All Things EMDR

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people process distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming over time. EMDR is commonly used to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional or behavioral concerns.

When difficult experiences occur, the brain may store memories in a way that keeps them emotionally charged. EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess those memories so they become less distressing and more manageable.

EMDR therapy may be helpful for:

• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
• Anxiety and panic
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Childhood trauma and attachment wounds
• Behavioral or emotional challenges in children
• Stressful or overwhelming life experiences

EMDR is a structured therapy that follows a standardized treatment model and emphasizes safety, preparation, and emotional regulation skills before trauma processing begins.

EMDR Therapy for Children and Adolescents

EMDR can be adapted to meet the developmental needs of children and teens. Therapists use age-appropriate strategies such as play, drawing, storytelling, or movement to help young clients process difficult experiences.

For children, EMDR may help with:

• Anxiety or fears
• School-related stress
• Behavioral challenges
• Medical or developmental trauma
• Family changes (divorce, relocation, loss)
• Emotional regulation difficulties

Parents or caregivers are often involved in treatment planning and support, and therapy proceeds at a pace that prioritizes the child’s safety and readiness.

Why Training and Credentials Matter in EMDR

EMDR is a specialized therapy that requires formal training, consultation, and clinical experience to practice safely and effectively. The EMDR International Association sets professional standards for EMDR training and credentialing in the United States.

Therapists may be at different stages in their professional development. Each level represents additional training, supervision, and clinical experience using the EMDR model.

All EMDRIA-trained therapists use the same foundational treatment approach and follow professional and ethical standards.

EMDR Therapist Training and Credential Levels

EMDR Trained Therapist

An EMDR Trained Therapist has completed an EMDRIA-approved basic training program and is qualified to provide EMDR therapy.

This training typically includes:

• Approximately 50+ hours of education and practicum
• Supervised consultation with an EMDR consultant
• Instruction in the full eight-phase EMDR therapy model
• Training in assessment, preparation, and safe implementation of EMDR

These therapists are actively building clinical experience using EMDR in practice.

EMDR Certified Therapist

An EMDR Certified Therapist has completed additional requirements demonstrating advanced experience and competency in EMDR therapy.

Requirements generally include:

• Completion of EMDRIA-approved basic training
• At least two years of clinical experience
• A minimum number of EMDR therapy sessions with clients
• 20 hours of consultation with an approved EMDR consultant
• Continuing education specific to EMDR

Certification reflects a higher level of clinical experience and professional development in the EMDR model.

EMDR Consultant-in-Training

A Consultant-in-Training is a therapist who has completed the initial requirements to begin providing consultation under supervision from an approved EMDR Consultant.

This role indicates:

• Advanced EMDR training and experience
• Ongoing supervision in consultation skills
• Progress toward full Consultant status

EMDR Consultant

An EMDR Consultant is an experienced EMDR clinician who provides consultation to other therapists working toward certification or advanced competency.

Consultants typically:

• Hold EMDR Certification
• Have extensive experience using EMDR therapy
• Complete additional training in consultation and supervision
• Provide guidance and clinical support to other therapists

Consultants help ensure that EMDR is practiced safely and according to professional standards.

EMDR Facilitator

An EMDR Facilitator assists with EMDR training programs approved by the EMDR International Association.

Facilitators:

• Support participants during EMDR training
• Provide guidance during practicum exercises
• Help ensure adherence to training standards
• Work under the direction of an approved Trainer

Facilitator status reflects strong clinical knowledge of EMDR and involvement in professional education.

EMDR Trainer

An EMDR Trainer is a highly experienced clinician approved by the EMDR International Association to teach official EMDR training programs.

Trainers typically:

• Have extensive clinical and teaching experience
• Demonstrate advanced expertise in the EMDR model
• Meet rigorous professional and educational requirements
• Provide formal EMDR training to mental health professionals

This represents one of the highest levels of professional involvement in EMDR education.

How to Know Your Therapist’s Training Level

Choosing a therapist is an important decision. You have the right to ask your therapist about their education, training, experience, and approach to treatment. Therapists should be transparent about their credentials and level of training in EMDR and other evidence-based therapies.

If you have questions about your therapist's qualifications or treatment recommendations, we encourage you to discuss them openly with your provider.

Our Commitment to High-Quality EMDR Care

At Inner Expansions, our practice was built on the belief that excellent client care begins with excellent clinician training, ongoing consultation, and a steadfast commitment to ethical, evidence-based practice.

Our Clinical Director and Owner, Shannon Cantillano, LCSW, is an EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant and EMDR Facilitator who provides clinical leadership, supervision, consultation, and training to our team. This commitment to ongoing professional development helps ensure that our therapists receive high-quality support while practicing within their individual scope of competence and according to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Our therapists may be at different stages of EMDR training and professional development. Every clinician practices according to their education, experience, licensing requirements, and demonstrated competencies. When clinically appropriate, therapists receive consultation and supervision to support continued growth and the delivery of safe, effective care.

EMDR therapy is not appropriate for every individual or situation. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment approach based on your history, goals, and clinical needs. Treatment recommendations are always individualized and guided by clinical judgment, current research, and your best interests.