EMDR therapy is a deep form of psychotherapy that helps patients overcome trauma. Most of the trauma is triggered by difficult memories and experiences in life, while therapy often works by recalling those events.
In other words, EMDR is suitable for healing from depressive episodes, anxiety and even PTSD. Its effectiveness has made it a popular choice among therapists looking to expand their trauma treatment toolkit.
Now, what previous training is required to be an EMDR therapist? Surprisingly for some, you can’t take independent EMDR training, so previous education is required. There are a bunch of requirements to even start the training.
With this thought in mind, here’s everything you need to know about pursuing this form of education and what eligibility means in EMDR training.
- A General Approach to EMDR Training
Training for EMDR therapy goes in more directions. Pretty much everything about training is affected by the eligibility. Without meeting certain requirements, most people can’t even start the actual training, let alone working in the mental health field.
As a general rule of thumb, eligibility covers a professional background. It mainly revolves around the possibility of working in psychotherapy. And to work in this field, one will obviously require some form of education.Â
It all revolves around the previous training you have. Now, what previous training is required to be an EMDR therapist?
- The Actual Education
Education goes in more directions. Someone interested in working in this field won’t be able to get EMDR training independently. Instead, EMDR therapy should be seen as a complementary course, which can be taken to supplement current education. This means EMDR is not a standalone qualification but an advanced skill that builds on existing mental health expertise.
Previous educational requirements include secondary education. An aspirant will require a Master’s degree or a Doctoral degree in specific mental health fields:
·       Psychology
·       Social Work
·       Counseling
·       Psychiatry
·       Marriage and family therapy
Any of these degrees must be obtained from an accredited institution. It’s the kind of education that takes years to complete, rather than just a plain course.
- Further Requirements
While training and education are the first steps in the process, becoming an EMDR therapist goes further. So, what previous training is required to be an EMDR therapist? The above-mentioned mental health fields require a professional degree, but that’s not everything.
A license is also required. In other words, you need to work or get ready to work as a therapist before you can even start taking the EMDR course. Licensing demonstrates your ability to practice independently and ethically, which is essential for client trust.
To be eligible for the course, you need to hold a license for independent practice (such as LMFT, LCSW or others) or be in the process of getting one. The simple fact that you want to improve, your education won’t be enough. You need to be actively involved in the work field before even taking the course.
You don’t have to wait until you’re fully licensed. Being in the process of getting the license will also allow taking the EMDR course. Furthermore, working under a licensed clinician’s supervision works as well.
A graduate student could take the EMDR course if they’re under an internship program too. Basically, as long as the coursework is finished, being an intern under supervision will help. Supervision ensures that new therapists receive guidance and support as they learn to apply EMDR safely.
On the opposite note, basic licenses won’t help. For example, a license for substance abuse or chemical dependency won’t give the right to undergo EMDR training.
- First Steps in EMDR Training
Assuming you’ve taken all the required education for EMDR training, make sure you meet the requirements before applying for the course.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll often have to complete a basic training program before moving on to the actual EMDR course. Such a basic training program includes a few courses and instructional hours, but also practice under a supervisor and case consultation.
Once this form of basic training is completed, you can start using EMDR therapy in your practice.
On top of all these, there’s also room for expansion, since most mental health fields require ongoing education, especially with the evolution of the medical field.
In conclusion, what previous training is required to be an EMDR therapist? To keep it simple, you’ll need a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a mental health field, but that’s clearly not everything. Some form of license is also required to be eligible, let alone the necessity of the initial basic training course.​
By meeting these requirements, therapists can offer EMDR therapy with confidence, knowing they have the necessary education and experience to help clients heal from trauma.
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