EMDR Institute Accredited Basic Training

An EMDR Institute Basic training is conducted over six days to ensure that the participants may optimise their exposure to the practice of EMDR with six separate practicum sessions. The six days are broken into two, 3-day trainings named Weekend 1 and Weekend 2. Each three-day training is followed by a five-hour supervision /case consultation component. It is a requirement to have practiced EMDR therapy with selected clients and attended 5 hours of supervision/case consultation after the Weekend 1 training and before attending the Weekend 2 training. It is for this reason that you are not able to attend both the Weekend 1 & 2 trainings at the same set of trainings. The supervision/case consultation that follows the trainings is provided by case consultants who have been given additional training and have committed to ongoing training.

This training has traditionally been provided on a face-to-face basis and advertised many months in advance so that trainees are able to plan ahead. Face-to-face trainings are still the preferred platform as they facilitate a bonding not necessarily available with online trainings. However the presence of Covid 19, the ongoing uncertainty it presents, in addition to the changing restrictions it has placed on travelling and proximity, have required innovative responses from trainers. To meet these fluid conditions, the lecture component of the training may well need to be provided online at relatively short notice. Trainees will still be expected to attend the training venue for the full training where facilitators will continue to provide the practicum component on a face-to-face basis. Trainees should be prepared for the possibility of such changes.

The training times are approximate as practicums/demonstrations may take longer than anticipated. Trainees must be present during lectures, videos. practicum and demonstrations. It is unlawful to issue attendance certificates if these requirements are not met. Travel arrangements, child care arrangements, work related meetings, medical appointments, etc. need to be organised outside of training times. Phone use is not permitted during training times. If you are unable to commit to these conditions then you are advised to defer registration at this time.

Daily schedule: Day 1 and 2: 8am -5.30pm, Day 3: 8.30am to 5.00pm training

PLEASE NOTE: the term Weekend has been used to distinguish the new three day training from the previous two and a half-day trainings. The term Weekend does not necessarily infer that the trainings will be held on a weekend.

If the training you wish to attend is fully subscribed – please register on the website to be added to the waiting list. Please do not pay if you are on the waiting list.

Please note that payment is due on registration, your registration will not be processed until payment has been received, if payment is not received within 7 days your registration application will be cancelled.

Basic Training Overview

The EMDR Therapy Basic Training (Weekend 1 and 2) is designed for licensed mental health practitioners who treat adults and children in a clinical setting (See Qualifications Section). EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy that accelerates the treatment of a wide range of pathologies and self-esteem issues related to disturbing events and present life conditions.

This interactional, standardised approach has been empirically tested in over 30 randomised controlled studies with trauma patients, and hundreds of published case reports evaluating a considerable range of presenting complaints, including 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 wide range of dysfunction.

It is required that prior to attending EMDR Institute Weekend 1 training, participants read the first eight chapters of Francine Shapiro, PhD: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures Guilford Press, NY, 3rd Edition, 2018.

Goal of the EMDR Therapy Basic Training

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

Trainees completing the Weekend 1 training will be equipped to provide EMDR treatment to selected clients. Working with more complex presentations will require the completion of the Weekend 2 training.

Authorised Format

EMDR therapy is a specialised approach that requires supervised training for full therapeutic effectiveness and client safety. The training will consist of lecture, live and videotaped demonstrations and supervised practice. The format and content of this workshop has been designed by the originator of EMDR therapy, Francine Shapiro, PhD.  The EMDR Institute does not hold as equivalent other trainings. As such each component ( Weekend 1 & 2 training, Supervision/Case Consultation) of the Basic Training must be completed by EMDR Institute faculty.

The workshop leaders have been individually selected and trained by her to provide the comprehensive information necessary for appropriate client selection and effective utilisation of EMDR therapy. This is the workshop program which has been taught by Dr. Shapiro since 1990. EMDR Institute adheres to the ethical standards of APA, social work, nursing and mental health boards.

Participation in the supervised practice will require attendees to work on a minor personal issue. Trainees should be prepared to take on the roles of both clinician and client.

The EMDR Institute training is accredited in Australia by the EMDR Association Australia (EMDRAA). EMDRAA has a requirement that the names and contact details of trainees attending their accredited trainings be submitted to them for feedback purposes. Trainees should expect contact from EMDRAA some time after the training.

Integrating EMDR with Other Approaches

As an integrative psychotherapy approach, EMDR is compatible with all contemporary paradigms including, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, experiential and systemic.

EMDR Therapy differs from other orientations in that psychopathology is viewed as a disorder of memory. EMDR Therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing Model, this will be explained in detail at EMDR Basic Training.

Please see below the basic theories of other therapeutic modalities:

  1. Cognitive
  • Irrational thoughts are the basis of pathology. Cognitions are changed through reframing, self-monitoring, and homework exercises.
  1. Behavioural
  • Learned behaviour is changed through conditioning, exposure, modelling, etc. (learning processes).
  1. “Third wave” of CBT
  • Suffering is inevitable. Change is through acceptance, commitment, and Mindfulness exercises.
  1. Psychodynamic
  • Explores the impact of Family of Origin, Object relations. Change is created by insight or “working through”. Goal is to make the subconscious conscious.
  1. Family Therapy
  • Problems and solutions are interactional. Exploration and evaluation of family dynamics. Change through education and role realignment.
  1. Experiential
  • Facilitates client self-healing. Affect and body are central. Uses relationship, e.g., “two-chair,” “meaning bridge”.
Training Highlights
  • Supervised small group practice on each training day
  • Physiological overview of the information processing system
  • Specialised history-taking to identify dysfunctional patterns and causes
  • Treatment planning to address past events, current triggers and future needs
  • Stabilization techniques across the attachment spectrum
  • Reduction of overt symptoms and achieving comprehensive mental health
  • Addressing the full range of trauma and other disturbing life events
  • Applications to combat trauma and first responders
  • Applications to addictions, grief, anxiety, depression and somatic disorders
  • Applications to natural and man-made disasters
  • Applications to family and couples therapy
  • Personal use for therapist to process vicarious traumatization
Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion Requirements:

  • Completion of Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 EMDR Institute Trainings and 10 hours of supervision with an EMDR Institute Approved Consultant within a two year period.
  • 5 hours of supervision are required prior to attendance at Weekend 2.
  • 5 hours of supervision are required post attendance at Weekend 2.
  • Reading the textbook, EMDR: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures; 3rd edition (Shapiro 2018).

Weekend 2 participants will receive a Certificate of Completion of EMDR Institute Basic Training subsequent to completion of  both EMDR Institute trainings and the required 10 hours of case consultation/supervision.

Supervision/Case Consultation
  • 10 hours of case consultation are required to complete the EMDR Basic Training
  • 5 hours required prior to attending Weekend 2 and 5 hours post Weekend 2
  • It is suggested that there be a period of approx. 2-3 months prior to  completing Weekend 2 training.
  • Please note the more you apply what you learn in Weekend 1 training prior to attending Weekend 2, the more you will gain from information provided at Weekend 2 training to address more complex presentations.
  • Consultation is designed to help you with your initial practice.
  • Clinicians are required to have provided all 8 phases of EMDR treatment with one client as you will present this case at the 5 hour supervision/case consultation.
  • Clinicians are advised that they should seek supervision/case consultation as soon as they require it. Supervision/ case consultation is available online and on a face to face basis. Group format is also available. Authorised case consultants may be found on the “Team” page and their availability on the Case Consultation page.
  • Workshop fees do not include case consultation.
  • It is required by the EMDR Institute that case consultations are provided by EMDR Institute Facilitators in order to meet the requirements for an EMDR Institute Basic Training Certificate.  The cost is $330 including GST for a 5 hour group consultation per participant. In most cases  trainings and dates for supervision will be agreed upon at the training. Approved EMDR Facilitators and dates for consultation are listed on our website.
Qualifications for Attending - Australia

Who can undertake EMDR Accredited Training?

EMDR is an advanced psychotherapy requiring a high level of skill. A mental health background is an essential prerequisite for the effective application of EMDR therapy. Check the eligibility criteria at the EMDR Association of Australia, and ensure you meet it before registering for the Weekend 1 training.  Those registering for the Weekend 2 training must have completed the Weekend 1 training and subsequent supervision with EMDR Institute faculty. This registration form is considered a legal document, and it is fraudulent to misrepresent your qualification. Find out more about Basic Training eligibility by visiting the link: https://emdraa.org/are-you-eligible/

EMDR therapy training requires advanced practice skills. Experience in assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties is essential as it provides the foundational understanding of clinical presentations, case formulation and treatment planning. Practitioners normally require two years direct clinical experience in a counselling role, which is not the same as an educational or case management role.

Medical Practitioners

Psychiatrists are to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Authority (AHPRA) or the Medical Council of New Zealand.  It is required that psychiatrists have at least 2 years clinical experience working in the mental health field prior to training.

General Practitioners are required to have additional training in Psychological Medicine, and be registered with AHPRA or the Medical Council of New Zealand.  It is required that GP’s have undertaken additional training and experience in mental health diagnosis, assessment, and clinical intervention/ counselling intervention before training with at least 2 years clinical experience in mental health intervention/ counselling work.

Mental Health Nurses

Mental Health Nurses are required to be credentialed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and/or demonstrate how they meet credentialing standards of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses and be registered with AHPRA or in New Zealand with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

 Allied Health Professionals

Psychologists are required to be registered with AHPRA or the New Zealand Psychology Board.

Occupational Therapists are required to be registered with AHPRA or the New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board and to have two additional post-graduate years’ experience working in mental health and specialist training in mental health.

Social Workers must normally be registered as a Mental Health Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers or in New Zealand with the Social Workers Registration Board and/or be able to demonstrate eligibility for the same. This would require two additional postgraduate years’ experience and specialist training in mental health. Other social workers may be suitable if they meet the following criteria:

· are eligible for membership of AASW, and

· have a minimum of 2-years experience in a counselling role in a mental health setting, or a publicly funded service delivering specialist counselling to clients suffering trauma, and;

· are currently employed in a specialist counselling service, or have been in the last 2 years.

Counsellors and Psychotherapists are required to be registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a Clinical member or as an Accredited Mental Health Practitioner or the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as a Level 3 or 4 member.

In New Zealand Psychotherapists are required to be registered with the Psychotherapists Board. Counsellors are required to be registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors as a Level 8 member.

Creative Arts Therapists are required to be senior members of ANZACATA (The Australian, New Zealand & Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association), who have completed an approved mental health degree, followed by an approved Master’s degree in Arts Therapy, and 750 hours of supervised clinical placement. Only Senior members of ANZACATA who have this professional status are entitled to use the post nominals ATHR.

 Interns/Students

Students need to apply through Exceptional Circumstances Application to Train form below.   Please complete the form and accompanying documentation and send to [email protected]

If you do not meet the above criteria, but feel you have some equivalence in your training, registration or experience and would like to apply to train, please send the completed form below, with all accompanying attachments as outlined on the form to [email protected]

Exceptional circumstances application to train

Qualifications for Attending - International

Applicants from outside of Australia must check with their own country's EMDR Association to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria to apply to undertake the trainings. You should only apply to undertake the training if you meet your country's eligibility criteria.

FEE Payment Information - CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Please note that registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

To facilitate payment, our banking details will be presented upon submission of your registration.

Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 Training Fees

  • Weekend 1 EMDR Training Fees
    • $1100 (inc. GST)
  • Weekend 2 EMDR Training Fees
    • $1100 (inc. GST)

(Please note that 5 hour Consultation/ Supervision Fee is not included in the Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 EMDR Training Fee – please see details listed below)

Consultation/ Supervision Fees

  • $330 (inc. GST) for each 5 hour EMDR Case Consultation

To complete EMDR Institute Basic Training you will be required to attend both Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 trainings and a total of 10 hours of supervision. 5 hours post Weekend 1 training and 5 hours post Weekend 2 training. EMDR Institute Facilitators offer 5 hour EMDR Case Consultations for a maximum of 10 people. You will find dates listed on our website under ‘Case Consultation’.

You may prefer to do individual or small group supervision, and this can be arranged directly with an EMDR Institute Facilitator.

Waiting List Registration: Please do not pay. We will contact you if a place becomes available and request payment at that time.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

Should you wish to cancel your registration an administration charge of AUD $110 ( Incl. GST) will be made for cancellations received in writing up to 30 days prior to the training.
Refunds cannot be offered to cancellations received within 30 days of the training.
In the event that Aspire Psychology cancels an event then a full refund is made available.

Equal Opportunity and Access

EMDR Training Australia and New Zealand and all trainers provide equal opportunity for all participants. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and supporting equality for all training participants. Further, we are committed to providing trainings that are non-discriminatory and show respect for each participant’s race, culture, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and/or disability.

Ethical Concerns Policy

Any ethical concerns regarding our training can be directed to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Ethical concerns may also be directed to other accreditation bodies including but not limited to the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Australian Medical Association (AMA) etc.

Scope of practice - Competency level - Links to EMDRAA

Professionals are required to act within AHPRA regulations and/or the ethical guidelines of your particular professional regulatory association (eg. APS, AASW, AMA etc). As with any therapeutic technique you are required to work within your competency level based on your education, training and professional experience.

It is the clinician’s responsibility to check their own State Legislation and/or regulations in regard to engaging in EMDR Treatment with clients that are or may be engaged in legal proceedings. It is advised that the clinician obtain written approval to engage in EMDR Treatment from the client and/or legal representative.

It is advised that you access the EMDRAA website and continue with professional development activities and supervision. The EMDRAA website provides access to continuing professional development activities and EMDRAA Accredited Consultants that are available for ongoing supervision.

Further information on the benefits of EMDRAA membership.

Please refer to the Phoenix Australia, EMDRAA, APS EMDR Special Institute Group and the Trauma Recovery Network for the Australian Guidelines and further resources

Training Dates and Fees
EMDR Basic Training Weekend 1
EMDR Basic Training Weekend 2