Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective therapy used to treat trauma and a range of mental health issues, but it’s recommended to work with a qualified therapist who’s trained and accredited in EMDR. In this post, we'll walk you through what it takes to become an EMDR therapist, how the accreditation process works, and why finding a therapist with ongoing training is important.
Whatever symptoms you're seeking help for, here’s how you can find a professional who’s equipped to guide you through your healing journey.
Step 1: Understanding the EMDR Training Process
To qualify as an EMDR therapist, you need a clinical background in mental health. Training then begins with EMDR Europe-accredited courses. This includes Parts 1-4, which introduce EMDR’s structured, eight-phase approach alongside supervised practice focused on simpler cases, such as single-event trauma. This foundational work helps prepare therapists for handling more complex cases, like developmental trauma, as they progress through the accreditation process.
Step 2: The Accreditation Process
After completing basic training, therapists can pursue accreditation through EMDR All Ireland. Accreditation indicates that a therapist has met advanced standards and has substantial experience in EMDR practice. Here’s what’s involved in accreditation:
Additional Supervised Practice – Accreditation requires more than the basic supervised hours, usually including cases involving complex trauma or multiple trauma exposures.
Case Studies and Evidence of Competence – Therapists must demonstrate competence through case studies, showing that they follow EMDR protocols effectively and understand how to use the approach in diverse situations.
Ongoing Professional Development – EMDR All Ireland requires that accredited therapists continue learning, staying updated on new research, methods, and best practices in EMDR. This commitment to ongoing education is required for maintaining accreditation.
Accreditation through EMDR All Ireland provides a stamp of quality, ensuring that the therapist has met high standards and continues to advance their skills.
Step 3: Finding an Accredited EMDR Therapist in Ireland
Once a therapist completes accreditation, they’re listed in directories on the EMDR All Ireland website, making it easy to find qualified EMDR practitioners. When searching for a therapist, look for professionals with experience in areas that align with your needs. For example, some specialise in PTSD, while others focus on attachment trauma, anxiety, or other complex issues.
Using this directory ensures that the therapist you choose is not only trained but also maintains a high level of competence in the EMDR method.
Step 4: Importance of Advanced EMDR Training and Specialisation
Basic training and accreditation in EMDR offer therapists a strong starting point, but advanced training is essential to meet the diverse needs of clients seeking therapy. Specialised EMDR training enables therapists to effectively support individuals dealing with complex trauma, attachment issues, distressing dreams, or intergenerational trauma. By developing expertise in specific areas, therapists gain the flexibility to tailor their approach, ensuring they can address each client's unique history and therapeutic goals. This commitment to ongoing learning ultimately deepens their effectiveness as trauma-focused practitioners.
Final Tips for Choosing an EMDR Therapist
When choosing an EMDR therapist in Ireland, consider the following:
Check for Accreditation – Look for therapists accredited by EMDR All Ireland to ensure they’ve completed the right training and follow ethical standards.
Ask About Advanced Training – Some therapists develop specialisations in areas that might align with your needs. For example, if you’re working with attachment issues, you might benefit from a therapist trained in attachment-informed EMDR.
Ensure Commitment to Ongoing Learning – A therapist who invests in continuing education is more likely to stay informed about the latest developments in EMDR, providing you with the most effective and up-to-date care.
