All Therapists Are Not Trained to Use EMDR — And Why That's Important

Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, when people are looking for healing, they’re likely searching for an EMDR therapist. Not every therapist, however, is trained to provide that potent brand of care. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specific therapy requiring more than a counseling degree . It requires sophisticated training, certification, and clinical expertise. Whether you are looking for help or considering adding EMDR to your clinical toolkit, knowing who can practice it and why that matters is crucial. In this guide, we’ll clarify what kind of therapist can provide EMDR therapy, what it means to be qualified, if your therapist has the necessary qualifications, and how to be certain you’re working with a competent, certified practitioner. By understanding the importance of choosing a certified EMDR therapist, you can make informed decisions about your mental health care, empowering you in your healing journey.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is an eight-phase, structured psychotherapy approach for the treatment of trauma and related emotional conditions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to assist individuals in reprocessing traumatic memories, diminishing their emotional weight. The approach is supported by decades of research. It has been approved by the American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs as an effective treatment for trauma. However, because of its precision and intensity, only  practitioners who meet strict criteria can offer EMDR. This includes a rigorous training process, ensuring that EMDR therapists are qualified, highly skilled, and experienced.

Who Is Qualified to Offer EMDR?

Graduate Degree or Higher in Mental Health Field

To perform EMDR therapy, a licensed mental health professional must have received training in EMDR from an EMDRIA-approved training provider. This also means that they must have a minimum of a master’s degree in one of these areas:

• Psychology
• Counseling
• Social work
• Marriage and family therapy
• Psychiatry
• Psychiatric nursing

Without this education, one cannot legally or ethically do EMDR therapy.

Current Professional Licences

In addition to education, an EMDR therapist is licensed to practice independently in their state or country. This is so they can meet the minimum legal requirements for clinical competence and ethical conduct. Titles may include:

• LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) -Quality PSYCHIATRIC CARE says: May 8, 2013 at 6:35 amCALL A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER TAG CLOUD.
• You need to see an LPC
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• AND Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
• Psychiatrist (MD)

Students or non-licensed associates can engage in EMDR training, but cannot practice therapy without supervision and a license.

What is EMDR Training, and Who Regulates It?

EMDRIA: The Flagship of EMDR Training 

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and the EMDR Institute are the major organizations responsible for certifying and training EMDR therapists. To be trained or certified, a therapist must have completed an EMDRIA-approved basic training. This includes:

• Instructional education: 20+ hours
• 200+ hours supervised practicum
• Extra supervision hours with the approved EMDR consultants

Those who complete the training can then advertise that they are EMDR-trained. Those who go beyond that and submit to the certification process will ultimately be able to promote themselves as EMDRIA-Certified Therapists, another verification of their credibility and experience.

What’s The Difference Between EMDR-Trained and EMDR-Certified?

EMDR-Trained Therapist

An EMDR-trained therapist has completed the basic training and can practice EMDR ethically. Although they may have less experience with the modality , they have been given the green light to offer it to their clients.

EMDRIA-Certified Therapist

To be certified, the clinician must have extra consultation hours, demonstrate competence through recorded sessions, and apply to the EMDR International Association (EMDEMDR). Most EMDR-certified therapists have more EMDR-specific experience and a higher level of expertise.

Can a non-licensed therapist practice EMDR?

Can a non-licensed therapist practice EMDR? Well, if they have finished an EMDRIA-approved introductory training course and are licensed as mental health professionals. However, it's important to note that they cannot practice therapy without supervision and a license. Waltz: EMDR certification is not necessary to practice, but it does provide an extra layer of confidence in the clinician's experience and ongoing education with the approach. Red Flag: If a therapist claims to “use EMDR techniques” but has not finished EMDRIA training, they may not be qualified to provide actual EMDR therapy.

Checking If a Therapist Is EMDR Certified

It’s crucial to ensure that any therapist or EMDR provider you work with has the proper credentials. There are simple steps you can take:

• Verify their licensure: Visit your state’s licensing board website to check if their license is still active.
• Verify EMDR training: Ask if they received an EMDRIA-approved course.
• Opinion: Look them up in EMDRIA’s directory. Go to EMDRIA. To find trained and certified technicians.
• Ask about supervision and experience: Especially if this is new work for you and the trauma is deep, and you want to be extra safe, ask how many clients doing EMDR work the therapist has done EMDR work with.

Can other professionals do EMDR?

Can EMDR Be Performed by Coaches or Life Coaches?

No. EMDR is a trauma therapy. Life coaches, wellness advisers, and unlicensed practitioners cannot provide the treatment, even if they claim to know all about EMDR.

So, Can Doctors Offer EMDR?

They do if they are licensed mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, who are trained in EMDR. However, EMDR is not commonly practiced by most general practitioners (GPs) or doctors.

Why It Matters Who You Choose

Trauma is complex. The last thing you need is to crack this open with someone who doesn’t have the training to lead you safely through the process. And a provider who is a certified therapist in EMDR has been trained not just in the science of trauma, but in how to pace sessions, gauge your emotional reactions, and intervene with clinical skills if you start to get overwhelmed. Non-certified therapists could be skipping fundamental stages of EMDR, incorrectly applying bilateral stimulation, or retraumatizing patients without appropriate resolution and aftercare. It's crucial to be aware of these risks when considering EMDR therapy, as they can only make things worse, not better.

How to Find an EMDR Therapist.

Here’s a breakdown to help you with your search:

• If you're a professional who provides mental health treatment (e.g., CSW, LPC, LMFT,
• Completed EMDRIA's approved training
• IMEDEX Verified and Listed in Trainer Directory of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
• Happy to answer questions about the eight-stage EMDR process.
• Experience with your specific issue (PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, etc.)
• Applications based on outcome measures (such as SUD and VOC scales)

A good therapist will be happy to receive such inquiries. Their ability to explain EMDR indicates that they can lead you through it.

The Bottom Line: It Is All About the Right Therapist

EMDR therapy can be life-changing — but only in the right hands. Although many therapists do trauma work, only those who are trained and licensed in EMDR should perform it. Whether you’re dealing with unresolved trauma or considering EMDR for the first time, it’s essential to search for a certified, licensed EMDR professional. A good guide can help you safely recycle pain and recover peace.

Would you be ready to take the next step?

You can search for a trained EMDR therapist near you using EMDRIA’s search tools. Your healing journey deserves a well-equipped, caring companion.