At minimum, an EMDR therapist should have completed a training program approved by EMDRIA, which is the EMDR International Association. These programs require at least 50 hours of instruction plus consultation hours where the therapist practices EMDR under supervision.

That’s the baseline. But there’s more to the picture, and knowing what to look for can help you find someone who actually knows what they’re doing.

EMDRIA approved training programs follow a specific structure. The therapist completes about 50 hours of didactic training, which means classroom learning about the theory, the protocol, and how EMDR works. This is usually split into two parts with practice time in between.

After the classroom portion, the therapist has to complete consultation hours. This means they practice EMDR with real clients while getting feedback from an experienced EMDR consultant. The consultant reviews their work and helps them refine their technique. Most programs require 10 hours of consultation, though some require more.

This structure exists because EMDR isn’t something you can learn just by reading about it. The protocol has specific steps, and the timing matters. Knowing when to move forward, when to stay with something, and when to close down a session takes practice with guidance.

You might see therapists with different EMDR credentials. Here’s what they mean.

A therapist who is “EMDR trained” has completed the basic training program. They’ve done the 50 hours of instruction and the consultation hours. They can practice EMDR competently.

A therapist who is “EMDRIA Certified” has gone further. They’ve completed additional consultation hours, treated more clients with EMDR, and demonstrated a higher level of competence. Certification requires ongoing education to maintain.

An “EMDR Consultant” or “Approved Consultant” has even more experience and training. These are the therapists who supervise other therapists learning EMDR. They’ve typically been practicing EMDR for years and have completed advanced training.

Does this mean you need a certified therapist or a consultant? Not necessarily. A well trained therapist who completed their training recently can be excellent. Someone who’s been doing EMDR for years but never pursued certification can also be excellent. The credential tells you something, but it’s not the whole story.

EMDR involves processing traumatic memories. When it’s done well, it’s effective and safe. When it’s done poorly, it can leave someone feeling destabilized or worse than before.

A therapist with proper training knows how to prepare you before processing starts. They know how to pace sessions so you’re not overwhelmed. They know what to do if something unexpected comes up. They understand the eight phases of EMDR and why each one matters.

A therapist with inadequate training might skip steps or rush through preparation. They might not know how to handle intense reactions. They might try to do EMDR with someone who isn’t ready for it yet.

This is why the question of whether EMDR therapy is safe depends partly on who’s doing it. The therapy itself is safe when practiced correctly. The risk comes from practitioners who don’t know what they’re doing.

When you’re trying to find an EMDR therapist, you can ask about their training directly. Good questions include where they completed their EMDR training, whether it was an EMDRIA approved program, how many consultation hours they completed, and how long they’ve been practicing EMDR.

A well trained therapist won’t be offended by these questions. They’ll probably be glad you asked because it shows you’re taking the process seriously.

You can also ask how many clients they’ve treated with EMDR and what kinds of issues they typically work with. Someone who has used EMDR extensively for trauma will have different experience than someone who mostly uses it for performance anxiety. Neither is wrong, but it helps to know.

Good training is the foundation, but it’s not the only thing that matters.

Experience counts. A therapist who has been doing EMDR for ten years has seen more situations than someone fresh out of training. They’ve learned from their clients and refined their approach.

Fit matters too. You need to feel comfortable with your therapist. EMDR involves talking about difficult things and trusting someone to guide you through the process. All the training in the world doesn’t help if you don’t feel safe with the person.

Some therapists also have specialized training for specific issues. Complex trauma, dissociation, and attachment wounds all benefit from additional expertise beyond basic EMDR training. If you’re dealing with something complicated, it’s worth asking about their experience with your specific situation.

When your therapist has solid training, certain things happen naturally.

They’ll take time to understand your history before suggesting EMDR. They’ll explain how EMDR works so you know what to expect. They’ll teach you coping skills and make sure you can use them before processing starts. They’ll check in with you throughout and adjust based on what you need.

They’ll also be honest with you about whether EMDR is the right fit. A well trained therapist knows EMDR isn’t for everyone and won’t push it if something else would work better for your situation.

This kind of thoughtful, personalized approach comes from training that emphasized doing EMDR well rather than just doing EMDR fast.

We offer in-person EMDR therapy at our Philadelphia and Haddonfield offices, with online sessions available for clients anywhere in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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