Unlock the Transformative Power of EMDR and Navigate the Path to Mastery

Learn from the training institute of Francine Shapiro, PhD, developer of EMDR therapy and founder of the EMDR Institute. 

EMDR Therapy Basic Training

EMDR therapy is a specialized approach that requires supervised training for full therapeutic effectiveness and client safety. The training consists of lectures, live, and video demonstrations, and supervised practice. The EMDR Institute trainers are EMDRIA-approved. The training program adheres to the ethical standards of APA, social work, nursing, and mental health boards.

The EMDR Institute is the original organization established by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1990.  The curriculum is regularly updated and expanded to reflect current research and to meet the current needs of clinicians.

This experiential training will familiarize participants with a broad spectrum of EMDR therapy applications sufficient for comfortable and efficient use with a wide range of patients and situations. Special attention will be given to the therapeutic needs of clients.

I learned a lot from the practicum portion of the training. My favorite part of the training was the practicum portion as I was able to utilize the skills I learned in the training and learned how to use the skills with my current patients that would benefit in EMDR treatment

— W2 Basic Training Participant

My facilitators were wonderful to work with. They created a safe and rich learning environment for me, and it helped me grow and learn in a meaningful way. Thanks so much!

— W2 Kids Basic Training Participant

I appreciate the Institute taking the time to adapt the training and the application of the therapy to fit the real-life struggles that we have currently as therapists. It was very realistic and helpful.

— W2 Basic Training Participant

I learned so much from this experience. This is my first time learning/experiencing EMDR. I came in with no knowledge of EMDR and feel I am leaving with so many tools to help my clients.

This was the best and most useful training I've ever taken as an LCSW.

Life-changing! Personally and professionally.

— W2 Basic Training Participant

This is the most useful training I've ever done. It's already been transformative for multiple clients I work with.

— W2 Basic Training Participant

I was highly impressed. The consideration put into everything met my needs

— W1 Basic Training Participant

This was a great training. One of the best!

— W1 Basic Training Participant

The workshop EXCEEDED my expectations.

— Specialty Applications Workshop Participant

Probably the most practically applicable training I have ever experienced. This was an amazing experience that I‘m grateful to have been a part of!

— W1 Basic Training Participant

Basic Training through the EMDR Institute -
How Our Program Works

Step 1: Understand what EMDR Training is

  • EMDR therapy is a specialized approach that requires supervised training for full therapeutic effectiveness and client safety. The training consists of lectures, live, and video demonstrations, and supervised practice.
  • The EMDR Institute is the original organization established by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1990.  The curriculum is regularly updated and expanded to reflect current research and to meet the current needs of clinicians.
  • This experiential training will familiarize participants with a broad spectrum of EMDR therapy applications sufficient for comfortable and efficient use with a wide range of patients and situations. Special attention will be given to the therapeutic needs of clients.


The EMDR Institute trainers are EMDRIA-approved.

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Step 2: Make sure you are eligible

  • Licensed Professionals: Medical doctors, advanced practice registered nurses with a specialization in psychiatric mental health, and mental health clinicians with a master's degree in a mental health field are eligible if they are licensed in their state or province.
  • Pre-Licensed Professionals: Individuals pursuing a mental health license under a licensed supervisor with a master's degree in a mental health field are eligible.
  • Graduate Students: Must be enrolled in a graduate program in a mental health field, have completed core coursework, and be in the practicum/internship phase under a licensed supervisor's guidance. First-year students are not eligible.

Those with only chemical dependency licenses are not eligible.

Step 3: Register for training

  • Choose Your Track: Select from two Basic Training tracks. One is tailored for clinicians focusing on adults, while the other includes additional content for those working with children and adolescents.
  • Plan Your Schedule: Aim for a 3-4 month gap between the first and second weekend trainings. This period allows you to complete the required 5 hours of consultation. A list of approved facilitators will be available during training and in the training manual. Note: Workshop fees do not cover case consultation costs.
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Step 4: Take your training

  • Training Schedule: Trainings are held from Friday through Sunday, providing a comprehensive learning experience across the weekend.
  • Pre-Meeting for Weekend One: Attend a mandatory pre-meeting on the Tuesday before Weekend One to prepare for the upcoming training session.
  • Consultation Requirement: Complete 5 hours of consultation between Weekend One and Weekend Two to reinforce learning and apply techniques. Consultation is about real cases. Participants must have current clients to participate in case consultation.

Step 5: Complete EMDR Training

  • Complete Both Training Weekends: Attendance and completion of Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 Trainings are required.
  • Required Reading: Engage with "EMDR: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures" by Shapiro (2018) to grasp essential EMDR therapy concepts and techniques.
  • Case Consultation Hours: Fulfill 10 hours of case consultation with an EMDR Institute Approved Consultant, divided into 5 hours before Weekend 2 and 5 hours following Weekend 2. Consultation is about real cases. Participants must have current clients to participate in case consultation.
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EMDR Basic Training Highlights

Supervised small group practice on each training day

Physiological overview of trauma and the information processing system

Specialized history-taking to identify relevant experiences

Treatment planning to address past events, current triggers and future needs

Stabilization, preparation and resource development interventions

Addressing trauma, adversity, and other disturbing life events

How to work with simple and complex cases

Applications to combat trauma and first responders

Applications to addictions, grief, anxiety, and emotional reactions to illness and injury

Applications to recent events including natural and man-made disasters

Applications to family and couples therapy

Personal use for therapist to process vicarious traumatization

Training Objectives

Barbara J Hensley

Dr. Shapiro worked vigorously for almost 35 years to make EMDR Institute the premier EMDR training organization that it continues to be, and to ensure that its participants have the potential for becoming premier EMDR therapy trained clinicians.

Our training materials are firsthand from the creator and are continually updated by our committee of experts thereby guaranteeing you a first rate and up-to-date training experience.

— Barbara J. Hensley author of An EMDR Therapy Primer: From Practicum to Practice

Learn from the Elite: EMDR Institute's Distinguished Faculty

Our faculty is comprised of internationally recognized speakers, published authors, and esteemed members of EMDR-focused associations.

They are experts in their fields and handpicked to teach at the EMDR Institute for their exceptional ability to deliver Dr. Shapiro's original, proven protocols with fidelity and engagement. Trainees consistently praise our programs, noting the seamless integration of EMDR into their professional practice, significantly enhancing and broadening the impact of their therapeutic work.

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Alicia Avila, LCSW
Clinician in private practice treating adults with a wide array of problems from psychiatric disorders and trauma to general life stressors.

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Judy Cabeceiras, LMFT
Clinician in private practice in Connecticut. She sees adults, adolescents, and families with a wide range of issues.

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Wendy Freitag, PhD
Clinical Psychologist and coach, with over 25 years of experience working with adults on personal and professional issues.

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Katy Murray, LICSW
Katy specializes in trauma-related disorders, chemical dependency, grief, and psycho-oncology.

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Mark Nickerson, LICSW
Psychotherapist in Amherst, MA for 30 years. He has served on the EMDRIA Board for six years and was Board President in 2014

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Carolyn Settle, LCSW
Carolyn Settle, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, EMDR Institute facilitator and consultant, international speaker, author and researcher.

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Roger Solomon, PhD
Roger is a senior trainer for the EMDR Institute, providing basic and advanced EMDR trainings and workshops internationally.

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Rosalie Thomas, RN, PhD
Clinical psychologist with over 25 years’ experience in the treatment of trauma-related disorders and clients with medical concerns.

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Debra Wesselmann, LIMHP
Co-founder of The Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska and has specialized in treating attachment trauma for 33 years.

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Alicia Avila, LCSW

Clinician in private practice treating adults with a wide array of problems from psychiatric disorders and trauma to general life stressors.

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Judy Cabeceiras, LMFT

Clinician in private practice in Connecticut. She sees adults, adolescents, and families with a wide range of issues.

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Wendy Freitag, PhD

Clinical Psychologist and coach, with over 25 years of experience working with adults on personal and professional issues.

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Katy Murray, LICSW

Katy specializes in trauma-related disorders, chemical dependency, grief, and psycho-oncology.

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Mark Nickerson, LICSW

Mark Nickerson, LICSW is a psychotherapist in Massachusetts, US for 40 years, an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and an EMDR Institute Trainer.

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Carolyn Settle, LCSW

Carolyn Settle, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, EMDR Institute facilitator and consultant, international speaker, author and researcher.

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Roger Solomon, PhD

Roger is a senior trainer for the EMDR Institute, providing basic and advanced EMDR trainings and workshops internationally.

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Rosalie Thomas, RN, PhD

Clinical psychologist with over 25 years’ experience in the treatment of trauma-related disorders and clients with medical concerns.

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Debra Wesselmann, LIMHP

Co-founder of The Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska and has specialized in treating attachment trauma for 33 years.

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Who Is Eligible?

  • Licensed Professionals: Medical doctors, advanced practice registered nurses with a specialization in psychiatric mental health, and mental health clinicians with a master's degree in a mental health field are eligible if they are licensed in their state or province. Those with only chemical dependency licenses are not eligible.

  • Pre-Licensed Professionals: Individuals pursuing a mental health license under a licensed supervisor with a master's degree in a mental health field are eligible. This excludes those with only chemical dependency licenses.

  • Graduate Students: Must be enrolled in a graduate program in a mental health field, have completed core coursework, and be in the practicum/internship phase under a licensed supervisor's guidance. First-year students are not eligible. Required documentation for training registration may include transcripts and a letter from their supervisor.

Upcoming Trainings

Choose the time-zone that best fits your schedule. Register for upcoming trainings.

We offer two tracks of Basic Training.  The first track is designed for clinicians who work primarily with adults. The second has supplemental information for clinicians who work with children and adolescents.

Frequently Asked Questions