5 Essential Considerations When Searching for an EMDR Consultant
Posted: December 19, 2018
Are you trying to find an EMDR consultant? Where do you even begin? At first glance, all the consultants I looked at appeared similar me. However, once I started delving further into their websites, I figured out a formula that worked for me in finding the perfect EMDR consultant with whom to get my hours of consultation for EMDR certification.
Once you filter through the basics for yourself (convenient location, hours, fees, etc.), I encourage you to dig deeper. After all, you are spending many hours on training to become certified and you deserve to be spending your money with the right consultant. Please note that just because someone's fees are higher does not mean they are a "better" consultant; it just means they have higher fees. So, let's look into what I consider the essentials in finding an EMDR consultant that is right for you. Here's my cheat sheet for you:
- Are they certified in EMDR? Check out http://www.emdria.org to find out that the consultant you are researching is an EMDR Certified Therapist. In order for you to earn hours towards your own certification, this is a must. I don't think it makes a difference if they are a "Certified Consultant" vs a "Consultant In Training", as they will have a consultant of their own for the latter with whom they still gain education and training. I believe the next few steps are more important in your decision to find the right one for you.
- Have they done additional training in EMDR beyond the basics, like in a speciality or area of your interest? Look at any trainings they have listed on their website to see if they have continued to get education in EMDR, have an advanced level of expertise and/or have training in your practice specialty. Continuing to stay in the loop of new protocols is essential in EMDR.
- Do they discuss using Standard Protocols (learned in basic training) first, then teach population specific protocols? No matter how advanced a clinician you are outside of EMDR, remember you are learning a "new language" of sorts with EMDR. It is vital that the Standard Protocols are mastered first. After that, the world is open for you to learn as much as you want on an advanced level!
- What is their clinical background in general? You will want to make sure that they have at least a few years (or more) of working clinical in direct practice, as this will give them the ability to use EMDR in an appropriate therapeutic context. Knowing when is the right time to start EMDR, how to manage a client crisis, and what other techniques they can teach you to help ground a client after an EMDR session besides the Container Exercise and Safe/Calm Space is critical. Make sure their clinical experience matches your needs.
- Have they taught classes/trainings before or have they done clinical supervision? Knowing how to communicate about protocols and provide helpful feedback is an acquired skill. I find that consultants who have facilitated trainings, taught college courses or who have mentored clinicians getting their hours for licensure often come pre-equipped with verbiage that helps others learn better. I think learning from someone who teaches professionally is essential for me at this point in my career, but may just be an added bonus for you!