EMDR Basic Training Parts I and II

PART 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify at least two ways to help a client stay grounded and within their window of tolerance during EMDR.
2. Explain in simple language what EMDR therapy is and how it is used to treat trauma.
3. Name at least two types of Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) that you can use with clients during EMDR therapy..
4. List 2 or more Negative Cognitions that are common for clients to list when experiencing EMDR therapy.
5. Explain how to utilize the Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUD) Scale.
6. Explain how to utilize the Validity of Cognition (VOC) Scale.
7. Name at least two common emotional or physical reactions (abreactions) that may occur during EMDR reprocessing
8. Name and describe at least three of the 8 phases of EMDR therapy.
9. Provide 2 possible resources to use when preparing a client for EMDR therapy.
10. Identify at least two basic signs that a client is ready—or not yet ready—to begin EMDR trauma processing.
11. Identify at least two ways to adapt EMDR protocols when working with children.
12. Explain the purpose of the container exercise in the preparation stage.
13. Explain ways to identify potential targets with the client.
14. Describe at least one resource you might use to safely close an incomplete EMDR target.

PART 2 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

15. Utilize the client readiness checklist to determine readiness for trauma processing.
16. Describe two cognitive interweaves to help a client get unstuck during EMDR processing
17. Identify 2 examples of grounding the client when they are experiencing dysregulation or dissociation.
18. Explain why it’s important to stay within a client’s window of tolerance during EMDR sessions.
19. Describe one basic way to safely end an EMDR session when the target is not fully processed
20. Implement 2 strategies to assist with blocked processing.
21. Implement the protocol for closing down incomplete target sessions.
22. Describe strategies to use EMDR for clients with Complex PTSD.
23. Describe at least one way EMDR can be used to support clients experiencing grief or loss
24. Describe strategies to use with clients who are dissociative.
25. Apply utilizing the Future Template during EMDR sessions with clients.
26. Apply EMDR with client present day symptoms and future concerns. 

EMDR Basic Training: What You’ll Learn & What to Expect

Click here to view the full schedule.

Part I: Foundations of EMDR Therapy

In Part I, you’ll learn the core foundations needed to begin using EMDR Therapy with clients. This includes an introduction to the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, the 8-phase EMDR protocol, and Resource Development and Installation (RDI).

By the end of Part I, you will be able to:

• Understand how EMDR works, including how dual attention stimulation supports memory processing
• Identify and describe all 8 phases of EMDR Therapy
• Assess client readiness for trauma processing
• Confidently use multiple forms of dual attention stimulation (DAS)

After Part I, you’ll begin using EMDR Therapy with clients and participate in consultation groups led by Scaling Up EMDR’s EMDRIA-Approved Consultants. Consultation dates are scheduled in advance so you can plan ahead. If you miss a scheduled consultation, you may join another approved consultation group for an additional fee.

Part II: Applying EMDR to More Complex Clinical Presentations

Part II takes place approximately 6–10 weeks after Part I and focuses on applying EMDR Therapy to more complex cases, including Complex PTSD, anxiety disorders, chronic pain/illness, dissociation, and work with children and adolescents.

In Part II, you’ll learn how to:

• Ground and stabilize clients experiencing dissociation
• Adapt EMDR for Complex PTSD and anxiety-related presentations
• Modify EMDR protocols for children and adolescents
• Use the 3-pronged approach to prioritize targets for reprocessing

Following Part II, you’ll complete the remaining consultation hours required for EMDR Basic Training. The full training—Part I, Part II, and all consultation hours—must be completed within 12 months to receive your Certificate of Completion.

How the Training Is Structured

The EMDR Basic Training is highly interactive and experiential. You’ll learn through:

• Clear, engaging lectures and demonstrations
• Experiential exercises and guided practice
• Small-group breakout sessions, where you’ll rotate through therapist, client, and observer roles

You’ll also receive comprehensive digital manuals for both Part I and Part II to support your learning during and after the training.

Hours, Credits & Certification Pathway

The complete EMDR Basic Training includes:

• 20 hours of instruction
• 20 hours of practicum
• 10 hours of consultation

Upon completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion with 40 continuing education credits. This training prepares you to use EMDR Therapy with clients.

Please note: Upon completing this training, you will be considered an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Therapist. After finishing the training, you may choose to pursue EMDRIA Certification, a voluntary advanced credential that typically takes 1–2 years to complete.

Click here to learn more about the EMDRIA Certification process.

Registration Fees

HYBRID COURSE

• Total Cost: $1,450
• This payment can be submitted in four installments, rather than all at one time.

LIVE, ONLINE (VIRTUAL) COURSE

• Total Cost: $1,250
• This payment can be submitted in four installments, rather than all at one time.

The deadline to register for this training is the first training date. As long as there is space in the training, participants can sign up for the training up until the day that the training begins.

The cost of the training includes both Part 1 and Part 2, along with all 5 consultation groups.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS

• Beginning with 2026 cohorts, CE credits will be available for an additional $50 fee. This fee covers CE credits for both Part 1 and Part 2.
• We’ve proudly offered CE credits at no cost for years. Starting in 2026, the new fee will help offset the increasing administrative and certification costs required to maintain the high standards of our programs.

Group Discounts are Available – Click here to view the Group Discounted Rates.
Contact Us at info@scalingupemdr.com to set up a discount for your group.

To apply for a scholarship, please click here.

To learn more about private EMDR Basic Trainings, click here.

Scaling Up EMDR offers private EMDR Basic Trainings upon request, providing agencies with flexible, customized training options designed to meet their specific needs.

Cancellation & Transfer Policies

Because this training is time intensive and designed around group cohesion, we ask that you protect your training dates and avoid last-minute cancellations or transfers whenever possible. Each training cohort forms a safe, connected learning environment, and last-minute changes can impact both planning and group continuity.

Cancellations

• 30+ days before training: Full refund minus a $100 administrative fee
• 29 days or less before training: Deposit and second payment are forfeited (if paid in full, you’ll receive a 50% refund of the total registration fee)

The optional $50 Continuing Education (CE) fee is considered part of the deposit and is subject to the same forfeiture terms outlined above.

Transfers

We understand that emergencies can happen. If you need to move to a future cohort, the following transfer fees apply:

• 30+ days before training: No fee charged
• 14–29 days before training: $100 transfer fee
• 13 days or less before training: $200 transfer fee
• After training begins: $300 transfer fee

If you transfer to a different cohort, all cancellation and transfer deadlines remain based on your original cohort start date and do not reset. Any transfer or unused registration credit must be applied to a cohort that begins within 12 months of the first day of your original cohort. Participants are responsible for selecting and confirming their transfer within this timeframe. Unused credits expire after 12 months. Transfers are permitted one time only.

Participation Requirements

• Attendance in an EMDR Basic Therapy Training is limited to licensed mental health professionals, students in an accredited graduate program, and interns on a state licensing track.  Students and interns must receive approval for attendance. For information on eligibility requirements, click here.

System Requirements

• To attend the online training, one must have access to a computer, internet and Zoom. It is vital that a computer is utilized for this training, instead of a mobile device or iPad.

Course Completion Requirements

According to EMDRIA requirements, the EMDR Basic Training can only be completed live online or in-person and cannot be completed on demand. Therefore, participants must be present for 100% of the training in order to complete it. This course is NOT available to take on demand. We do know that unexpected incidents, emergencies and illnesses arrive. In this case, we can transfer participants to another cohort, if needed, for an additional fee, in order to complete the course. Please see our Cancellation Policy to learn more about the fees associated with switching cohorts. Once the course is completed, participants will receive an electronic certificate emailed to them within 30 days of the course completion.

Course Material Access

This course is NOT available to take online, on demand. The course must be taken 100% live. Participants will receive an electronic certificate emailed to them within 30 days of course completion.

You will receive a login and password (by email) for our online training portal (Scaling Up Hub) two weeks before Part I so the participant can access the course materials.

Final Training Details

This workshop is held in facilities which are in compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act. Please contact the Scaling Up Team at info@ScalingUpEMDR.com if special accommodations are required.

Scaling Up maintains responsibility for this program and its content in accordance with EMDRIA requirements.

Audio/Video/Photo Disclosure: Some of the trainings will be audio and/or video recorded. Additionally, photos may be taken and used for website and other promotional materials. By registering for this training you are consenting that you are in agreement of and aware of this disclosure agreement.

There are no known conflicts of interests for this workshop. All grievances must be in writing to info@scalingupemdr.com, and will be replied to within 5 – 10 business days.