Certified Counselors: EMDR Advanced Trainings & Distance Learning, LLC  has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6709. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. EMDR Advanced Training and Distance Learning, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

American Psychological Association Advanced Psychotherapy Trainings (APT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. APT maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB ACE): EMDR Advanced Training & Distance Learning, LLC (EMDR ATDL) [provider number 2036] is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education credits by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program  Regulatory Boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/10/25 – 1/10/26. Social workers completing this course receive 20 clinical education credits. EMDR ATDL maintains responsibility for this program.