EMDR Consultation
There are many reasons a therapist
may seek consultation
To complete the 10 hours of consultation required by EMDRIA in order to complete all the Basic Training in addition to completing Parts 1 & 2. (The 10 hours of consultation are an additional requirement as of July 1, 2007.)
To gain and update knowledge and to build skills and confidence in using EMDR therapy
To pursue and obtain EMDRIA Certification status
To pursue and obtain EMDRIA Approved Consultant status
Certification for EMDR therapists is only offered by EMDRIA.
A clinician who is EMDRIA Certified in EMDR therapy has been licensed or certified in their profession for independent practice and has had a minimum of two years experience in their field. The clinician has completed an EMDRIA approved EMDR Therapy Basic Training (i.e., Part 1 & 2 w/ 10 hours of consultation), have conducted a minimum of 50 clinical sessions in which EMDR therapy was utilized with at least 25 clients, and have received an additional 20 hours of consultation in EMDR therapy by an Approved Consultant (or Consultant-in-Training). At least 10 of these hours must be for individual consultation. Individual and group consultation can be provided face-to-face or via teleconference. Each Approved Consultant or Consultant-in-Training determines what options they offer and fees they charge. The clinician must also complete 12 hours of EMDRIA continuing education in EMDR therapy and include letters of recommendation from the Approved Consultant-in-Training and/or Approved Consultant(s) as well as two letters of recommendation from peers in the field. (Refer to the Application for EMDRIA Certification in EMDR form.) For more information, visit www.emdria.org.
Consultation is not supervision.
Supervision implies that the “supervisor” has primary responsibility for the client’s outcome in treatment. In some states, the supervisee can only practice under the license of the “supervisor.” The supervisor carries a legal, ethical, and clinical responsibility/liability for the supervisee. In contrast, consultation is a collaborative relationship between two mental health professionals. The Consultant values the integrity and independence of the individual who is consulting with her or him. The Consultee maintains primary responsibility for the decisions involving treatment for his or her client. Therefore, the Consultant only offers information, suggestions, and other considerations regarding the utilization of EMDR therapy and never makes demands of the Consultee beyond the Consultant’s domain.
