EMDR Basic Training

EMDRIA-approved basic training with EMDRIA-approved trainers and consultants

150+ page training manuals

45 hours live instruction

20+ resource videos

Our EMDR Basic Training course is for you if…

  • You want to increase your clinical skill set

  • You’re seeking professional development

  • Your clientele needs trauma-focused therapy approaches

  • You have clients who are stuck in their trauma

  • You’re ready to learn about a holistic, client-centered approach

  • You’re interested in learning more about this evidence-based, effective therapy

EMDR Basic Training Overview

Elevate EMDR offers structured EMDR training designed for licensed mental health professionals seeking to develop competency in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This EMDRIA-approved training includes two in-depth training sessions covering the history, foundational principles, and clinical applications of EMDR therapy. Participants will engage in lecture-based learning, interactive practicums, and expert consultation to support professional growth.

This training is designed to enhance clinical knowledge and skills in EMDR therapy and working with clients who have experienced trauma and adversity.

Training sessions typically adhere to the following schedule…

  • 3 consecutive days of training, typically 9 hours long (7.5 hrs training, 1.5 hrs in breaks per day).

  • Morning lectures, followed by afternoon practicum.

  • Overview of EMDR - history, core concepts, 8 phases and 3 prongs.

Part 1 - Live training

  • 3 consecutive days of training, typically 9 hours long (7.5 hrs training, 1.5 hrs in breaks per day).

  • Morning lectures, followed by afternoon practicum.

  • Specialized uses - EMDR and PTSD, children, recent events, and special populations.

Part 2 - Live training

Group Consultation

  • 10 hours of group consultation.

  • 4 x 2.5 hour meetings

  • Conceptualize cases from the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) perspective

  • Discuss experience using EMDR and gain valuable feedback from EMDRIA-approved consultants.

    • Pre-learning videos (e.g., History of EMDR, Window of Tolerance)

    • Online classroom with course materials, videos and resources

    • Live instruction which includes lecture, case examples, and videos (you need to attend each day of training at the time it occurs)

    • Practicum experiences where you rotate through the roles of therapist (to practice new skills), client (for the client experience), and observer (to observe EMDR techniques in real time). Small group discussion, debriefs, and assistance from Training Faculty during practicums.

    • Group consultation sessions facilitated by an EMDRIA-approved consultant (or consultant-in-training) offer opportunities to discuss and explore the use of EMDR with therapy cases from your workplace setting.

    • Community message board to post questions and discuss EMDR training topics and support following completion of training

    • Completing a learning assessment at the end of training (required by EMDR International Association)

    • Continued support after training:

      • After training: Become a member of Elevate's EMDR Community (regular meetings and a community discussion board).

      • After training: Complimentary opportunity to audit the lecture portion of a future online training

  • During this training, you will be introduced to the foundation of EMDR therapy (Part 1) and advanced applications (Part 2). EMDR therapy provides a structured approach to support clients in processing difficult experiences, helping them to cope more effectively in the present. Traumatic or negative events can disrupt the brain's natural healing process, and EMDR therapy offers a framework to assist in releasing emotions and restoring balance.

    • Lecture with case examples and videos - interactive components, Q & A

    • Small group practicum experiences in the afternoons with debriefs

    • Small group question and answer periods

    • Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model - understanding memory networks and case conceptualization

    • History taking and treatment planning from the AIP perspective and 3-pronged approach

    • Stabilization and preparation for reprocessing (psychoeducation and coping strategies/resources)

    • Client and therapist readiness for reprocessing - client readiness checklist (Phases 1 & 2)

    • Bilateral stimulation (BLS) techniques introduced and practiced in lecture and practicums

    • Reprocessing past traumatic and adverse experiences (Phases 3-6: Assessment, Desensitization, Installation & Body Scan)

    • Processing present triggers with EMDR

    • Applications to recent traumatic events and restricted processing techniques using EMD & EMDr

    • Applications for working with complex trauma and dissociation (e.g., recognizing and screening for dissociation)

    • Working with children (treatment planning, reprocessing, measurement strategies, BLS options, containment)

    • Applications for treatment planning for anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, complicated grief, and addictions (protocol options)

In-Person Training

Come together with Dr. Kelly and other therapists to learn the basics of EMDR training and practice your skills in-person.

Virtual Training

Learn the EMDR basics from wherever you are. Connect with Dr. Kelly online and participate in training sessions remotely.

Bring Dr. Kelly to your organization.

Connect with Dr. Kelly or the Elevate EMDR team to discuss booking an engaging and personalized training session.

I’m Dr. Kelly Penner Hutton,

licensed clinical psychologist and EMDRIA-approved trainer and consultant

I’m passionate about the transformative power of EMDR therapy and committed to providing comprehensive EMDR training and consultation for licensed mental health professionals. As an experienced EMDRIA-approved instructor and registered clinical psychologist, I focus on delivering structured EMDR education, fostering a sense of community among therapists, and offering the support needed to develop clinical confidence.

With a background as a clinic director and practicing psychologist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of EMDR therapy. These experiences inspire me to help other therapists integrate EMDR principles into their practice, ensuring they feel supported as they refine their skills.

Whether you’re new to EMDR or seeking to deepen your expertise, I’m here to guide you through the process with expert consultation, practical learning, and a strong professional community.

Let’s grow together and make a meaningful impact on the clients and communities we serve. I believe in not only teaching the skills therapists need but also fostering a sense of community along the way. Supporting you as you learn and grow in your practice is something I genuinely care about.

Becoming an EMDR Certified Therapist

EMDR Trained Therapist - Upon completion of an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training you are considered an EMDR Trained Therapist. The next optional step after training is to work toward certification. EMDRIA uses a competency-based model for certification. You do not need to be certified to practice EMDR Therapy after completion of training.

EMDR Certification - For the purpose of becoming an EMDR Certified Therapist by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA link) the following are required:

  • Completion of an EMDRIA approved EMDR Training (instructional, practicum, and 10 group consultation hours)

  • Be independently registered as a mental health professional at time of application

  • EMDRIA requires a minimum of 20 hours of consultation (post training) with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant or Consultant-in-Training

  • EMDRIA requires a minimum of 10 hours be through individual (one-on-one) consultation

  • 10 hours may be through group consultation - learning from other therapists and their case conceptualizations and experiences can be very helpful!

  • 12 hours of EMDRIA approved continuing education credits (typically advanced topics)

  • 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients

  • Letters of recommendation

Ready to start your EMDR training journey?

EMDR Basic Training Objectives

Part 1 Objectives

    • List the 8-phases of EMDR Therapy 

    • List the 3 prongs of EMDR Therapy

    • Explain how EMDR was discovered by Francine Shapiro

    • Describe EMDR as an evidence-based therapy

    • Describe at least 2 mechanisms of action theorized to explain how EMDR Therapy works

    • Describe two client self-use coping strategy techniques or protocols (i.e., stabilization techniques)

    • Explain the purpose of phase 3

    • Identify 3 key components of phase 3

    • Explain phase 4’s purpose

    • Describe and demonstrate phase 4 protocol to desensitize a memory

    • Identify qualities of a Positive Cognition (PC)

    • Identify at least three strategies to deal with hyper-arousal or hypo-arousal (over or under accessing traumatic material)

    • Describe how to close a session to promote emotional equilibrium

    • List the 3 prongs in the 3-pronged protocol

    • Identify the target of reprocessing in the 2nd prong (Present)

    • Explain when to use the Future Template in the order of target processing (past, present and future prongs)

Part 2 Objectives

    • Explain the concept of pathology from the AIP perspective

    • Identify which of the 8 phases are considered reprocessing phases 

    • Identify two types of interweaves

    • List two cognitive interweave plateaus

    • Demonstrate application of the processing protocol in practicum (at minimum Assessment and Desensitization phases)

    • Describe what complex trauma is

    • List at least two signs of dissociation

    • Identify two modifications to history taking that can be made in phase 1 for complex trauma

    • Identify at least two types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

    • Identify a question you can ask in phase 1 to explore a client’s social and cultural experiences

    • Describe 2 methods for measuring SUDs with children other than using a numbered scale of 0-10

    • Utilize procedures for special populations (military or sexual abuse survivors)

    • Utilize procedures for special situations, including Single traumatic events, EMD, EMDR, Anxiety protocol

    • Describe treatment planning considerations for special situations: phobias, complicated grief, and pain

    • Identify which protocol is appropriate for prolonged, continuous adverse experiences

    • Determine possible reprocessing targets for a specific or process phobias

    • List two risk factors for complicated grief

    • List at least two protocols to use with clients who struggle with addictions

    • Apply, demonstrate, and practice the Future Template protocol

    • Demonstrate the procedural steps of the Resource Development and Installation (RDI) protocol

EMDR Therapy

    • The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model

    • Trauma and adverse experiences - expanding definition of trauma from the AIP perspective

    • Purpose and Components of each of the 8 phases is explained (treatment planning, stabilization, processing phases, closing sessions, re-evaluation)

    • Past, Present & Future - treatment planning from the 3 pronged-approach

    • Case conceptualization from the AIP perspective - memory networks

    • Create an EMDR target treatment plan

    • Introduction to techniques for identifying processing targets in a memory network (Floatback & Affect Scan) in addition to direct questions/interview

    • Strategies to handle blocked processing or abreactions in reprocessing phases (phases 4-6)

    • Taxing working memory with dual attention stimuli and bilateral stimulation

    • Maintaining dual awareness and working within the window of tolerance

  • Part 2 focuses on treatment planning considerations beyond simple trauma.

    Complex trauma and dissociation

    In Part 2 information for working with sexual abuse survivors, military, and children are introduced (additional considerations in phases 1-8)

    Cultural considerations and EMDR therapy

    Potential modifications or phase considerations for EMDR therapy with the following presenting issues:

    • anxiety

    • phobias

    • recent traumatic events

    • complicated grief

    • chronic pain

    • addictions

Discipline Objectives

    • Provide a working definition of trauma from a psychological perspective and explain how it relates to the adaptive information processing (AIP) model.

    • Utilize all 8 phases of EMDR Therapy concerning general, well-established principles for trauma-informed care.

    • Discuss, in general, what it means to be an ethical EMDR Therapist as it relates to psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling standards.

    • Identify modifications or phase considerations for EMDR therapy with at least one of the following groups of people/clinical situations: Adults, Children, addictions, survivors of sexual abuse, military, and complex PTSD .

    • Provide a working definition of trauma from a social work perspective.

    • Utilize all 8 phases of EMDR Therapy concerning general, well-established principles for trauma-informed care.

    • Discuss, in general, what it means to be an ethical EMDR Therapist ensuring safe and ethical practice as it relates to social work standards.

    • Explain potential modifications or phase considerations for EMDR therapy with at least one of the following groups of people/clinical situations: Adults, Children, addictions, survivors of sexual abuse, military, and complex PTSD.

Policies

  • Registration is completed after the eligibility criteria have been met (EMDR Training Registration intake form completed and support documentation provided - copy of license, copy of degree)

    $200 deposit is required at the time of registration being accepted

    Early bird rate: Payment must be completed in full by the Early Bird deadline

    Regular rate (after the early bird date): Payment in full at time of registration

  • Refunds on purchased trainings are available until 30 days before the first day of training. There are no refunds after this date.

    $200 of the total tuition is non-refundable if a learner requests to cancel their enrolment.

    No refund will be issued once the training begins.

  • If you wish to transfer to a different group, you may do so without a fee of up to 30 days before the first day of your purchased training.

    If it is less than 30 days before your purchased training begins, transfer to a different training will be possible under certain conditions only and will be subject to a $500 transfer fee as well as documentation to justify a transfer (ex: sickness, death of an immediate family member). Transfer to a different training will only be allowed once.

    Refunds are not provided on transferred trainings. Transfer to a different training date, needs to be within 1 year of the original registration date.

  • Refunds and Basic EMDR training certificates are not available to participants who miss portions of training (i.e. missing a portion of a day or whole training days).

  • Any declined payments must be settled within 3 business days. To receive a certificate of completion, payment must be completed in full.

  • This training may be canceled or postponed due to under-enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances arise, such as presenter illness, technical issues, or a natural disaster (a flood, earthquake, tsunami, wildfire, or other major incidents). Participants will be refunded 100%.

    Elevate EMDR Academy reserves the right to cancel the EMDR basic training at any time. Should this happen, learners will receive a full refund or a credit/transfer to a later course will be offered.

  • Grievances are only accepted in writing and will be handled within ten business days. Please email your grievance to info@elevateemdr.ca.

    If you require specific accommodation, please make your request in writing 30 days before day 1 of Part 1.

    Email your request to info@elevateemdr.ca. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.

  • Conflict of interest for this program: There is no known conflict of interest for this program. Elevate EMDR Academy has not received any financial support for this program or its contents and will not receive any financial support before or during this program. Elevate EMDR Academy will disclose any potential conflicts at the beginning of the training.