How To Find the Right EMDR Consultant

If you're a therapist working toward EMDR certification, the EMDR consultation process can be one of the most valuable parts of your EMDR training if you find a consultant that’s the right fit for you.

What is EMDR Consultation? 

EMDR consultation is a process where a clinician working toward EMDR certification meets regularly with an EMDRIA-approved consultant to review their EMDR cases, deepen their clinical understanding of the model, and refine their skills.

It's different than regular clinical supervision because it’s specifically focused on your development as an EMDR clinician, your conceptualization of cases through an EMDR lens, your use of the protocol, and your ability to move through moments where things don't go as planned.

What EMDRIA Requires

To become an EMDRIA Certified clinician, you need:

Completion of EMDRIA approved basic training

20 hours of EMDR consultation, 10 of which must be individual, and up to 10 of which can be in group format

All consultation hours must be provided by an EMDRIA approved consultant

Here Are Some Characteristics Look For In An EMDR Consultant

They help you think about the case, not just follow the protocol. EMDR has a definite structure, but good consultation also helps you understand how the protocol works when your client doesn't fit neatly into the standard flow., Your consultant will help you figure out how to adapt the therapy when you get stuck.

They create a space where you can explore the challenges. We have all had moments in our work where we find ourselves thinking: “I can’t figure out how to get things moving forward with this case.” A good consultant supports you with leaning into curiosity and away from judgment. It’s really valuable to have a consultant join you with figuring out what's happening and what to try next without making you feel like you should have known already.

They value your existing skills. You came to EMDR training with years of clinical experience and your own wise understanding of your clients. A good consultant helps you integrate EMDR with everything you already know.

They understand the populations you work with. EMDR looks different with different clients. Complex trauma, dissociation, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ experiences, healthcare worker burnout, and moral injury all require nuanced adaptation of the standard protocol. A consultant who understands your clinical population can support you with meeting your clients where they’re at.

Individual vs. Group Consultation

Both count toward your certification hours, and both have real value, but they're a bit different from each other.

Individual consultation gives you dedicated one-on-one time to focus on your specific cases. It's great for personalized learning experiences.

Group consultation gives you the benefit of hearing how other clinicians are navigating similar challenges, which can be really helpful, especially early in your EMDR training. It can also be more affordable per hour.

Many clinicians find that a combination of both works well, using group consultation to build a foundation and community, and individual consultation to work through more complex or stuck cases.

A Few Practical Questions to Ask a Potential Consultant

Before committing to a consultant, it's worth it to have a brief conversation. Some things to think about asking:

Are you currently an EMDRIA-approved consultant?

What populations or presenting issues do you have the most experience supervising?

How do you structure consultation sessions?

Do you offer individual, group, or both?

What's your approach when a clinician is feeling stuck or uncertain in a case?

That last question tells you a lot. A consultant who answers with curiosity and warmth is very different from one who only jumps to "here's what you should have done."

Working With Me

I'm an EMDRIA-certified clinician and EMDRIA-approved consultant based in Oakland, CA. I offer consultation to therapists and clinicians throughout California via telehealth.

I bring 15+ years of clinical experience including work in public health, nonprofit, and private insurance healthcare systems. Much of my work has been supporting clients with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and healthcare professional burnout. I supervise with the same curiosity and investment that I bring to client work.

I offer both individual and group consultation formats. If you're working toward EMDR certification and looking for a consultant who will help you incorporate your existing skills while supporting your growth as an EMDR clinician, I'd love to connect.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you're looking for and whether we might be a good fit. You can also learn more about my consultation and supervision work on my Services page.