Why Ongoing EMDR Education Matters: A Consultant’s Perspective on Excellence, Ethics, and the Future of Our Field
EMDR continues to expand across clinical settings, one truth remains steady: this modality demands ongoing growth, refinement, and mentorship. As an EMDR Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand that the most effective clinicians are not simply the ones who completed basic training—they’re the ones who stay committed to deepening their skill set long after that first certificate is printed.
In this post, I want to break down why continuing education is essential, clarify why consultation is strongly encouraged, explain what it looks like to become an EMDR Consultant, and share details about the 2026 Consultant-in-Training (CIT) cohort I’ll be offering—keeping in mind that EMDRIA will be adjusting CIT expectations soon, and we’ll be responsive to those updates.
Why Continuing EMDR Education Is So Important
EMDR is powerful—but it’s also complex. With its roots in the Adaptive Information Processing model, the modality requires clinicians to stay thoughtful, attuned, and clinically flexible. Continuing education ensures that clinicians:
1. Stay aligned with evolving EMDRIA standards
EMDRIA updates standards periodically as new research, emerging protocols, and best-practice guidelines evolve. Staying current is not optional—it’s ethical.
2. Develop confidence in specialized populations
From perinatal mental health, to LGBTQIA+ care, to complex trauma, dissociation, attachment injuries, chronic pain, and medical trauma, continuing education helps clinicians deliver safe, attuned, trauma-responsive care.
3. Avoid drifting from fidelity
Many therapists unintentionally modify EMDR in ways that reduce its effectiveness. Ongoing education helps clinicians maintain fidelity while learning when clinical adaptations are appropriate.
4. Prevent burnout and clinical stagnation
Burnout increases when therapists feel stuck or unsure. Continued learning strengthens clinical confidence and supports longevity in the field.
Why EMDR Consultation Is Strongly Encouraged
Even the most seasoned EMDR therapists need a space to think, process cases, ask questions, and receive support. Consultation provides:
Clinical refinement
Subtle shifts in phrasing, pacing, or resourcing can completely change a client’s therapeutic experience.
Case conceptualization support
EMDR is not protocol-only. You need the conceptual lens to know why and when you’re using what you’re using.
Ethical assurance
Consultation ensures you’re implementing EMDR safely—particularly when working with dissociation, attachment injuries, or complex trauma.
A sense of professional community
Trauma work is intense. Consultation fosters connection with clinicians who understand the work intimately.
Why I Refer to EMDR-Certified Clinicians
When I make referrals, I prioritize EMDR-Certified clinicians because certification signals:
Consistency in casework
Dedicated consultation hours with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant
Demonstrated competency and fidelity to the model
Commitment to ongoing learning
It’s not about exclusivity—it’s about ensuring clients receive trauma treatment from someone who has gone beyond the basics and invested in mastery.
What It Looks Like to Become an EMDR Consultant
Becoming an EMDR Consultant is a deeply meaningful step for clinicians who want to shape the next generation of trauma therapists.
Requirements (in general terms)
While EMDRIA is currently adjusting CIT expectations (and we will follow all updated standards when released), the Consultant pathway generally includes:
Maintaining EMDR Certification
Additional consultation-of-consultation hours
Demonstrated proficiency in case conceptualization
Skills in teaching, guiding, and supervising other clinicians
A strong understanding of specialty populations
An ability to articulate and uphold fidelity to the AIP model
The Consultant Role Is More Than Checking Boxes
Consultants become mentors, teachers, and clinical anchors. They support clinicians in:
Strengthening fidelity
Navigating complex cases
Understanding dissociation
Integrating parts work or structural dissociation models
Ethical decision-making
Preparing for certification
It’s a leadership role that elevates both individual clinicians and the profession as a whole.
My Upcoming 2026 CIT Cohort
Starting in 2026, I will be offering a Consultant-in-Training (CIT) Cohort designed for clinicians who want structured, high-quality consultation-of-consultation, community support, case discussions, and guidance as they work toward EMDRIA Consultant status.
This cohort will include:
Group consultation-of-consultation hours
Opportunities to practice giving consultation
Guidance tailored to EMDRIA’s newest CIT expectations
Supplemental materials, scripts, teaching tools, and structure
A professional learning community of trauma-informed, dedicated clinicians
Because EMDRIA is adjusting the CIT pathway, the structure and requirements of this cohort will remain responsive, flexible, and fully aligned with updated standards.
If You’re Considering EMDR Certification or Consultant Training…
Whether you’re working toward certification, strengthening advanced skills, or considering moving into CIT status, consultation with an experienced EMDR Consultant is the most effective way to grow your confidence, clinical mastery, and professional identity.
I provide:
Individual EMDR consultation
Group consultation
Certification-focused consultation
Pre-CIT preparation
Consultation for complex cases, dissociation, and attachment injury cases
If you’re ready to deepen your work—or want to be on the early interest list for the 2026 CIT Cohort—I’d love to support you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to navigate EMDR development alone. Whether you're seeking certification, sharpening your skills, or preparing to become a Consultant, specialized consultation accelerates your growth and protects the integrity of the work we do.
Reach out to join the waitlist for the 2026 CIT cohort or schedule ongoing EMDR consultation with me.
