Why Train with Precision EMDR Academy?

Boutique Training Agency

We are a boutique training agency dedicated to excellence in preparing clinicians to provide precision EMDR therapy, using strategic case conceptualization and skillful, safe, effective technique.

Advanced Skills

Each of our Facilitators/Consultants has advanced training and experience in treating Complex Developmental Trauma, Nonsecure Attachment and Dissociation with EMDR therapy.

Team of Specialists

Our team is comprised of specialists with expertise in specific populations with EMDR therapy, allowing you to opportunity to be mentored by a Consultant experienced in a treatment area of interest to you.

Be Comfortable

Come in your comfy clothes! Our virtual trainings allow you to learn where you feel most comfortable. We host our in-person trainings in a warm, restorative setting, ideal for practicing EMDR therapy for the first time.

Personalized Support

We strictly limit the size of our classes and consultation groups, so we can provide you with personalized support in navigating the real-world complexity of using EMDR therapy with clients.

Dedicated Community

You’ll be part of a dedicated community, receiving individualized guidance and interacting with peers, enhancing your learning and supporting integration of EMDR therapy into your clinical practice.

Why become an EMDR therapist?

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  • Trauma-informed treatment is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing the underlying vulnerability to mental health disorders, addictions, and medical conditions caused by Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs).
  • Advances in the field allow EMDR therapy to treat the effects of non-secure attachment, unmet developmental needs, and small adverse life events that can drive anxiety, depression, and other emotional, behavioral, and relationship difficulties.
  • EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980’s and has been researched extensively since. Over 30 randomized controlled trials – the gold standard of study in the field – have provided empirical validation of its efficacy.
  • EMDR therapy has been recommended by Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, SAMHSA, the World Health Organization, and numerous other international authorities on mental health.
  • Completing an EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training provides the foundation for safe, effective clinical practice and the qualification to pursue Certification as an EMDR therapist. The EMDR International Association ensures that programs undergo rigorous review and requires a minimum of 20 hours of instruction, 20 hours of supervised practicum, and 10 hours of consultation.
EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training

This training will be a great fit if…

You are eager to become a skilled EMDR therapist.

You value knowing the “why” as much as the “how.”

You want to effectively treat Attachment & Complex Trauma.

You are ready to integrate EMDR therapy into your practice.

You need to become proficient online and in person.

You welcome the idea of being mentored and supported.

You love nerdy fun!

Your Essential Resources for Confidence as an EMDR Therapist

Explore the Structure of our EMDR Training Journey

Here is the comprehensive breakdown of our EMDR Basic Training, encompassing 42 hours of didactic and practicum learning (qualifying for 42 APA CE credits), plus an additional 10 hours of case consultation with one of our expert EMDRIA-Approved Consultants.

Day 1

Morning Session 9:30am - 12:30pm
History And Overview of EMDR Therapy
Traumatology
Neurobiology of Trauma
Neurobiology of Memory
Neurobiology of Traumatic Memory
Hypothesized Mechanisms of Action and Neurobiological Aspects of EMDR Therapy
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-6:00pm
The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
Differentiation from Other Models
Overview of the 8 Phases of the EMDR Therapy Methodology
Phases 1 & 2 – History & Preparation

Day 2

Morning Session 9:30am - 12:30pm
Phases 1 & 2 – History & Preparation (Continued)
Safety within the Therapeutic Relationship
Practicum: Broaching
Dissociation
Good Enough Stability – Including Physical Health
EMDR Therapy Procedures
EMDR Therapy Practicum: Calm Place and Container Exercise
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-6:00pm
Preparation Exercises (Continued)
Practicum: RDI Exercise
Practicum: Support Team Gift Exercise
History Gathering
Client History Interview
Trigger Decoding Log
Top 10’s Negative & Positive Memory Decoding Exercise
Practicum: Trigger Decoding Log & Top 10’s Exercise
Cognition Themes

Day 3

Morning Session 9:30am - 12:30pm
Target Sequence Planning – Three Options
Comprehensive Target Sequence Planning
Symptom-Focused Target Sequence Planning
Crisis or Intrusion-Focused Target Sequence Plan
Review of Standard Order of Reprocessing Memories in a Target Memory Network
Practicum: Target Sequence Plan Exercise
Phases 3-7: Target Activation, Reprocessing, and Closure
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-6:00pm
Floatback Technique
Affect Scan (or Affect Bridge) Technique
EMD & EMDr
Practicum: Reprocessing the Touchstone Memory (including Floatback)

Day 4

Morning Session 9:30am - 12:30pm
Advanced Strategies for Blocked Processing
Practicum: Cognitive Interweave Exercise
Complex Developmental Trauma
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-6:00pm
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing

Day 5

Morning Session 9:30am-12:30pm
Recent Traumatic Events
Anxiety
Depression
Complicated Grief
Illness and Somatic Disorders
Addictions
Dissociative Disorders
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-6:00pm
Practicum: Present Target Sequence Plan to New Partner(s)
Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing

Day 6

Morning Session 9:30am-12:30pm
Present Triggers
Future Templates
Military and First Responders
Children and Adolescents
Couples
Self-Use of EMDR Therapy
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-6:00pm
Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing
Practicum: Present Trigger & Future Template
Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues

Real Stories from our EMDR Training Students

Course material was phenomenal!

It focused on the safety and readiness of the client while providing the trainee with helpful worksheets to begin using EMDR in a safe, well organized way.

~ LMFT in San Diego, CA
In comparing with other colleagues who have taken other EMDR trainings, this course focused more on EMDR readiness of the client which I believe to be extremely valuable knowledge!

This knowledge will inevitably restructure my practice to lean towards EMDR treatment rather than talk therapy.
~ LMFT in San Diego, CA


Susie has amazing knowledge and skills! So much new learning...it will make my practice more efficient, effective, robust and safe. THANK YOU


~ LMFT in San Diego, CA


Overall, having the training online was a positive experience, in that it allowed to apply the concepts and strategies via telehealth more easily.


~ LCSW in San Diego, CA
This was a refresher course for me. It was an amazing way to get re-acquainted and up-to-date with the current changes with EMDR since I was trained back in 2000.

I enjoyed the evidence presented to back up how successful EMDR has become over the years.
~ LMFT in San Diego, CA


The team was supportive and encouraging, Susie's approach felt very well researched, supported, and thorough.


~ Psychologist in San Diego, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Payment Plan Option

4 Monthly Installments may be available to you through Afterpay. Additional payment plan options may be available through Klarna. Payment plan options are ONLY available only for the cost of the 42 hours of Training and are NOT available for the cost of the 10 hours of Consultation.

Afterpay:
The option of installment payments for the EMDR Basic Training tuition is available through Afterpay at checkout for qualifying applicants. Full or partial refunds for Afterpay transactions are available up to 120 days after the original payment, minus the fees from the original charge. If Afterpay is used for training registration, refunds will not be provided separately or additionally by Precision EMDR Therapy. Not all customers are guaranteed approval for Afterpay, as approval depends on various factors considered during Afterpay’s assessment. Afterpay may perform a soft credit check for using the monthly installment option. Decisions regarding qualification are made soley by Afterpay, and Precision EMDR Academy has no influence or responsibility in approval to use Afterpay.

Klarna:
Klarna is a Buy Now Pay Later payment method that allows you to choose from various payment plans. To pay with Klarna, you will be redirected during checkout to Klarna’s site, where you either sign up or log in to authorize the payment by agreeing to the terms of a payment plan. Full or partial refunds for Klarna transactions are available up to 180 days after the original payment. There are no fees to refund a charge however, the fees from the original charge will not be returned. If applicable, anything related to interest will be handled directly by Klarna. Decisions regarding qualifications are made soley by Klarna, and Precision EMDR Academy has no influence or responsibility in approval to use Klarna.

Qualifications for Attending

A clinical background is necessary for the effective application of EMDR therapy.  This EMDR Basic Training is designed to mentor participants in integrating EMDR therapy into their current clinical practice.  We believe doing so will facilitate more robust and accurate learning of EMDR theory and procedures, as well as provide meaningful support as participants begin to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the training.  Homework assignments demonstrating application of EMDR therapy with clients - including video, audio, or verbatim transcript recordings - are now required by the EMDR International Association, as a part of EMDR Basic Training. Therefore, it is necessary that participants have a current clinical practice in which they are able to begin using EMDR therapy and obtain permission to record clinical sessions. 

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

A copy of the participant's qualifying license must be submitted to the Training Portal under Essentials: Participant Agreement after registration. Registration is not complete until a copy of a current professional license has been received.

  • Qualifying medical doctors must be licensed to practice in their state or province.
  • Qualifying advanced practice registered nurses must have a Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing and must be licensed to practice through their state board or province.
  • Qualifying Mental Health Clinicians must have a master’s degree or above in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline and be licensed to practice through their state board or province.
  • Individuals who only hold a chemical dependency or substance abuse license are not eligible as these licenses generally do not allow for a mental health scope of practice.    
Pre-Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Pre-Licensed Mental Health Professionals must have the approval of their Clinical Supervisor, with the understanding that participants' integration of EMDR skills into clinical practice AND permission to record clinical sessions (video, audio, or verbatim transcript) are essential components of the training.  A copy of a current Clinical Supervisor’s Verification Letter of acknowledgement of the above (including the supervisor's degree and license number) must be submitted to the Training Portal under Essentials: Participant Agreement after registration. Registration is not complete until a copy of the Clinical Supervisor's Verification Letter has been received.

  • These are clinicians who are actively pursuing a mental health license through their state board (or province) while working under a licensed supervisor. Some of these license types include associate, intern, limited, provisional, temporary and pre-license.
  • Qualifying pre-licensed mental health clinicians must have a master's degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline and must be actively pursuing a full license through their state board (or province) while working under a licensed supervisor.
  • Individuals who only hold a chemical dependency or substance abuse license are not eligible as these licenses generally do not allow for a mental health scope of practice.
Graduate Students

Graduate Students must have the approval of their Clinical Supervisor, with the understanding that participants' integration of EMDR skills into clinical practice AND permission to record clinical sessions (video, audio, or verbatim transcript) are essential components of the training.  A copy of a current Clinical Supervisor’s Verification Letter of acknowledgement of the above (including the supervisor's degree and license number) AND a copy of a qualifying graduate transcript must be submitted to the Training Portal under Essentials: Participant Agreement after registration. Registration is not complete until a copy of the Clinical Supervisor's Verification Letter and a copy of a qualifying Graduate Transcript has been received.

  • Qualifying graduate students must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline. Students must have completed their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program. First year graduate students are not eligible. Graduate students must be on a licensing track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
  • Graduate students who would like to take an EMDR BasicTraining must submit a Graduate Transcript in order to verify their eligibility.
Refresher Course Participants

In order to take the training as a Refresher course, clinicians must verify completion of an EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training. EMDR Trainings not approved by EMDRIA do not qualify. A copy of the Certificate of Completion must be submitted to the Training Portal under Essentials: Participant Agreement after registration. Registration is not complete until a copy of a qualifying Certificate of Completion has been received.

Logistics for In-Person & Virtual Trainings
Zoom Link to Register for Training (In-Person & Virtual)
  • The same Zoom Meeting link and password will be used for all 6 days of the training.
  • After registering for the training, you will be emailed a link to register for the training on Zoom.  Follow this link and complete the registration, in order to obtain the Zoom Meeting link and password.
  • Please do not share the Zoom meeting link and password with anyone outside the training.
  • You need to register on Zoom.us and ensure your full name is visible on the screen, in order to allow for attendance tracking. You are welcome to provide your preferred name and pronouns on your Zoom screen.
  • If you would like to familiarize yourself more with Zoom.us, you can go to this FAQ page to get all of your Zoom.us related questions answered.
How to Obtain Training Materials (In-Person & Virtual)
  • Please login to the Training Portal at: https://www.precisionemdrtraining.com/login.
  • You must attest to your understanding and agreement to the Participant Agreement and submit all required documentation in the Training Portal under Essentials: Participant Agreement in order to have access to the training materials.
  • Training materials will be made available in the Training Portal two weeks in advance of the training. You are encouraged to practice navigating the site and accessing the materials prior to the first day of the training.  Please familiarize yourself with the content, including the Precision EMDR Academy Manual, PowerPoint slides, Timeline of the Training, Timeline of Homework, and available PDF forms.
  • PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE PRINTED ALL FORMS AS INSTRUCTED PRIOR TO EACH TRAINING DAY, AS THESE WILL BE USED IN PRACTICUM. THESE CAN BE FOUND IN THE SECTIONS LABELED “FORMS FOR PRACTICUM” FOR TRAINING DAYS 2-6. THERE IS NO PRACTICUM ON DAY 1 OF THE TRAINING.
  • You will have access to the training portal for two weeks after the final Group Consultation.  Please ensure you have downloaded all Training materials before access to the training portal expires.
  • Notify us at admin@precisionemdr.com if you need your password reset.
How to Participate in the Online Training Community (In-Person & Virtual)
Technology Logistics during Training Days (Virtual Only)
  • Plan to arrive early for each training day to ensure your connection is working correctly. Each morning of the training, the trainer and/or facilitators will be available 15 minutes prior to the start of the training to assist trainees with technical problem solving. This time will not be for EMDR therapy training or EMDR Q & A. Should a problem occur, you are welcome to email any technical questions to the team at admin@precisionemdr.com in advance of the training.
  • At the start of our first day of the training we will ask that you verify we have an operational phone number (preferably cell) so that the technical support team may contact you to reestablish your connection if you are disconnected from the live Zoom.us meeting.
  • Throughout the training, a staff member facilitator will be available to text for Zoom technical questions.
  • You will have access to the training portal for two weeks after the final Group Consultation.  Please ensure you have downloaded all Training materials before access to the training portal expires.
  • In the unlikely case that there is a Zoom outage or any other emergency situation that disrupts the training, we will take a brief break to resolve the issue. However, if the issue cannot be resolved in a reasonable period of time, the training will be rescheduled.  You will be kept informed by email and text of any updates should such a situation arise.
Tips for Using Zoom during Training Days (Virtual Only)
  • If you move your mouse down your Zoom screen, you’ll see the controls across the bottom..
  • That’s where you can mute yourself, make sure your web-cam is on, send a chat message, etc.
  • Please “mute” yourself unless you are participating in a discussion. This helps us not have get background noises and allows everyone to be able to hear.
  • Please keep your web-cam on during all live training sessions. That’s the equivalent of “being in the room” for an in-person training.
  • If you would like to see the speaker and the PowerPoint slides at the same time, you can right click on the speaker’s face and click Pin; then you will only see the slides and the one face. You can drag the sides of the windows to re-size them if you wish.
  • Please have your chat set to “all participants” when you are posting questions – unless it’s something you specifically want to be private and directed only to the instructor.
  • In the case that something goes wrong, often re-loading will solve the problem, or re-booting the device. Unless the problem is a weak internet signal, in which case you might want to use your phone signal for access.
Meals & Lodging (In-Person Only)

For in person trainings, please note that temperatures in meeting rooms are variable, please dress in layers. A light breakfast will be provided at the late morning break, as well as a snack at the late afternoon break. Please be sure to make your own accommodations and meal planning, as the training does not include a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Restaurants are available on site.

Terms & Conditions

This is a complete EMDR Basic Training approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), formerly known as Level I and Level II EMDR Basic Training, including the now required 10 hours of Consultation. Participants will learn the EMDR therapy approach, the Standard Eight-Phase EMDR protocol, the Adaptive Information Processing Model, and how to incorporate EMDR therapy into their clinical practice. Participants must attend the full 42 hours of Training AND attend 10 hours of Basic Training Consultation to receive a certificate of completion in EMDR Basic Training. EMDRIA requires participants to complete the entire training including consultation hours within 12 months from their initial start date unless there are extraordinary circumstances. Approval of partial programs will not be granted.

This Training will consist of didactic presentations, demonstrations, supervised practicum, and case consultations. According to the EMDRIA guidelines, the Consultation portion of the training is about real client cases and not experiences that occur during practicum. EMDRIA requires submission of behavioral samples (video, audio, or verbatim summary) of trainees work as part of the Consultation portion of the EMDR Basic Training.

Attendance, Registration & Cancellation Policy

Full attendance of the training is required.  Participants who arrive more than 15 minutes late at start of day / after breaks or leave more than 15 minutes early at end of day / before breaks will not receive credit. Attendance during live virtual trainings will be verified by "pop" queries and requirement to attend with cameras on throughout the training.

Participants who are absent for part of the program, due to documented illness or emergency circumstances, will be given the option to enroll in the program again within one year of the original program date.  In such cases, completion of the entire repeated program is required.

Space is strictly limited. It is strongly recommended to register early.  Registrants canceling up to 15 full days before the workshop will receive a tuition refund less a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given for less than 15 full days cancellation. A $75.00 service charge applies to each returned check or credit card chargeback.

Each Consultation Group is limited to 4-6 participants, and additional groups will only be added once all currently offered groups are full. Group Consultation preferences will be honored in order of request and are limited by availability.  Participants are strongly encouraged to complete registration with your top three choices for Consultation Groups as soon as possible, so we have the best chance to accommodate your needs and preferences regarding the Consultant's specialties, rates, and scheduling.

Precision EMDR Academy reserves the right to refuse anyone participation in a training program whether due to qualification, reputation, behavior, or any other reason at Precision EMDR Academy's prerogative. EMDR Academy also reserves the right to expel a participant from a training at such point that Precision EMDR Academy determines that continued participation would not be in the best interest of that participant, other participants, Precision EMDR Academy, and/or the public. Should Precision EMDR Academy learn that a registered participant in a training program is not in fact qualified to participate, their participation will be refused and/or discontinued. Fees may apply as per the Cancellations policy.

Equal Opportunity

Precision EMDR Academy acknowledges the traumatic impact and other harms of violence and discrimination. We oppose oppression in all forms, and aspire to promote access for all, without discriminatory behavior or bias. Precision EMDR Academy values creating a safe, supportive, inclusive environment for training regardless of an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, or religion. Please bring any concerns regarding training experiences contrary to these values to the attention of Susanne Morgan, Director of Training, at susie@precisionemdracademy.com, or Nina Kotovsky, Administrative Director at admin@precisionemdr.com.

Requests Regarding Access and Accommodations

All trainings by Precision EMDR Academy are held in facilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special accommodations for in-person or virtual trainings are required for any reason (including accessibility, necessary dietary restrictions, and space for nursing infants), please notify us 30 days in advance at admin@precisionemdr.com. It is important to us that we are able to team with you in making adequate preparations to meet your needs.

Conflicts of Interests

There is no commercial support for this program.  There are no known conflicts of interest. Susanne Morgan is the owner of Precision EMDR Academy and Facilitators are employed by Precision EMDR Academy for their participation in the Didactic and Practicum portions of the EMDR Basic Training. Facilitators are paid directly by participants for Basic Training Consultation hours.

Precision EMDR Academy is committed to the identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest in the planning, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of continuing education. Consistent with concepts outlined in the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, potential conflicts of interest occur when an individual assumes a professional role in the planning, promotion, delivery, or evaluation of continuing education where personal, professional, legal, financial, or other interests could reasonably be expected to impair their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness.

Susanne Morgan, Director of Training, is responsible to identify, declare, and resolve any potential conflict of interest Precision EMDR Academy may have in offering any specific program of continuing education. In the event of a potential conflict of interest, the Director of Training will assume responsibility to resolve the potential conflict. Precision EMDR Academy requires that professionals participating in the planning of continuing education identify any potential conflict of interest they may have in the review, selection, development, delivery, or evaluation of that program and disclose the conflict or recuse themselves from any decision-making concerning that program. In the event of a potential conflict of interest, The Director of Training  will ensure that the individual recuses themselves from the planning process.

Grievance Policy

It is Precision EMDR Academy’s policy to treat all participants and potential participants with fairness and professionalism, and to strive for excellence in the services we provide. Precision EMDR Academy is fully committed to conducting all activities in strict compliance with the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists. Precision EMDR Academy will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be non-discriminatory in promotional activities, program content and in the treatment of program participants. The monitoring and assessment of compliance with these standards will be the responsibility of Susanne Morgan, LMFT, Director of Training, in consultation with Colette Lord, PhD, Director of Professional Credentialing;  Danielle Hiestand, PsyD, LMFT, Assistant Director of Professional Credentialing; Debbra Wagner, LMFT, Professional Credentialing Committee Chair; and Nina Kotovsky, Administrative Director.

While Precision EMDR Academy goes to great lengths to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, there will be an occasional issue which requires intervention and/or action by staff. This procedural description serves as a guideline for handling such grievances.

A grievance is defined as any occurrence, situation, or condition that a participant thinks is improper, unfair, unjust, or inequitable. This policy provides participants with the opportunity to express a concern or complaint related to the quality of services. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, unprofessionally, or feel that your rights have been breached, please follow the procedures outlined below. Precision EMDR Academy will not retaliate against anyone for filing a grievance. Resolutions are case specific and may include an attempt to move the participant to another training or consultation cohort, provide a credit for a subsequent training, or provide a partial or full refund of the training fee.

If you have a grievance, the concern may be discussed with a Precision EMDR Academy staff member or the Director of Training. If you are not satisfied, you may proceed to the next step of this grievance procedure by filing a written grievance. You may also file a written grievance without any preliminary discussion if you believe that such discussion would not be appropriate to the situation. Written grievances should be sent to the Director of Training at susie@precisionemdracademy.com. The Director of Training will initiate an investigation and provide an acknowledgment to you within two business days. If you do not receive acknowledgement within two business days, please contact the Director of Training by email or phone at 760-452-2776 to confirm your written grievance has been received. The Director of Training, Assistant Director of Training, Director of Professional Credentialing, Assistant Director of Professional Credentialing, Professional Credentialing Committee Chair, and Administrative Director will conduct a review of the matter and make recommendations for its resolution.

If your grievance regards the Director of Training, the written grievance should be submitted to the Administrative Director at admin@precisionemdr.com. If you do not receive acknowledgement within two business days, please contact the Administrative Director by email or phone at 760-410-8786 to confirm your written grievance has been received. The Director of Training will be made aware of the grievance. However, to ameliorate any conflict of interest, the review of the matter will be conducted by the Director of Professional Credentialing, Assistant Director of Professional Credentialing, Professional Credentialing Committee Chair, and Administrative Director who will make recommendations for its resolution.

Precision EMDR Academy will report the outcome of the grievance investigation to you within 21 business days after the grievance is received. If the grievance investigation cannot be concluded within 21 days, you will be notified and given a new date of up to 45 days, at which time a resolution or determination will be made. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with the results, you may contact the Director of Training (or the Administrative Director if the grievance regards the Director of Training) to further discuss the matter. The Director of Training, Director of Professional Credentialing, Assistant Director of Professional Credentialing, Professional Credentialing Committee Chair, and Administrative Director will conduct a review of the matter and will respond to you in writing within 21 business days, and this decision and recommendation will be final.

Continuing Education Credits
Course Description

This course is a complete EMDR Basic Training according to the requirements of the EMDR International Association. The training explains the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which is the theoretical foundation of EMDR therapy, the hypothesized mechanisms of action, the extent and limitations of relevant research, and the rationale for fidelity to Standard Protocol. The components and primary goals for each of the 8 Phases of Standard Protocol are explained and practiced via practicum exercises, incorporating the 3 Prongs of past memories, present triggers, and templates for potential future triggers. Attention to a client’s identity, race, and culture are taught as essential components of all Phases and Prongs of EMDR therapy. Strategic methods for history gathering and preparation are presented as means of assessing a client’s readiness for trauma memory reprocessing and guarding against risks associated with EMDR therapy. Worksheets are provided for decoding the connections between a client’s symptoms, triggers, and trauma memory networks, as well as for creating comprehensive and symptom-focused target sequence plans based on these connections. Important considerations are presented regarding the application of EMDR therapy to a range of clinical complexities, including varying diagnoses and the developmental stages of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Concepts throughout the training are explained via lecture accompanied by detailed slides, which include extensive use of graphics to illustrate key points. Integration of interventions into clinical practice is supported by worksheets, checklists, rubrics, practicum exercises, and video demonstrations.  (Introductory Level)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe at least 3 key milestones in the progression of EMDR-related research.
  • Identify at least 2 hypothesized mechanisms of action activated during EMDR memory reprocessing.
  • Identify at least 2 types of Adaptive Information and 2 types of Maladaptive Information that comprise Memory Networks according to the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model, which is the theoretical foundation of EMDR therapy.
  • Identify the 8 Phases of EMDR therapy, including at least one primary goal of each Phase.
  • List the 3 Prongs of EMDR therapy Standard Protocol.
  • Describe at least 3 components of Readiness that determine that treatment can progress from stabilization to EMDR memory reprocessing.
  • Identify at least 2 ways that integrating discussion of the client’s identity, race, and cultural history is important to providing effective EMDR therapy.
  • Describe 1 method for tracking how a client’s Present Triggers are related to their Trauma Memory Networks.
  • Describe 1 method for identifying past Trauma Memories that may be contributing to a client’s current presenting symptoms.
  • Demonstrate at least 2 methods for creating a Target Sequence Plan to organize the reprocessing phases of EMDR therapy.
  • Demonstrate the 5 steps of activating a memory target and the 2 measurements used during the Assessment Phase (Phase 3).
  • Identify 2 methods for providing Bilateral Dual Attention Stimulation (BLS/DAS) for EMDR memory reprocessing.
  • Describe at least 2 interventions that that can be used to address Blocked Processing.
  • Describe at least 2 acceptable rationales for using an Interweave rather than remaining in the therapeutic stance of “staying out of the way” during EMDR memory reprocessing.
  • Demonstrate at least 2 components of the Re-evaluation Phase (Phase 8).
  • Demonstrate the Phase 3-8 steps for reprocessing Present Triggers.
  • Describe at least 1 method for choosing scenarios for creating Future Templates.
  • Identify at least 2 challenges that may arise in treating Complex Developmental Trauma with EMDR therapy and at least 1 intervention that may be used to address each challenge.
  • Identify at least 1 mental health condition, other than PTSD, that may have symptom reduction when relevant Memory Networks are reprocessed with EMDR therapy and the steps involved in identifying and reprocessing the relevant Memory Networks.
  • Describe at least 2 procedural modifications in Phases 3-7 that facilitate EMDR therapy with children and adolescents.
  • Describe 1 key reason it is important to maintain fidelity to Standard Protocol when providing EMDR therapy, unless there is a clear rationale and justification for deviation.
Research Basis

Barron, I.G., Bourgaize, C., Lempertz, D., Swinden, C., & Darker-Smith, S. (2019). Eye movement desensitization reprocessing for children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic narrative review. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 270–283.https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.270

Bryant, R. A., &Chan, I. (2017). Activating attachment representations during memory retrieval modulates intrusive traumatic memories. Consciousness and Cognition: An International Journal, 55, 197–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2017.08.010

de Jongh,A., Amann, B. L., Hofmann, A., Farrell, D., & Lee, C. W. (2019). The status of EMDR therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder 30 years after its introduction. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4),261–269. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.261

DiNardo, J., & Marotta-Walters,S. (2019). Cultural themes and discourse in EMDR therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(2), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.2.111  

Eğeci, İ.S., & Özgün, S. (2019). Randomized controlled trial: EMDR early intervention with and without eye movements for learned helplessness state. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(2), 90–99.https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.2.90

Karatzias,T., Shevlin, M., Hyland, P., Brewin, C. R., Cloitre, M., Bradley, A.,Kitchiner, N. J., Jumbe, S., Bisson, J. I., & Roberts, N. P. (2018). The role of negative cognitions, emotion regulation strategies, and attachment style in complex post‐traumatic stress disorder: Implications for new and existing therapies. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(2), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12172 9

McGuireStanbury, T. M., Drummond, P. D., Laugharne, J., Kullack, C., & Lee, C. W.(2020). Comparative efficiency of EMDR and prolonged exposure in treating posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized trial. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(1), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.14.1.2

Reichel,V., Sammer, G., Gruppe, H., Hanewald, B., Garder, R., Bloß, C., & Stingl,M. (2021). Good vibrations: Bilateral tactile stimulation decreases startle magnitude during negative imagination and increases skin conductance response for positive imagination in an affective startle reflex paradigm. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 5(3), 100197.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2020.100197

Rosoff, A.L. (2019). How we do what we do: The therapist, EMDR, and treatment of complex trauma. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(1), 61–74.https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.1.61

Sepehry,A. A., Lam, K., Sheppard, M., Guirguis-Younger, M., & Maglio, A.-S. (2021). EMDR for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(1), 2-17. doi:10.1891/emdr-d-20-00038

Curriculum Schedule
Day One
9:30am-10:45am
  • History And Overview of EMDR Therapy
  • Traumatology
10:45am-11:00am
Break (No CE credit)
11:00am-12:30pm
  • Neurobiology of Trauma
  • Neurobiology of Memory
  • Neurobiology of Traumatic Memory
  • Hypothesized Mechanisms of Action and Neurobiological Aspects of EMDR Therapy
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch Break (No CE credit)
1:30pm-3:30pm
  • The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model
  • Differentiation from Other Models
3:30pm-3:45pm
Break (No CE credit)
3:45pm-6:00pm
  • Overview of the 8 Phases of the EMDR Therapy Methodology
  • Phases 1 & 2 – History & Preparation    
Day Two
9:30am-10:45am
  • Phases 1 & 2 – History & Preparation (Continued)
  • Safety within the Therapeutic Relationship
  • Practicum: Broaching Identity, Race, and Culture
10:45am-11:00am
Break (No CE credit)
11:00am-12:30pm
  • Dissociation
  • Good Enough Stability – Including Physical Health
  • EMDR Therapy Procedures
  • Preparation Exercises
  • Practicum: Calm Place and Container Exercise
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch Break (No CE credit)
1:30pm-3:30pm
  • Preparation Exercises (Continued)
  • Practicum: RDI Exercise
  • Practicum: Support Team Gift Exercise
  • History Gathering
  • Client History Interview
3:30pm-3:45pm
Break (No CE credit)
3:45pm-6:00pm
  • Trigger Decoding Log
  • Top 10’s Negative & Positive Memory Decoding Exercise
  • Practicum: Trigger Decoding Log & Top 10’s Exercise
  • Cognition Themes
Day Three
9:30am-10:45am
  • Target Sequence Planning – Three Options
  • Comprehensive Target Sequence Planning
  • Symptom-Focused Target Sequence Planning
  • Crisis or Intrusion-Focused Target Sequence Plan
10:45am-11:00am
Break (No CE credit)
11:00am-12:30pm
  • Review of Standard Order of Reprocessing Memories in a Target Memory Network
  • Practicum: Target Sequence Plan Exercise
  • Phases 3-7: Target Activation, Reprocessing, and Closure
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch Break (No CE credit)
1:30pm-3:30pm
  • Floatback Technique
  • Affect Scan (or Affect Bridge) Technique
  • EMD & EMDr
  • Practicum: Reprocessing the Touchstone Memory (including Floatback)
3:30pm-3:45pm
Break (No CE credit)
3:45pm-6:00pm
  • Practicum: Reprocessing the Touchstone Memory (including Floatback) (Continued)
Day Four
9:30am-10:45am
  • Advanced Strategies for Blocked Processing
  • Practicum: Cognitive Interweave Exercise
10:45am-11:00am
Break (No CE credit)
11:00am-12:30pm
  • Complex Developmental Trauma
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch Break (No CE credit)
1:30pm-3:30pm
  • Phase 8: Reevaluation
  • Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing
3:30pm-3:45pm
Break (No CE credit)
3:45pm-6:00pm
  • Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing (Continued)
Day Five
9:30am-10:45am
  • Recent Traumatic Events
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
10:45am-11:00am
Break (No CE credit)
11:00am-12:30pm
  • Complicated Grief
  • Illness and Somatic Disorders
  • Addictions
  • Dissociative Disorders
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch Break (No CE credit)
1:30pm-3:30pm
  • Practicum: Present Target Sequence Plan to New Partner(s)
  • Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing
3:30pm-3:45pm
Break (No CE credit)
3:45pm-6:00pm
  • Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing (Continued)
Day Six
9:30am-10:45am
  • Present Triggers
  • Future Templates
  • Military and First Responders
10:45am-11:00am
Break (No CE credit)
11:00am-12:30pm
  • Children and Adolescents
  • Couples
  • Self-Use of EMDR Therapy
12:30pm-1:30pm
Lunch Break (No CE credit)
1:30pm-3:30pm
  • Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing including Present Trigger & Future Template
3:30pm-3:45pm
Break (No CE credit)
3:45pm-6:00pm
  • Practicum: Re-evaluation & Reprocessing including Present Trigger & Future Template (Continued)
  • Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues
APA Credits

Forty-Two (42) hours of CE credit are available for attendees who are present for the entire program. Precision EMDR Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Precision EMDR Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

APA credits are accepted by most Doctoral and Masters-level licensing boards. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences recognizes the American Psychological Association as an approval agency for CE providers:
https://www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html. You are responsible to verify with your state licensing board regarding qualifying continuing education credits.

EMDRIA Credits

Completion of an EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training is a prerequisite to qualifying for becoming an EMDRIA Certified Therapist. Completion of EMDR Basic Training is NOT equivalent to becoming a EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, which requires verification of additional consultation, training, recommendation letters, and experience providing of a specified number of hours of EMDR therapy.  Visit EMDRIA.org to for information for the current requirements for EMDRIA Certification.

For those who need to renew their Certification or Approved Consultant status, EMDRIA will allow a repeat of an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training in lieu of the 12 EMDRIA Credits on a one time basis.

Upcoming Training Dates

Fall 2024 - Virtual
Saturdays, Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, Dec 7, 14
(skip Nov 23 & 30 due to holiday)
Group Consultation Options:

  • Susie Morgan & Rosa Nely Estrada ($75/Group Hr)
    11:30a-1:30p on Fridays - Nov 8, 15, Dec 6, 13 & TBD due to holiday
  • Colette Lord ($75/Group Hr)
    4:00p-6:00p on Thursdays - Nov 7, 14, Dec 5, 13 & TBD due to holiday
  • Jennie Abito-Carlestav ($75/Group Hr)
    11:30a-1:30p on Wednesdays - Nov 6, 13, Dec 4, 12 & TBD due to holiday

* Group preferences are honored in order to enrollment. We encourage you to sign up early in order to optimize availability of space in your preferred group.

Spring 2025 - Virtual
Fridays, Feb 21, 28, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28
Join the Spring 2025 Training Waitlist: Click Here

Fall 2025 - In Person
Fridays, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, Nov 7, 14
(skip Oct 31 due to holiday)
Join the Fall 2025 Training Waitlist: Click Here

Six Saturday Training Days: Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, Dec 7, 14

Sign Up Now for Fall 2024
EMDR Training Pricing:

Early Registration
Until 9/14/24
$1500
Standard Registration
Until 10/12/24
$1600
Late Registration
After 10/12/24
$1700
Refresher Standard Registration
Until 10/12/24
$950
Refresher Late Registration
After 10/12/24
$1000
Curriculum materials include a 300+ page manual and 35+ fillable PDF worksheets (worksheets include both English and Spanish versions)

The above price includes tuition for the 6 days of training. The 10 hours of EMDR Basic Training Consultation are paid for separately. If only Group Consultation (no Individual) is utilized, the total cost of the 10 hours of Group Consultation will range from $600-750. The use of Individual Consultation for the 10 hours of Basic Training Consultation is far more costly and not encouraged, with the total cost of 10 hours ranging from $1000-2500. Consultation fees are set by and paid directly to the Trainer or Facilitator/Consultant providing the EMDR Training Consultation. Click Here for information about our team and their current Group and Individual rates for EMDR Basic Training Consultation, which are listed at the end of each Facilitator/Consultant's bio. If you would prefer to pay by check, email admin@precisionemdr.com for instructions.

Consultation (10 hrs) – Group $60-75/hr or Individual $100-250/hr
Fall 2024 Consultation Group Options:

  • Susie Morgan & Rosa Nely Estrada ($75/Group Hr)
    11:30a-1:30p on Fridays - Nov 8, 15, Dec 6, 13 & TBD due to holiday
  • Colette Lord ($75/Group Hr)
    4:00p-6:00p on Thursdays - Nov 7, 14, Dec 5, 13 & TBD due to holiday
  • Jennie Abito-Carlestav ($75/Group Hr)
    11:30a-1:30p on Wednesdays - Nov 6, 13, Dec 4, 12 & TBD due to holiday

*Group preferences are honored in order of enrollment. We encourage you to sign up early in order to optimize availability of space in your preferred group.

Special Circumstances

The following Special Circumstances qualify for an additional $100 discount on the Standard Registration for the training (or $50 if taking the training as a Refresher Course):

Clinicians working primarily with Minoritized Populations (comprising approximately 75% of caseload)

Clinicians working directly within the Military or are, themselves, Military Service Members (Former or Active-Duty), First Responders, or their spouses

Clinicians working within Non-Profit Organization

Graduate Students/Pre-licensed Clinicians.

Standard Registration
$1400
$1500
Refresher Course Standard Registration
$850  
$950

Refer a Buddy

Refer a Buddy to take Basic Training for the First Time or as a Refresher and Both Save!

$75 off
First Time Code
FTBUDDY75
$50 off
Refresher Code
RFBUDDY50