Are Continuing Education Courses Tax Deductible?

by Tim Cassidy, MBA, MA, LPC | Jul 15, 2026 | Uncategorized

CE courses are part of the job for many clinicians, but receipts usually pile up quietly.

Then tax season asks a fair question: are continuing education courses tax deductible, or just another practice cost?

The answer depends on why the course was taken, who paid, and how the expense is documented.

This article is for general education only and is not tax advice. Clinicians should consult a tax professional for guidance on their own tax return.

When Are Continuing Education Courses Tax Deductible?

Continuing education courses may be tax deductible when they qualify as work-related education and the professional is eligible to deduct the expense.

The IRS says qualifying education must either maintain or improve skills needed in your present work, or be required by your employer or required by law to keep your present salary, status, or job. It cannot meet minimum requirements or qualify someone for a new trade or business.

So, for readers asking, “Are continuing education units tax deductible?” the cleaner tax question is usually: “Does this CE course meet the IRS rules for qualifying work-related education expenses?”

This table summarizes federal tax treatment as of 2026. State tax rules may differ.

What Counts as Work-Related Education?

Work-related education is not just “a course for work.” It has to connect clearly to the clinician’s current job, present work, or license renewal requirements.

IRS Publication 970 and IRS Tax Topic 513 explain that qualifying work-related education expenses must meet one of two tests:

1. The course maintains or improves skills needed in present work. For mental health professionals, this may include CE courses in ethics, trauma, CBT, EMDR, anxiety treatment, diagnosis, documentation, telehealth, supervision, or cultural competency.
2. The course is required by an employer or required by law. This may include license renewal courses required by a state licensing board, such as ethics CE, suicide prevention, cultural competency, or state-mandated clinical topics.

For therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and MFTs, the stronger examples are courses that support the work they already do with clients. A licensed therapist taking trauma CE for current trauma cases may have a clearer connection than someone taking classes to enter a different profession.

The line gets weaker when the education meets minimum requirements or qualifies the person for a new trade or business. That is why tax-deductible CE courses should be judged by purpose, not just by the title.

The IRS Test: Does the Course Maintain or Improve Current Work Skills?

Would the course help the clinician work more effectively, safely, or ethically?

The course must maintain or improve skills needed in present work, or be required by the employer or by law to keep the same salary, status, or job.

For a self-employed therapist, that could include anxiety CE for a current caseload, ethics CE for license renewal, trauma training for trauma clients, or telehealth training for active online practice. Those courses support the clinician’s current job and may fit as qualifying work-related education expenses.

The test becomes weaker when the course changes the professional path. A psychologist taking trauma training for present work is different from a psychologist taking law school courses to become an attorney. Even if the education is useful, the IRS says it does not qualify when it meets minimum requirements or qualifies someone for a new trade or business.

A simple way to check the logic:

When Continuing Education Courses Are Not Tax Deductible

Not every course becomes deductible just because it feels professional. The IRS draws a clear line between maintaining current skills and entering a new field.

Continuing education may not qualify when:

• It meets minimum requirements: Education needed to first qualify for the profession is usually excluded.
• It qualifies you for a new profession: A course that opens a new trade or business is not qualifying work-related education.
• It is mostly personal: A course taken for general interest may not have enough business connection.
• It was reimbursed: There is usually no double deduction for the same expense.
• It cannot be documented: Missing receipts or payment records may make an otherwise qualifying expense difficult to support.

Are CE Courses Tax Deductible for Therapists in Private Practice?

For private practice clinicians, CE courses are often more likely to fit the business deduction path. A self-employed therapist may be able to deduct continuing education expenses on Schedule C when the course is an ordinary and necessary business expense tied to current clinical work.

The IRS defines an ordinary expense as common and accepted in the industry. A necessary expense is helpful and appropriate for the trade or business, even if it is not essential.

That means tax-deductible CE courses may include ethics, trauma treatment, anxiety, EMDR, CBT, telehealth, diagnosis, supervision, or cultural competency when they support the clinician’s current practice.

Are Continuing Education Courses Tax Deductible for W-2 Employees?

Under current federal law as of 2026, most regular W-2 employees cannot deduct unreimbursed CE costs as miscellaneous itemized deductions. Public Law 119-21 made this restriction permanent instead of allowing it to expire after 2025.

IRS Tax Topic 513 still lists only limited employee groups that may deduct qualifying work-related education through Form 2106. These groups include:

• Armed Forces reservists
• Qualified performing artists
• Fee-based state or local government officials
• Employees claiming impairment-related work expenses

For most W-2 clinicians, employer reimbursement or employer educational assistance remains the more useful path. Before paying personally, clinicians should ask whether their employer offers a CE budget, tuition support, or professional development funding.

What About Employer Reimbursement for CE Courses?

Some employers reimburse CE courses, especially when the training supports licensure, current job duties, or professional development. That reimbursement may be handled through an employer educational assistance plan.

The IRS says tax-free educational assistance benefits can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment. These benefits are generally limited to $5,250 per employee per year, with amounts above that usually treated as taxable wages unless another rule applies.

If a course is reimbursed, the professional generally should not also claim the same expense. Keep the receipt, reimbursement record, and certificate either way, because both tax and license records may matter later.

What CE-Related Expenses May Be Deductible?

If the course qualifies, some related costs may also qualify. The IRS lists deductible work-related education expenses, such as:

The point is not to claim everything connected to learning, but to document the business connection and avoid mixing personal costs with business expenses.

Are Online Continuing Education Courses Tax Deductible?

Online CE courses can be tax deductible when they meet the same qualifying work-related education rules as in-person training.

IRS focuses on purpose, not format. The course needs to maintain or improve skills used in present work, or be required by an employer, law, or state licensing board to keep the same job, status, or license.

For mental health professionals, a self-paced CE course may have a strong business connection when it supports current clinical work. Examples may include ethics, trauma-informed care, anxiety treatment, CBT, EMDR, telehealth, cultural competency, documentation, suicide prevention, or diagnosis and treatment planning. These are different from courses that meet minimum requirements or qualify someone for a new trade or business.

At Online CE Credits, we provide online CE courses and self-paced CE courses for clinicians who need training that fits real practice schedules. We cannot decide whether a specific purchase belongs on a tax return, but we can help clinicians keep clear CE certificates and course records.

Are License Renewal Courses Tax Deductible?

License renewal courses may be deductible, especially for self-employed professionals, when they are required by law to keep a current license or maintain or improve skills in the current profession.

That logic may apply to ethics CE, state-mandated courses, cultural competency, suicide prevention, telehealth, clinical supervision, diagnosis, trauma-informed care, or treatment courses.

The important distinction is current status versus new entry. If a therapist is already licensed and takes CE to keep that license active, the course may fit the maintain-current-status logic. If the course qualifies you for a new profession, it is usually not deductible under the IRS work-related education rule.

Continuing Education Deduction vs Education Tax Credit

A business deduction is different from an education tax credit. A deduction reduces taxable income, while a tax credit directly reduces the tax owed.

The Lifetime Learning Credit may cover courses taken to acquire or improve job skills, but an important limit applies. IRS Publication 970 requires the course to come from an eligible educational institution. This generally means a college, university, trade school, or another postsecondary institution eligible to participate in a federal student aid program.

Courses from a standalone CE provider generally do not qualify unless that provider meets the eligible-institution rule. Taxpayers must generally receive Form 1098-T, although limited exceptions apply when an eligible institution does not issue one.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit has narrower rules and generally applies during the first four years of higher education. Taxpayers also cannot use the same education expense for both a business deduction and an education credit.

What Records Should You Keep for CE Course Tax Deductions?

Good records make the deduction easier to explain and easier to defend. The goal is to show what was paid, what was completed, and why it related to current work.

Keep:

• Receipt or invoice: Shows the course cost.
• Proof of payment: Confirms the expense was actually paid.
• CE certificate: Shows completion and CE credit.
• Certificate of completion: Useful when separate from the CE certificate.
• Course title and description: Shows the professional topic.
• Number of CE hours or CEUs: Supports the scope of training.
• Provider name: Identifies the CE provider.
• Date completed: Matches the correct tax year and renewal cycle.
• Syllabus or learning objectives: Helps prove the course content.
• License renewal requirement: Useful when the course was required by law.
• Notes on current work: Connects the course to present clinical duties.
• Employer policy or denial: Helpful for W-2 employee reimbursement questions.

Common Examples for Mental Health Professionals

#1. Self-Employed Therapist Taking Ethics CE

This is often a stronger deduction case. Ethics CE may be required for license renewal and can support current clinical practice, documentation, boundaries, and risk management.

#2. Counselor Taking CBT Training for Current Caseload

This may qualify if the counselor already practices in the field and uses CBT skills with current clients. It may maintain or improve skills needed in the present work.

#3. Social Worker Taking Courses to Become a Nurse

This is likely not deductible as work-related education. The course appears to prepare the social worker for a new trade or business.

#4. Psychologist Taking Trauma Training

This may qualify when the psychologist treats trauma or trauma-related symptoms in current practice. The course improves skills already used in professional work.

#5. W-2 Clinician Paying for CE Out of Pocket

Under current federal rules, most regular W-2 clinicians cannot deduct these costs as miscellaneous itemized deductions. Limited Form 2106 exceptions remain, but employer reimbursement will usually matter more for counselors, therapists, psychologists, and social workers.

Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming CE Courses

• Assuming every course is deductible: The course must fit the tax rule.
• Claiming reimbursed expenses: Reimbursed costs usually cannot be claimed again.
• Claiming a new-career course: IRS rules exclude education that qualifies someone for a new profession.
• Mixing personal education with CE: Personal growth alone is not enough.
• Skipping records: Keep receipts, certificates, and course descriptions.
• Forgetting W-2 rules: W-2 employee rules are not the same as self-employed rules.
• Calling a certificate “certification”: A certificate of completion is not always a professional certification.
• Relying only on provider marketing: A CE provider cannot decide your tax result.

How Online CE Credits Helps Clinicians Stay Organized

Online CE Credits cannot tell a clinician whether one purchase is deductible on a specific tax return. That is a tax professional’s job. What we can do is make the CE side easier to track, so as a clinician, you are not digging through old emails when license renewal or tax records come up.

Our online CE courses are built for mental health professionals who need training tied to current practice. Counselors, social workers, therapists, psychologists, and MFTs can choose topics that often match real caseload needs, including ethics, trauma, anxiety, EMDR, CBT, cultural competency, and telehealth.

After completion, you receive CE certificates that you can keep with your renewal records. For tax purposes, you should also save receipts, proof of payment, course descriptions, and any notes showing how the training connects to present work or license renewal requirements.

Browse online CE courses and keep your receipts and CE certificates for your license renewal and tax records.

CE Courses May Be Deductible, But Your Situation Matters

So, are continuing education courses tax deductible? Sometimes.

CE courses may qualify when they maintain current skills, support present work, or are required to keep a current license or job. The strongest cases usually involve self-employed clinicians, a clear business connection, and careful records.

Still, tax rules depend on the facts. Before filing, clinicians should confirm the course purpose, employment status, reimbursement history, and tax benefit options with a qualified tax professional.

FAQ

Are continuing education courses tax deductible?

Sometimes. They may be deductible if they qualify as work-related education and the professional is eligible to deduct them, such as a self-employed clinician.

Are CE credits tax deductible for therapists?

They may be for self-employed therapists when CE courses maintain or improve clinical skills, or are required to keep a current license, status, or job.

Are CEUs tax deductible?

CEUs may be deductible when they meet IRS work-related education rules. The course must connect to current work and the taxpayer must be eligible.

Can W-2 employees deduct continuing education courses?

Most regular W-2 employees cannot deduct unreimbursed CE costs under current federal law as of 2026. Limited Form 2106 exceptions remain, so employees should first explore employer reimbursement or educational assistance.

Are online CE courses tax deductible?

Online CE courses can qualify if they meet the same work-related education rules. The format matters less than the course purpose and deduction eligibility.

Are license renewal courses tax deductible?

They may be, especially when required by law to keep a current professional license, or when they maintain or improve current work skills.

Can I deduct a course that qualifies me for a new career?

Usually no. IRS rules say education that qualifies someone for a new trade or business is not qualifying work-related education.

What CE course records should I keep for taxes?

Keep receipts, invoices, proof of payment, CE certificates, course descriptions, learning objectives, completion dates, and notes linking the course to current work.

ACT Therapy vs DBT

by Tim Cassidy, MBA, MA, LPC | May 7, 2026 | Uncategorized

Some clients do not need more insight first. They need a way to stop fighting their thoughts, survive hard moments, or stop reacting in ways they later regret.

That is where ACT therapy vs DBT gets interesting.

Both are evidence-based therapies, but ACT moves people toward values, while DBT builds skills for emotional storms.

What’s the Difference Between ACT and DBT?

ACT helps clients move with discomfort, while DBT helps clients manage emotional intensity.

In ACT, the work often starts with the client’s relationship to their thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to prove every anxious thought wrong or remove every painful feeling, clients learn to notice what is happening inside and still choose actions that match their values.

DBT comes in strongest when emotions are moving fast, and the next choice really matters. It gives clients practical skills for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, especially when conflict, impulsive reactions, self-harm urges, or crisis patterns are part of therapy.

What Is ACT Therapy?

ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a type of mental health treatment that helps clients stop treating every painful thought as a problem to solve.

Instead, ACT teaches clients to notice thoughts, accept inner experiences, and choose actions that fit their values.

It grew from relational frame theory, which looks at how language and meaning can trap people in painful patterns.

The Main Goal of ACT

ACT helps people stop waiting to feel calm, confident, or “ready” before living. The goal is not to remove every hard feeling, but to help them act with purpose while anxiety, grief, shame, or pain may still be present.

ACT emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, committed action, and behavior change strategies. The core outcome is psychological flexibility, meaning the person can stay present, notice inner experiences, and still move toward chosen values.

That is why ACT can fit various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Common ACT Techniques

ACT uses clear therapy techniques, but it does not work like a script. As a therapist, you use each process based on what keeps your client stuck.

• Cognitive defusion: The client notices a thought without obeying it. “I’ll embarrass myself” becomes “I’m having that thought again,” which makes room for action.
• Acceptance: The client makes room for discomfort instead of fighting it all day. Someone with panic might feel chest tightness and still enter the store.
• Values clarification: The client names what matters most. For example, a burned-out parent may connect rest with being more present at home.
• Committed action: The client takes one value-based step while fear is still there. Someone with social anxiety may attend dinner because connection matters.
• Mindfulness and present moment awareness: The client returns to what is happening now. During worry, they might notice their feet, breath, or the room.
• Self-as-context: The client sees they are more than one thought or diagnosis. “I’m broken” becomes one painful story, not their whole identity.

For clinicians who want to add ACT more confidently to their work, we offer self-paced ACT courses and a full Certificate in ACT Therapy Skills.

What Is DBT?

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a structured treatment for people who feel emotions quickly, deeply, and often painfully.

It grew from cognitive behavioral work, but it was adapted for clients who need both validation and change.

DBT is strongly tied to behavior analysis, skills practice, and real-time choices during hard moments.

The Main Goal of DBT

DBT helps clients manage emotional spikes without making the moment worse. Reducing self-harm, improving impulse control, handling conflict, or getting through a crisis safely.

Cleveland Clinic describes DBT as talk therapy adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely.

DBT balances two truths. The client’s pain makes sense, and change is still needed.

That balance is why DBT often fits clients dealing with difficult emotions, unstable interpersonal relationships, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma symptoms, or high-risk behavior.

The Four Core DBT Skill Areas

DBT is easier to understand once these four skill groups are clear.

• Mindfulness: noticing the present moment without judgment.
• Distress tolerance: surviving crisis moments without making things worse.
• Emotion regulation: naming, tracking, and changing emotional patterns.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: asking clearly, setting limits, and handling conflict.

Harvard Health summarizes DBT as teaching skills to manage intense emotions, cope with hard situations, and improve relationships. Full DBT often includes individual therapy, weekly skills groups, diary cards, homework, and coaching between sessions.

For clinicians who want deeper DBT training, we offer self-paced DBT courses and a full Certificate in DBT Skills and Clinical Applications.

ACT vs DBT: The Biggest Differences

ACT and DBT overlap, but they are not interchangeable. The better choice depends on what keeps the client stuck.

1. ACT Focuses More on Values; DBT Focuses More on Skills

• ACT usually starts with meaning. It asks what the client wants life to stand for, then helps them move in that direction while discomfort comes along. A client with panic may still drive to work because independence matters.
• DBT starts more often with safety and skill use. It asks what the client needs to avoid harm, reduce escalation, or repair a relationship. A client in a panic spiral may use paced breathing, grounding, or distress tolerance before deciding what to do next.

2. ACT Works Heavily With Thoughts; DBT Works Heavily With Emotional Intensity

• ACT teaches clients to relate differently to thoughts. A thought does not need to be debated, proven wrong, or pushed away before life can continue. This can help clients who overthink, avoid discomfort, or feel trapped by inner rules.
• DBT works more directly with emotional regulation. Clients learn to name emotions, track triggers, reduce vulnerability, and choose safer actions during spikes. That makes DBT useful when feelings move fast, and behavior follows before the client can pause.

3. ACT Can Feel More Flexible; DBT Is Usually More Structured

• ACT can be used in many formats. A therapist may weave ACT into one-on-one therapy, trauma work, chronic pain care, or anxiety treatment. Sessions often follow the client’s stuck points and values.
• DBT is usually more structured. Full DBT often includes individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and a consultation team. That structure can be very helpful when a client needs consistent practice, clear homework, and repeated skill rehearsal.

4. DBT Is More Associated With Crisis Behaviors and BPD

DBT has a strong link with treating borderline personality disorder, chronic suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and emotion dysregulation. The University of Washington Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics describes DBT as first developed for chronically suicidal people diagnosed with BPD and now recognized as a gold-standard treatment for that group.

5. ACT Is More Associated With Psychological Flexibility and Avoidance Patterns

ACT may fit well when the client is caught in avoidance. They may avoid panic, grief, shame, memories, pain, conflict, or uncertainty. The problem is not that they feel distress, but that life keeps shrinking around the attempt to avoid it.

In ACT, the therapeutic process helps clients stop organizing life around escape. A client may still feel anxiety, but they can take a value-based step anyway.

ACT vs DBT: Similarities People Often Miss

• Both use acceptance: Clients learn that fighting every feeling can make suffering worse.
• Both use mindfulness: Clients practice noticing thoughts, emotions, and urges without instant reaction.
• Both support behavior change: Insight matters, but action still has to change.
• Both can improve treatment outcomes: Progress often depends on fit, therapist skill, and practice between sessions.
• Both help with mental health recovery: Each gives clients tools they can use outside the therapy room.

Is ACT or DBT Better for Anxiety?

ACT may be a better fit when anxiety is driven by avoidance, overthinking, perfectionism, or fear of uncertainty. It helps clients stop waiting for fear to disappear before they act.

DBT may fit better when anxiety disorders come with panic surges, anger spikes, shutdowns, or impulsive reactions.

Clinicians may blend both: ACT for values, DBT for crisis skills.

Is ACT or DBT Better for Depression?

ACT can help when depression pulls clients away from meaning, activity, and personal values. It asks, “What matters enough to take one small step today?”

DBT can help when depression comes with self-harm urges, mood swings, isolation, or relationship strain. DBT also gives clients concrete skills for daily tracking, emotional steadiness, and safer behavior.

Is ACT or DBT Better for Borderline Personality Disorder?

DBT is usually the clearer first choice for borderline personality disorder, especially when self-harm, chronic suicidal thoughts, unstable relationships, or severe emotion dysregulation are present. It was built for that level of risk and structure.

ACT may still help with shame, identity, values, and avoidance, but DBT has the stronger direct link to BPD treatment.

Is ACT or DBT Better for Trauma?

ACT can help clients relate differently to trauma-linked thoughts, memories, and avoidance.

DBT can help when trauma shows up as emotional flooding, dissociation, unsafe behavior, or relationship chaos.

Which Therapy Is More Practical Day to Day?

DBT often feels more practical at first because the skills are easy to name and rehearse. A client can use distress tolerance during a fight or interpersonal effectiveness before a hard call.

ACT can feel quieter, but it is practical too. It helps clients choose values-based action when symptoms are still present.

For many clinicians, DBT gives the “what to do now,” while ACT gives the “why this action matters.”

ACT vs DBT Examples: How Each Might Handle the Same Problem

Example 1: Social Anxiety

ACT may help the client notice the thought, “Everyone will judge me,” and treat it as a thought, not a command. Then the client takes one small step toward connection, such as staying at dinner for 30 minutes.

DBT may focus on skills for the event. The client might use paced breathing, mindfulness, and a planned exit strategy so anxiety does not control the whole night.

Example 2: Relationship Conflict

ACT may start with values. Does the client want to respond from honesty, respect, courage, or connection? That helps slow down the urge to win the argument.

DBT may use interpersonal effectiveness. The client practices asking clearly, saying no, validating the other person, and staying steady when conflict rises.

Example 3: Emotional Crisis

ACT may help the client make room for grief, shame, or anger without letting the feeling drive the next move. The next step still connects to values.

DBT may start with crisis survival. The client uses cold water, grounding, distraction, or urge surfing to avoid harmful action first.

Can You Use ACT and DBT Together?

Yes. Many clinicians use ACT and DBT together when it makes clinical sense.

• DBT can help stabilize behavior and build crisis skills.
• ACT can help clients reconnect with values once they are less controlled by emotional urgency.

How to Choose Between ACT and DBT

The best choice depends on what causes the most trouble right now. A client stuck in avoidance may need ACT. A client stuck in crisis cycles may need DBT.

ACT May Be a Better Fit If…

• The client avoids discomfort: Life has gotten smaller because hard feelings feel too risky.
• The client overthinks or fights thoughts: They spend hours trying to win arguments with their mind.
• The client needs values back in the room: Work, parenting, faith, health, or connection may need clearer direction.
• The client struggles with anxiety, shame, grief, pain, or transitions: ACT can help them act while discomfort remains.
• The client needs a flexible style: ACT can fit many settings and case types.

DBT May Be a Better Fit If…

• Emotions feel hard to control: Feelings rise fast and take over choices.
• Impulsive reactions cause harm: Anger, panic, self-harm, or substance use may follow distress.
• Self-harm urges or suicidal thoughts are present: DBT has a strong structure for high-risk patterns.
• Relationship conflict is frequent: DBT gives direct skills for boundaries, repair, and communication.
• Homework and structure help: Many clients benefit from diary cards and skill practice.
• BPD or strong dysregulation patterns are present: DBT has the clearer evidence history for this group.

Ask a Therapist These Questions

• Do you specialize in ACT, DBT, or both?
• What symptoms do you usually treat with this approach?
• Will therapy include homework or skills practice?
• How structured are sessions?
• What should the first 4 to 6 sessions look like?
• Do you offer full DBT or DBT-informed therapy?

Final Verdict: ACT vs DBT: Which One Should Online CE Credits Help You With?

ACT and DBT both help clients stop getting ruled by painful inner experiences. ACT leans toward values, flexibility, and meaningful action. DBT leans toward skills, safety, and emotional control.

At Online CE Credits, we teach both because clinicians need both kinds of tools.

• Our ACT courses and ACT certificate help therapists build values-based, process-driven skills.
• Our DBT courses and DBT certificate help clinicians work more clearly with emotional dysregulation, trauma, risk, and relationship strain.

We are NBCC and ASWB approved, and more than 40,000 clinicians have completed training with us. Every course and webinar completion generates a CE completion certificate for licensure records. Full certificate program completion also earns a program-level certificate from Online CE Credits, and learners may become eligible to earn a related post-nominal credential and digital badge through Mind Works Continuing Education, LLC after completing additional practical requirements.

FAQs About ACT Therapy vs DBT

Is ACT better than DBT?

No. ACT and DBT are designed for different needs. ACT may fit better for values-based change and avoidance patterns, while DBT may fit better for emotional intensity and crisis behaviors.

Is DBT more structured than ACT?

Usually, yes. DBT is commonly more skills-based and structured, especially comprehensive DBT programs.

Do ACT and DBT both use mindfulness?

Yes. Both use mindfulness, but they use it differently. ACT often uses mindfulness to create space from thoughts and feelings. DBT uses mindfulness as one of several core skills for emotional and behavioral regulation.

Is ACT or DBT better for BPD?

DBT has stronger historical and clinical association with BPD treatment, especially for emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and chronic suicidal thoughts.

Is ACT or DBT better for anxiety?

ACT may fit anxiety driven by avoidance or intrusive thoughts. DBT may fit anxiety that comes with emotional overwhelm, panic-driven behavior, or relationship conflict.

Can ACT and DBT be combined?

Yes. Some therapists combine ACT’s values-based work with DBT’s practical coping skills.

What is the main difference between ACT and CBT and DBT?

CBT often focuses on changing thought patterns, ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and acting by values, and DBT focuses on acceptance, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship skills.

Is EMDR Proprietary? Rethinking Training Pathways and Standards

by Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, JD, MS, MA | Dec 10, 2025 | Uncategorized

Recently, a thoughtful clinician left a long comment on one of our Facebook ads about EMDR training. They raised a question many therapists quietly hold: who really decides what counts as “real” EMDR training, and is EMDR proprietary to any one organization?

I want to share the core of what they said (with identifying details removed), along with some reflections of my own as a clinical and forensic psychologist.

My goal is not to attack any organization; EMDRIA and other organizations have made important contributions to the field, but to clarify a few key points:

• EMDR is a clinical treatment modality, not a brand.
• Licensing boards, not training organizations, define your legal scope of practice.
• Multiple high-quality training pathways for licensed clinicians can exist alongside strong ethics and client safety.

This article is written for licensed (or formally supervised) mental health professionals. EMDR is a psychotherapy intervention.

It should only be practiced within one’s license, with appropriate EMDR training and good supervision.

EMDR Is a Clinical Modality, Not a Brand

So, is EMDR proprietary? No.

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a clinical treatment modality developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and described in peer-reviewed research, books, and treatment guidelines.

It is similar in that sense to cognitive behavioral therapy or prolonged exposure: an approach defined in the scientific and clinical literature, not owned by a private company.

Multiple professional bodies, including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association, list EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and related traumatic stress problems, without tying it to a single organization or brand name.

The method is defined through core principles, the 8 phase EMDR structure, bilateral stimulation, and an underlying information processing model, not through a trademark.

At the same time, “non-proprietary” does not mean “anyone can do anything and call it EMDR.” EMDR remains a structured trauma therapy that requires:

• A mental health license or supervised path to licensure
• Solid trauma foundations
• Formal EMDR training
• Appropriate consultation and ongoing continuing education

In other words, EMDR is open in concept, but it is not casual in practice.

Where Licensing Boards, EMDRIA, and Other Trainings Each Fit

A lot of confusion comes from mixing three different kinds of authority: licensing boards, professional associations, and training providers.

Licensing Boards

State and provincial licensing boards decide:

• Who can legally practice psychotherapy
• What falls within a given scope of practice
• Which ethical codes apply

If EMDR is within the scope of a clinician’s license, and they gain competence through training and consultation, it is the board, not any EMDR organization, that governs whether they may use EMDR with clients.

No EMDR training, from any provider, grants the right to practice beyond one’s license. No private organization can override a board’s decision about scope.

EMDRIA

EMDRIA is a professional association that:

• Defines its own training standards
• Approves some EMDR basic and advanced trainings
• Offers EMDRIA “trained” and “certified” pathways
• Supports research, consultation networks, and community

These are voluntary professional standards, not legal requirements. EMDRIA does not regulate the practice of psychology, counseling, or social work; boards do.

EMDRIA’s role is similar to other specialty bodies that set internal criteria for advanced practice, publish guidelines, and maintain member directories.

So, EMDRIA is not the gatekeeper of EMDR.

Other Training Providers

There are now multiple organizations that offer EMDR training for licensed clinicians, including:

• University based programs
• Hospital or agency supported trainings
• Independent CE providers

These trainings may or may not be EMDRIA-approved. What they can offer is education, skills, and CE credits. What they cannot offer is legal authority to practice beyond licensure.

A clear guiding sentence for clinicians is:

No training, EMDRIA or otherwise, replaces the authority of your licensing board.

Why Multiple High Quality Pathways Can Be Helpful

The clinician who commented on our ad pointed out that the demand for trauma treatment far exceeds the supply of trained providers. Many therapists are managing full caseloads, long waitlists, and complex presentations. For them, access to EMDR training is not a luxury; it is a way to meet client needs.

When there is only one accepted pathway, several problems tend to show up:

• Higher cost for basic EMDR training and required consultation
• Geographic limits, especially for rural or global clinicians
• Waitlists for training, delaying care for clients
• Less choice in teaching style, which matters for adult learners

When there are multiple reputable pathways that all:

• Serve licensed clinicians
• Teach the full 8-phase model
• Emphasize safety, stabilization, and ethical practice
• Encourage consultation and ongoing CE

Then the field gains:

• More accessible training for busy clinicians
• Diversity in teaching methods and clinical frameworks
• Healthy competition that can improve quality and innovation over time

This is not an argument for lowering standards. It is an argument for high standards without monopoly or excessive gate-keeping.

The Non Negotiables: Ethics, Competence, and Scope of Practice

The Facebook comment we received was firm on one point, which we share completely: good EMDR practice is defined by competence and ethics, not by a logo.

Across any training path, the non-negotiables for EMDR therapy include:

• Ethical practice and scope
  • Working only within one’s license and competence
  • Using clear informed consent about EMDR, benefits, and risks
• Trauma-informed pacing and stabilization
  • Strong Phase 1 and 2 work (history, safety, resourcing)
  • Ability to slow down, pause, or shift to containment when needed
• Case conceptualization and preparation
  • Thinking in terms of targets, themes, and networks
  • Understanding dissociation, attachment trauma, and comorbidities
• Ongoing consultation
  • Regular EMDR consultation, especially with complex cases
  • Space to review stuck points, abreactions, and clinical judgment calls
• Continued learning and humility
  • Recognition that trauma work is deep work
  • Willingness to adjust and refer out when needed

It is equally important to be explicit about what this does not support.

• EMDR is not appropriate for life coaches or unlicensed helpers to use as a “tool” with clients.
• No certificate, from any provider, can substitute for a mental health license.
• Any clinician using EMDR must be able to respond to acute distress, risk, and complex trauma, in line with board standards.

In short: EMDR is open as a modality, but not open for unlicensed practice.

Why This Matters for OnlineCECredits.com

OnlineCECredits.com holds a simple position in this conversation:

• High standards matter
• Evidence and ethics matter
• Multiple reputable training options for licensed clinicians are healthy for the field

We offer EMDR training within this frame:

• Courses are designed for licensed or supervised mental health professionals.
• Content is grounded in research and real trauma practice.
• The aim is to build safe, usable skills, not to claim exclusive authority.

For example:

• Clinicians who want foundational EMDR knowledge can explore targeted EMDR courses that introduce key concepts, and the 8-phase model, step by step. .
• Those who want structured pathways can pursue the certificate or certification in EMDR Therapy Skills or Advanced EMDR Therapy Skills, both designed to help clinicians deepen case conceptualization and protocol use while earning CEs.

FAQs

1. Is EMDR owned or controlled by EMDRIA?

No. EMDR is an evidence-based clinical modality, not a proprietary method owned by any organization. EMDRIA sets voluntary professional standards and offers certification, but it does not own EMDR or regulate who may legally practice it. Only state licensing boards have the authority to determine clinical scope of practice.

2. Who decides whether I am allowed to practice EMDR with clients?

Your state licensing board.

If EMDR falls within your professional license and you have adequate training and competence, your board, not EMDRIA or any training provider, determines your legal scope. Training organizations can enhance skills, but they cannot grant or restrict your right to practice therapy.

3. Does EMDRIA certification mean someone is a better or safer EMDR provider?

Not necessarily. EMDRIA certification signals that a clinician has completed EMDRIA’s specific training, consultation, and experience requirements. Many highly competent clinicians practice EMDR effectively without EMDRIA certification, as competence comes from clinical skill, ethical practice, supervision, and continued learning, not from one logo or organization.

4. Are EMDR trainings outside EMDRIA valid for licensed clinicians?

They can be, as long as the training is reputable, evidence-based, and taken within the clinician’s scope of practice. EMDRIA certification is optional, not required for legal practice. What matters most is the clinician’s license, foundational trauma training, ethical practice, and ongoing supervision, not the brand of the training.

5. Does this mean unlicensed individuals or life coaches can do EMDR?

Absolutely not.

EMDR is a clinical psychotherapy intervention and must only be practiced by licensed (or appropriately supervised) mental health professionals. No training, EMDRIA or otherwise, gives unlicensed people the right to practice EMDR therapy. The authority to practice always comes from licensure, not from a training certificate.

Why Clarity About EMDR Training Pathways Matters for Clinicians and the Public

by Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, JD, MS, MA | Dec 10, 2025 | Uncategorized

In recent years, the demand for trauma-informed care and advanced EMDR training has grown rapidly. With this growth, an unfortunate side effect has emerged:

Widespread confusion about who regulates EMDR training (EMDRIA?), what counts as “full” training (only EMDRIA-approved trainings?), and what pathways clinicians may legally pursue.

This confusion does not stem from malice. Instead, it often grows from word-of-mouth assumptions, ambiguous marketing language, and misunderstandings that spread over time. Yet the consequences are real:

1. clinicians worry they may not be “allowed” to practice EMDR after completing high-quality training outside EMDRIA’s specific approval system
2. trainers are pressured to adopt language that suggests EMDRIA has regulatory authority where none exists
3. major institutions and purchasers may misunderstand the actual governance of the therapy
4. qualified providers experience unwarranted barriers in a marketplace that should be open, fair, and evidence-based

The purpose of this article is simple: to provide clarity.

Who Regulates Psychotherapy and EMDR Practice?

In the United States, the only entities authorized to regulate the practice of psychotherapy are:

1. State licensing boards, and
2. in certain contexts, entities that the government gives limited and contained authority to, such as APA, ASWB, NBCC, etc. (Notably, EMDRIA is not included in this list, nor are other professional organizations such as ACBS, Linehan Institute, etc.)

No private professional association — regardless of size, sophistication, or longevity — has independent regulatory authority over who may practice a psychotherapy modality.

This is true across the board, for many different types of psychotherapies:

1. CBT
2. ACT
3. DBT
4. EMDR
5. IFS
6. Somatic therapies
7. Trauma-focused modalities

Training organizations may set their own internal standards, but they cannot regulate the field.

This is an essential distinction for protecting clinician autonomy and ensuring consumers have honest, accurate information.

What Does It Mean to Be “Fully Trained” in EMDR?

The phrase “fully trained” is widely used across many modalities, but it has no universal legal or regulatory definition. In EMDR specifically:

1. “Full training” simply means the clinician has completed the training that teaches the standard EMDR protocol and prepares them to apply it ethically within their scope of practice.

Various organizations, such as EMDRIA, may use different labels, and may even declare that only trainings approved by them count as being “fully trained”:

1. “Level 1” and “Level 2”
2. “Part 1” and “Part 2”
3. “Basic training”
4. “Foundational training”

But none of these labels are tied to legal authority or licensure. They are internal training structures, not regulatory thresholds.

If a clinician completes a legitimate, evidence-based EMDR training that covers the standard protocol — and they remain licensed and practicing within their scope — they are trained to use EMDR.

“Fully trained” does not depend on approval by any specific private professional association.

Why Marketplace Clarity Matters

When clinicians receive mixed messages about who can or cannot train them, or what “fully trained” entails, the consequences reach far beyond branding:

Clients can suffer.

If clinicians delay trauma-focused care because they’re uncertain about whether they are “allowed” to use a modality, clients may go without treatment they urgently need. Suggesting that only one private organization can determine who is “fully trained” can also confuse or mislead clients—sometimes unintentionally—depending on how these statements appear in public-facing advertisements.

Clinicians may be misled.

Unclear marketing language can create unnecessary fear or shame for clinicians who completed excellent training but were told it “doesn’t count” or wasn’t “full training.”

Training providers face uneven playing fields.

If purchasers or healthcare systems mistakenly believe a private association has regulatory authority, they may exclude qualified training providers based on incorrect assumptions.

Innovation can slow.

Healthy competition fosters innovation. Misunderstandings about authority restrict that competition and undermine the field.

Our shared goal — regardless of modality or training organization — should be accurate information, transparency, and fair access to education.

How Clinicians Can Protect Themselves From Misinformation

Here are practical steps to ensure clinicians are making decisions based on facts:

Check your state licensing board

Ask: Does my board require approval from any private association to practice EMDR?

(Spoiler: none do.)

Evaluate training content, not just logos

Ask: Does this course teach the EMDR protocol clearly, thoroughly, and ethically? What do reviews say about this course?

Beware of statements that imply regulatory authority

Phrases like:

1. “governing body”
2. “official approval required”
3. “only our program counts”

…should raise red flags.

Review multiple training options

Clinicians benefit from having diverse pathways and perspectives available.

Remember: education is a marketplace

You are not obligated to train with any specific private entity unless a government agency explicitly requires it.

A Call for Accuracy Across the Field

The EMDR community, including trainers, associations, clinicians, and institutions, shares a common mission: To alleviate suffering and promote healing.

To achieve that, we need:

1. honesty in marketing
2. accuracy in describing authority
3. transparency in defining training levels
4. respect for clinician autonomy
5. clarity about who regulates psychotherapy (state boards, not private groups)

This article is not about criticizing any organization. It’s about elevating the standard of communication across the entire field.

A healthier field is one where clinicians understand:

1. who regulates them
2. what constitutes legitimate training
3. what their options are
4. and how to navigate a complex professional landscape with confidence and accuracy

EMDR is too important — and clients’ needs are too great — for anything less.

Closing Thoughts

Clarity protects clinicians.

Clarity protects consumers.

Clarity protects the integrity of the field.

When we ensure that training pathways are described accurately and without overstatement, we strengthen the entire trauma-treatment community.

If we all work together to promote transparency, EMDR continues to grow as a science-informed, accessible, and ethically grounded modality, and clinicians can focus on what matters most: Helping clients heal.

New Course for Trauma Therapists: EMDR 2.0 Skills Mastery: Techniques and Practical Applications

by Tim Cassidy, MBA, MA, LPC | Apr 7, 2025 | Uncategorized

Online CE Credits is thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new course, “EMDR 2.0 Skills Mastery: Techniques and Practical Applications,” designed to empower therapists with cutting-edge tools to enhance trauma therapy. This course, now available for enrollment, offers mental health professionals an opportunity to deepen their practice and deliver faster, more effective care to clients.

Building on the proven foundation of traditional EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EMDR 2.0 introduces advanced techniques to accelerate and deepen the processing of traumatic memories. Key enhancements include working memory taxation techniques and client buy-in strategies. These methods, informed by the latest neurobiological research, aim to provide nuanced, impactful treatment for clients with complex trauma.

“EMDR 2.0 represents a significant step forward in trauma therapy,” says Dr. Jennifer Sweeton, course instructor and a renowned trauma psychologist. “We’re equipping therapists with practical, evidence-based strategies to help clients heal more efficiently, even in challenging cases.”

The live webinar is on January 30, 2025, and afterward will be accessible on demand 24/7, offering flexibility for busy professionals. Therapists can earn continuing education credits while learning at their own pace. Online CE Credits encourages clinicians to stay ahead in their field by integrating these innovative techniques into their practice.

For more information and to register, see: https://onlinececredits.com/events/emdr-2-0-advanced-techniques-for-fast-safe-effective-treatment/