Not all EMDR therapists take the same path to competency, and that’s a good thing.
In a field as nuanced as trauma therapy, rigid gatekeeping around who is “allowed” to practice EMDR can create more confusion than clarity. At Online CE Credits, we believe that licensure, clinical judgment, and access to quality training, not expensive association stamps, are what matter most.
So, what’s the difference between being EMDR trained and being EMDR certified? And more importantly, how do you know when you’re truly ready to integrate EMDR into your practice?
What Is EMDR Training?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused, exposure-based therapy that targets distressing memories and their residual effects. Learning it requires a solid understanding of its eight-phase model, including preparation, assessment, desensitization, and installation phases.
Being EMDR trained generally means a mental health professional has completed coursework that teaches the foundational EMDR protocol. This typically includes:
- A multi-day training (often 2–4 days)
- Instruction on the original eight-phase model
- Practical exercises and demonstrations
- Initial practice hours using EMDR with clients
At Online CE Credits, our Certificate in EMDR Therapy Skills (EMDRPT-I) delivers approximately 30 hours of clinical EMDR instruction with 4 hours of expert case consultation, meeting the needs of clinicians looking to integrate EMDR safely and effectively.
Importantly, being trained in EMDR doesn’t mean you’ve received a “stamp of approval” from EMDRIA or any other association, and that’s okay. Associations like EMDRIA are not regulatory bodies and do not define ethical clinical practice. Your licensing board does.
What Does EMDR Certification Mean?
Certification, as used in the EMDR space, often refers to a credential given after completing specific training and consultation hours. It’s optional and varies by provider. At Online CE Credits, we offer two EMDR certification programs:
- Certificate in EMDR Therapy Skills (EMDRPT-I)
- Certificate in Advanced EMDR Therapy Skills (EMDRPT-II)
Each includes high-quality, skills-based coursework, practical consultation, and lifetime access to materials, without forcing you into expensive, ongoing dues just to “maintain” your credential.
So while you may see language online insisting that only “EMDR certified therapists” can use the therapy, it’s important to know: that’s a belief held by a private group, not a clinical mandate.
EMDR Trained vs Certified: Key Differences
So what are the real differences? Below is a clear breakdown to help you understand.
| Criteria | EMDR Trained | EMDR Certified |
| Basic EMDR coursework | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Consultation hours | Optional (but recommended) | ✔ Included or required depending on program |
| Credential or title granted | Sometimes (depends on training provider) | ✔ Yes (post-nominals like EMDRPT-I, EMDRPT-II) |
| Legally allowed to practice EMDR | ✔ Yes, if licensed and competent | ✔ Yes, if licensed and competent |
| Licensing board recognition | ✔ Based on CE provider’s accreditations | ✔ Same |
How to Become EMDR Certified Step by Step
If you’re interested in obtaining an EMDR certification that centers clinician autonomy and evidence-based practice (without the red tape), here’s how to do it through Online CE Credits:
- ✅ Be a currently licensed mental health professional (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, psychologist, etc.)
- ✅ Choose a certification path: EMDRPT-I or EMDRPT-II
- ✅ Complete all course modules (around 30 hours of training)
- ✅ Participate in 4 hours of elective group consultation with no expiration to schedule
- ✅ Receive your post-nominal credential upon completion
- ✅ Maintain access to all materials for life, no ongoing fees required
We also offer optional, affordable ongoing consultation to help clinicians continue to grow, without requiring surveillance-style supervision or video-taped sessions.
Benefits of Being EMDR Certified
Here’s what therapists gain by pursuing certification through Online CE Credits:
- 📌 Professional credibility – A formal credential that signals your training and commitment to trauma-informed care.
- 📌 Deeper clinical confidence – Integrated coursework that strengthens your understanding of EMDR’s theory and practice.
- 📌 No gatekeeping – No fees, no recording your clients, no ongoing dues.
- 📌 Ethical support – Consultation options that respect confidentiality while helping you troubleshoot real client concerns.
- 📌 Post-nominal credentialing – Use EMDRPT-I or EMDRPT-II in your professional profile.
- 📌 Lifetime access – Revisit the materials anytime without re-purchasing or retaking courses.
We believe clinicians should own their learning, not rent it year after year.
Do You Need to Be Certified to USE EMDR Therapy on Your Clients?
No.
There’s no legal requirement, federal or state, that demands a certification to use EMDR therapy. If you are a licensed mental health professional, you are legally permitted to use any clinical approach you’ve been trained in, as long as you are practicing within your scope and ethical code.
Your licensing board sets the rules you must follow.
So while certification can be a helpful benchmark, it’s not mandatory. And it should never become a barrier to growth or access.
As Dr. Jennifer Sweeton explains, no one, not EMDRIA, not your colleagues, not even your CE provider, can define your clinical readiness. That responsibility rests with you and your licensing board.
At Online CE Credits, we trust licensed professionals to assess their competence, seek consultation when needed, and continue learning long after the certificate is issued.
So whether you’re EMDR trained, certified, or simply curious about adding this modality to your toolbox, you’re in the right place.
👉Explore discounted EMDR programs now
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Become EMDR Certified?
Most therapists who take our EMDR certification programs complete them in 1–2 months, depending on schedule and consultation availability. There’s no pressure, we offer self-paced options with lifetime access.
Can You Practice EMDR Without Certification?
Yes. Certification is not required to ethically use EMDR in clinical settings if you are a licensed mental health provider. Competence, not certification, is what matters.
Why Is EMDR Training So Expensive?
It does not have to be. Some providers charge over $13,000 over time to obtain and keep EMDRIA certification. We believe this pricing model is exploitative.
Can I Learn EMDR on My Own?
Not effectively. EMDR is a clinical therapy best learned through structured training, practical demos, and expert consultation. Self-study alone won’t prepare you to use EMDR safely. But the good news? Quality, accessible training does exist without the cost or complexity of EMDRIA.