Behind the Training: What It Really Takes to Practice EMDR

When I tell clients or colleagues that I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the response is often a mix of curiosity and confusion. EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy for trauma, yet many people don’t fully understand what it is—or what it takes for a therapist to become trained in it. I thought I’d share what my EMDR training actually entailed, both to demystify the process and to give you insight into the level of preparation behind this specialized work.

The Foundations of EMDR Training

EMDR training is not a weekend crash course. It is a structured, multi-part program designed to ensure clinicians are not only familiar with the theory but also competent in applying it safely and effectively. My training was divided into two intensive parts (commonly referred to as Basic Training, Part I and Part II), each involving several days of instruction, practice, and supervised application.

Part I introduced the eight phases of EMDR therapy, which range from history-taking and preparation to reprocessing traumatic memories and fostering long-term resilience. We learned about bilateral stimulation—the alternating eye movements, taps, or tones that help the brain process distressing memories—and why this mechanism helps reduce the emotional intensity of trauma. This portion of the training also emphasized client safety and stabilization, since EMDR can only be effective if the client has the resources to manage strong emotions that may surface during reprocessing.

Theory Meets Practice

The training was highly experiential. It wasn’t just lectures and reading; we spent significant time practicing EMDR techniques with one another in small groups. This meant that, as therapists, we had the chance to sit in all three roles: therapist, client, and observer. Experiencing EMDR from the “client” perspective was eye-opening—it gave me a visceral sense of how powerful the process can be, as well as how important it is to move at a pace that feels safe.

As a “therapist” in training, I practiced guiding my peers through the EMDR phases under the careful supervision of trainers. We were coached on everything from setting up a session and monitoring distress levels to adjusting interventions when a client became overwhelmed. Observing others gave me yet another angle—watching how different therapists handled challenges in real time and learning from their approaches.

Supervision and Consultation

Another critical component of EMDR training is consultation. After completing the in-person training, I was required to participate in consultation hours with an EMDR-approved consultant. These were group or one-on-one sessions where I could bring real clinical cases, ask questions, and get feedback on my application of EMDR with clients.

This consultation phase is what helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. EMDR can bring up intense material, so having a supervisor ensure that I was applying protocols correctly—and prioritizing client safety—was essential. It also helped me build confidence, knowing I had guidance as I integrated EMDR into my clinical work.

Continuing Education and Advanced Work

Basic EMDR training is just the beginning. Many therapists go on to complete advanced trainings that cover complex trauma, dissociation, or specialized populations such as children or veterans. For me, the basic training opened the door to thinking more deeply about how trauma is stored in the brain and body, and how EMDR can be adapted to meet the needs of each unique client. I continue to read, attend workshops, and seek consultation because trauma treatment is an evolving field—and EMDR is most effective when practiced with nuance and care.

What This Means for My Clients

So, what does all of this mean for the people I work with? It means that when I offer EMDR, I’m not simply following a script. I’m drawing on extensive training, hands-on practice, and supervised experience to create a safe and effective process. It also means I am mindful of when EMDR is appropriate and when it isn’t. Not every client is ready to dive into trauma reprocessing, and my training emphasized the importance of preparation, pacing, and client choice at every step.

Final Thoughts

Becoming trained in EMDR required time, effort, and a willingness to step into uncomfortable spaces—both as a therapist and as a human being. But it was worth it. The training gave me tools to help clients move beyond trauma in a way that is both structured and deeply healing.

For anyone considering EMDR as a therapy, I want you to know that therapists don’t offer it lightly. We go through rigorous training and ongoing consultation to make sure we can hold space for the intensity of the work. If you’re curious about EMDR, I encourage you to ask your therapist about their training and experience. Behind every EMDR session is a foundation of preparation designed to keep you safe and help you heal.