Introduction
Date Course Created: March 2026
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy widely used to treat trauma and other distressing life experiences. Grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, EMDR therapy proposes that many psychological symptoms arise when traumatic or overwhelming experiences become dysfunctionally stored in memory. When these memories are properly processed, emotional distress can decrease and more adaptive beliefs and responses can emerge.
This introductory training provides an overview of EMDR therapy’s theoretical foundations, core procedures, and clinical applications. Participants will learn the key concepts of the AIP model, review the eight phases of EMDR therapy, and explore how bilateral stimulation is used to facilitate memory processing. The course also introduces the structure of EMDR sessions and common elements involved in treatment planning.
Through clinical explanations and case examples, this training helps mental health professionals develop a foundational understanding of how EMDR therapy works and how it can be applied in practice. The course is designed for clinicians who are new to EMDR or who want a clearer conceptual understanding of its mechanisms and therapeutic process.
DISCLAIMER: This program has been developed and offered by Online CE Credits, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any other organization, center, clinic, institute, psychotherapy training broker, person, or other business entity.
This is a 2.5-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform.
Agenda
00:00 – 00:21 → Introduction, The Growing Popularity of EMDR, The Science Behind EMDR
00:21 – 01:01 → The Eight Phases of EMDR, Trauma and the Body, Trauma-Informed Care and EMDR
01:01 – 01:39 → Treatment Targets, Building Rapport, Preparing Clients for EMDR, Resource Development and Installation
01:39 – 02:04 → Evaluating Progress in EMDR Therapy, Key Concepts in EMDR, The Three-Pronged Approach to Trauma Treatment
02:04 – 02:37 → Broadening the Scope of EMDR Treatment, Integrating EMDR with Chronic Pain Management, Resources
Objectives
This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:
After completing this training, participants will be able to define Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.- After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the role of bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy and how it supports memory reprocessing.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to describe how EMDR therapy targets past, present, and future experiences.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to recognize appropriate clinical situations in which EMDR therapy may be beneficial for clients experiencing trauma or stress-related symptoms.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to describe basic case conceptualization and treatment planning considerations when integrating EMDR therapy into clinical practice.
Target Audience:
Mental Health Clinicians & Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Counselors, School Personnel, and Healthcare Workers.
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Amanda Good, LICSW
Material Author(s): Amanda Good, LICSW
For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.
Course Materials & Delivery Method:
- Course Materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
- Delivery Method – This course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.
CE Approvals:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2025 – July 23, 2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 clinical continuing education credits.
Other Helpful Information:
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- Course Completion Requirements – 1.) View the entire Lesson module (accessible from the main course page), to include the embedded and/or linked presentation video(s), slide deck, additional materials, and/or links to any shared video clip(s) that may have been edited from the presentation video(s) to comply with copyright laws. 2.) Click into the Quiz module accessible from either the main course page or the Lesson page and complete the Quiz with an 80% or better pass rate. 3.) Complete the Course Evaluation – you’ll be sent to the Evaluation automatically once you successfully pass the Quiz.
- Posttest Requirements – You must answer 80% or more of the Quiz questions correctly to pass. If you fail to pass the first time, you may attempt the quiz again until you are able to pass with a score of 80% or better. Quizzes are graded instantly and automatically by the learning management system once your attempt is submitted.
- Certificate of Completion – Certificates of Completion are automatically generated – downloadable from your Dashboard and emailed to you – once you view the Lesson Materials and complete the Quiz and the Course Evaluation.
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