What Education Is Required for EMDR Training

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a demanding form of psychotherapy that helps individuals process negative emotions and memories associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD.

EMDR sounds like an excellent solution for many of today’s mental health problems. But unlike other therapies, it requires more comprehensive training. It’s not the type of therapy that one can just take a course for. So, what education is required for EMDR training then? Here’s how therapists can prepare.

The Educational Aspect

EMDR training resources are extremely varied and can push applicants and trainees in multiple directions. However, prior education is required in order to pursue EMDR training. Moreover, given the consistent evolution of the medical field, this form of therapy requires continuous education to keep skills and knowledge up to date.

Then, what education is required for EMDR training? Most importantly, EMDR certification can’t be obtained without a course without prior education. And prior education isn’t light, but it requires a degree.

To qualify for EMDR training, one will need a Master’s degree in a mental health discipline. This could include counseling, psychiatry, social work or psychology, among others. Of course, this degree must be obtained from an official institution.

Higher degrees will obviously make a good starting point too, such as a Doctoral degree.

License Considerations 

A license is just as important in order to work after EMDR training. Licenses are given by state boards for independent practicing. Requirements are lower when working in a licensed institution, since training is the only main necessity. Regulations vary by region, but in most places independent EMDR practice without a mental health license is not allowed.

Furthermore, a graduate student working towards getting a license can also operate, but only under a qualified supervisor. 

What About Disciplines?

There are more disciplines that could be considered part of EMDR training. It’s important to understand how each qualifying field can affect one’s capability to work in this industry.

All in all, qualifying fields and disciplines include the following:

• Counseling
• Clinical social work
• Psychology
• Psychiatric nursing
• Psychiatry
• Marriage and family therapy, also known as MFT.

These disciplines share a focus on assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, which is essential for safe EMDR work.

Who’s Eligible for EMDR Training?

There are more categories of people who can be considered eligible for EMDR training.

Graduate Students

This is the most important form of education required for EMDR training. You need to be a graduate in order to even start this form of training. As a qualifying graduate student, you need a Master’s or Doctoral program in a field associated with mental health, as well as related disciplines.

It’s worth noting that first year graduate students can’t take EMDR training. They also need to be on a licensing track, let alone being supervised by a licensed clinician for work.

To start training, students must submit the required documentation. Each institution may have different requirements. Common paperwork includes proof of enrollment, supervisor details and confirmation of appropriate practicum or internship settings.

Pre-Licensed Professionals

What education is required for EMDR training when it comes to professionals? Pre-licensed professionals are in the process of getting a mental health license, but they’re able to work. However, they can only work if supervised by a professional.

Licenses are varied and depend on the applicant’s requirements. For example, one could get an associate license, a provisional one or a pre-license, just to name a few examples.

Pre-licensed clinicians who qualify also require prior education, such as a Master’s degree in mental health, whether it’s psychology, social work, psychiatry or other accepted field. This graduate education is non‑negotiable for reputable EMDR programs.

Those with chemical dependency education or substance abuse licenses aren’t eligible for EMDR training.

Licensed Professionals

Qualifying professionals and clinicians must be licensed wherever they operate. Registered nurses will require a Master of Science in Nursing, but higher education is obviously accepted too. The specialization must be in psychiatric mental health nursing. A license is also required.

Mental health clinicians require a Master’s degree in any of the above-mentioned mental health fields and, again, a license is required. Fully licensed clinicians can typically use EMDR independently within their scope of practice once training and consultation are complete.

Not everyone is eligible for EMDR training. Those with substance abuse or chemical dependency licenses can’t pursue EMDR training. Their licenses don’t have much to do with the mental health certification.

Who Qualifies for EMDR Training?

There are certain categories of professionals or graduates who can take EMDR training.

• Licensed professionals include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), LMFTs and LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors).
• Graduate students in Master’s or Doctoral programs in the right fields, but only after they’ve completed their courses. In other words, they must already be in some form of internship under a supervisor.

As a final conclusion, what education is required for EMDR training? Generally speaking, while anyone can embrace some form of EMDR education, the truth is that professional training is required before even starting the course.

Master’s or Doctoral degrees are usually required to take EMDR training and actually operate in the mental health field. Moreover, there are more stages in training, meaning both students and graduates can take EMDR training. Indeed, further requirements can affect education, such as supervised work.​