emdrs  2 Jan 2004 - 02:11   

EMDR ORGANISATIONS

Various EMDR organisations control certification and training, humanitarian assistance and general membership and standards. In the US, the originator and main training authority is EMDR Institute, and its web-site is www.emdr.org also listed on the [Links] pages. Internationally, the main trainings are listed by this organisation. A handful of U.S. Trainers (trained by Francine Shapiro) travel around the world to provide trainings in various countries.

The EMDR International Association [EMDRIA] is a body dedicated to training and certification and also permits certain individuals to become private trainers (who will hold individual certification to indicate this). EMDRIA's website is www.emdria.org and they hold lists of those qualified as personal trainers (see [Training]).

Europe has recently developed its own standards of training and now appoints its own trainers. A few UK individuals are now permitted to carry out individual trainings (see Training).

EMDR trainings are typically carried out by a Trainer who presents the theoretical material. Delegates then split into small groups of 9 (usually in the afternoons) to carry out the practical training with Facilitators. Facilitators are trained to the highest standards in EMDR to coach individuals at these formal trainings. Trainers head and direct the trainings, assisted by Facilitators who do the practical small group training.

UK & European Training for Individual Practitioners

Typically, trainings were in two parts, Level One and Level Two, each comprising 2.5 days training with two practical sessions per training. Both parts were necessary for completion of training. However this was considered minimal training for the high level of confidence necessary of practitioners and training has recently been extended to require more formal work and supervision between the two main training elements. This process is still evolving, but all qualified participants should have a certificate of completion of EMDR training before becoming independent practitioners. Therapists who have completed level one are expected to gain supervised experience in trauma treatment before moving on to Level two or the latest completion level. Provision of post-qualification consultaiton is by Facilitators and Consultants. Facilitators have a higher level of training and experience and only qualify as Facilitators after satisfying their peers in supervised practical training sessions. Consultants have usually gone through a period of consolidation after basic training and should have received supervision by other consultants (or facilitators). They are required to have satisfied standards set by the EMDR UK & Ireland Association.

There is also a non-profit making Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) which funds and encourages trainings around the world in troubled areas following, for example, disasters such as earthquakes and survivors of war or those who have experienced traumatic events or bereavement. Facilitators and trainers volunteer their services to this international organisation. It is funded entirely by donation and its website is featured on the [links] page.

Organisation Qualified to certify Trainers and Facilitators:

The EMDR Institute (US)

Organisation qualified to certify HAP and Personal trainers:

EMDRIA (US based international organisation)

Organisations permitted to certify only personal trainers:-

EMDR Europe

Organisations permitted to run EMDR workshops in the UK:
Individual EMDR Institute Facilitators and EMDR Workshops Ltd.

Individuals might enquire from where a particular therapist, consultant, facilitator or trainer has received training. Each country should hold a register of those appropriately qualified.

Please see [Training] for UK certified Trainers.

EMDR UK & Ireland Association
PO Box 32283, London, W5 3YB.
See [Links] for answer-phone and email.