EMDR Training FAQ

Yes.

Our 2026 EMDR Basic Training is specifically designed to meet all the requirements of both EMDRIA and EMDR Canada. To be considered “EMDR Trained,” a clinician must complete three distinct components, all of which are included in our program:

• Part 1 & 2 Didactic Instruction: 20 hours of lectures and theory.

• Supervised Practicum: 20 hours of hands-on practice in small breakout groups.

• Consultation: 10 hours of group consultation with an EMDRIA-approved consultant (David Archer or Tom Zimmerman).

Yes, this course is fully EMDRIA-approved. This ensures your certificate is recognized by professional associations and insurance providers across North America.

If you want more information check out my EMDRIA page. And if you want more information about the specifications of what an EMDR Basic Training covers click here.

• You need to be a mental health practitioner, have an active license, and preferably, have clients on your caseload.

• Mental Health Clinicians: Must have a Master’s degree (or higher) in a mental health field (Social Work, Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry) and be licensed to practice.

• Medical Doctors: Must be licensed and have a specialty in psychiatry.

• Registered Nurses: Must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher with a psychiatric specialization.

• Graduate Students: Must be in the practicum/internship portion of their Master’s or Doctoral program. First-year students are NOT eligible. 

Yes. Unlike many programs that charge an extra $500–$800 for consultation, our $1400 USD price is all-inclusive of the mandatory 10 hours.

Yes, it’s definitely still EMDRIA approved.

While we teach the standard 8-phase protocol, and you will learn everything that comes in a basic EMDR training, we integrate elements of Anti-Racist Psychotherapy and Racial Trauma Recovery in there. Not only do we explore the importance of knowledge of complex trauma, but we understand that social stresses can contribute to dissociative symptoms. 

This addresses how identity and systemic oppression impact the AIP model, and how we can use EMDR therapy to address anti-Black, racial, multigenerational, and systemic trauma. It’s approved by EMDRIA which is why this article I wrote in 2020 is part of the required reading. 

Our 2026 cohorts are 100% online and highly interactive. Though Tom does have some in person one’s happening in Ohio. 

For our shared 2026 online trainings, we use video examples and experiential learning to ensure learners from anywhere in the world can observe, experience, and learn the techniques remotely.

Yes. We focus on clinical applicability. Participants are encouraged to begin using foundational skills with their clients immediately following the first three days of training. You will learn some self-care resourcing and grounding techniques that will be helpful for your clients.

However, you will not be able to call yourself Basic Trained and also be unable to reprocess the deep, developmental trauma the clients in your caseload actually have if you only do part one without part two and the consultation groups. By the way Basic trained is only part way, there is a whole certification process.

Trauma training is no joke. We believe in training people at the highest possible level, so that’s why we want to make sure you succeed after getting trained by us.

Yes. Both instructors are complex trauma specialists. The curriculum includes advanced strategies for dissociation and grounding techniques for highly activated clients.

Yes. We provide certificates of completion and APA CEUs however, visit Tom’s page to see if your specific state is part of the exception.  It is your responsibility to verify if this would be applicable to your specific professional orders, provincial, or state boards.

“Trained” means you have completed the Basic Training (Parts 1, 2, and 10 hours of consultation) and can practice.

“Certified” is a secondary step involving 20 additional hours of consultation and 50 clinical sessions. You can see the steps from EMDRIA’s website.

Simply select your preferred dates on our Current Offerings section. You will be redirected to our secure Thinkific portal for registration and payment

Add yourself to my mailing list and when I get new dates I will be sure to let you know!

• Trainees must have a laptop/desktop (NO TABLETS OR PHONES FOR PRACTICUM THANKS).
• Need a working webcam, microphone, and a high-speed internet connection for the Zoom sessions.

• Confidential space where you can freely talk. During practicum do not be surprised if there are tears. But you are encouraged to choose trauma targets that you are comfortable addressing with other clinicians.

Based on EMDRIA’s standards, you will need to complete the entire basic training (Parts 1, 2, and all 10 consultation hours) within 12 months of starting your part one with us.

Unfortunately doing that would not allow us to grant you the certificate of completion which requires you complete our part one and part two and our ten consultation hours.

It is OK to change your mind once in awhile but we have to be respectful of the others who have requested these trainings. There is a $350 USD administrative fee for bundle cancellations or rescheduling. 

Due to EMDRIA requirements, 100% attendance is mandatory. Any missed time must be made up in a future cohort, often with an administrative fee.

Yes, Thomas’s Thinkific portal allows for individual part registration at $700 USD each, or the bundle for $1,400 USD

Yes, a digital manual is included in your Thinkific dashboard upon registration