EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a sophisticated form of psychotherapy that requires extensive training for successful applications. While in theory, it’s easy and quick to learn, the truth is practice makes perfect, so mastering it is a time-consuming job.
Now, how long is EMDR training? Here’s what you need to know to become certified in EMDR.
In general, EMDR training takes about seven days. It could expand over two weeks, assuming you only study on working days. However, according to Dr. Jennifer Sweeton from Online CE Credits, being competent to practice EMDR takes much longer.
Apart from the initial training course, you’ll also need to pass an exam, practice with a few clients and even be supervised by a professional. The course can also go further and expand with other modules, such as specializations.
For example, if you only want to work with youngsters or elders, you’ll need to spend a few more days on such a specialization.
At the same time, for a successful practice, your course must be offered by an approved and certified provider. This ensures your education meets professional standards and your credentials are recognized within the field.
Spending a week or two on EMDR training is fairly simple, yet such a basic course will most likely give you the theoretical part only. Anyone can take it, but becoming good at it takes more time and, of course, plenty of experience.
On the paper, the job looks quite easy. You identify a problem and you try to solve it. But as you dig deeper and find a client, you’ll notice that all the steps in the script require a customized approach. Every individual brings unique challenges, and what works for one person may not be effective for another.
It takes time to solve triggers in the present. Then, there are different templates of action you can bring in to make sure your patient can handle situations differently in the future.
While it may look like a simple technique, EMDR actually implies putting your clients on track over a long healing journey. Most of the problems you notice in a patient are only the results of a situation. You need to dig deep and identify what’s beneath the surface. True healing comes from uncovering and addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms.
Studying to become a certified EMDR technician isn’t everything, as you need the clinical approach as well.
So, how long is EMDR training? The basic module will keep you busy for a week. You’ll learn more about EMDR, learn the steps and find out how to create unique solutions. Further specializations will ask for a few more days.
And on top of this, there are plenty of extra modules that go even deeper into detail. While some of them may not necessarily be required, they’re part of your education and can help you become a better professional.
Now, apart from the actual training part, you’ll also need a certificate of completion, which usually requires passing a test or an exam.
A license to practice is also required, let alone statements based on your experience, which you can only get under professional supervision in the beginning. The supervision implies working with people, but it could also count all the hours gained as experience.
If you’re trying to become a professional in EMDR, you may require letters of recommendation from different consultants, but also letters of recommendation from peers.
In other words, while the original basic training only takes about seven days, the truth is becoming a certified technician takes much more than that. You need to count specializations, supervision and training with actual clients as well.
Some of the extras you need to think about when considering EMDR training include:
While the actual training is a matter of a week only, the truth is becoming a professional requires more than just a basic course, so you’ll have to consider a deeper approach to this career.
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