The need for evidence-based trauma treatment is, unfortunately, growing day by day. To help you meet that need, our EMDRIA-Approved training programs prepare you for EMDRIA Certification while guiding you through implementing EMDR in your practice. See the dramatic impact it’s already made in this short video.
EMDR Basic Training
IN-PERSON + VIRTUAL
Ease
EMDR Basic training is rigorous but we make it simple to succeed. Our comprehensive, EMDRIA-Approved program is structured, organized, professionally delivered, packed with great content, and easy to connect with. Our team delivers clear instruction, dynamic energy, and strong support throughout all training days and consultation meetings.
Expertise
Experience matters. Connect’s training faculty are highly experienced trainers and facilitators with significant clinical expertise. That translates into clear explanations, relevant case examples, meaningful Q&A periods, and extensive resources for further learning. Collectively, we have had the honor of training thousands of diverse clinicians from a range of clinical settings, areas of interest, and geographical locations. This helps us to provide personalized attention while creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for learning and practicing new skills.Â
Investment
We know that EMDR Training is a big investment; you should know that we are also deeply invested in your growth and the well-being of your clients. Throughout our EMDR Basic Training, we emphasize appropriate client selection, preparation, and stabilization for all levels of client complexity and clinical expertise. With ongoing Consultation built right into the training package, you will get the guidance you need to start using these new skills safely and effectively right away. We can’t wait to welcome you to our vibrant community of effective, trauma-informed therapists!
The proof is in the praise
Just some of the feedback we’re proud of:
Evidence-Based Training
Learn the evidence-based model from experts.
Research consistently shows that Dr. Francine Shapiro’s original, evidence-based model yields better outcomes for clients – So we give you the real deal – unaltered and undiluted. We want you to be firmly grounded in the basics of Standard EMDR Protocol… and then explore adaptations and advanced approaches.
Whether you choose to learn virtually or in person, you’ll have access to our online learning platform where you’ll find supplemental materials like:
- Printable documents, scripts, and assessments
- An online discussion board where you can confer with colleagues
- Bonus videos demonstrating work with real clients

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How does the training work?
IN PERSON
We’ll meet up together for two separate, 3-day training blocks (Part One & Part Two) with follow-up virtual consultations.Â
- Two, Three-Day Training Blocks (Part One & Part Two)Â
- Printed 300+ page training manual
- 20 hrs didactic, 20 hrs practicum, 10 hrs consultation, 40-hrs of Continuing Education credits through CE-Classes.com for qualified candidates
- Offered throughout Florida and beyond (we’re portable!)
VIRTUAL EMDR TRAINING
We’ve translated the traditional, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training into a live, virtual format that includes lots of interaction, Q&A, and real-time practicum experiences through Zoom. In addition to the core material we’ll share best practices for delivering EMDR Therapy via telehealth. You’ll also receive:
- Printed manual mailed to you
- Online learning portal for all access to digital materials and resources
- Documents and scripts provided for use with your clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connect’s EMDR Basic Training EMDRIA-Approved and accredited?
Yes! The EMDR International Association is our membership organization and credentialing body and sets strict standards for every step of the EMDR Basic Training and Consultation process.
Connect faculty are all members of EMDRIA and Connect is proud to be an EMDRIA-Approved Training Provider for both in person and virtual trainings.
That means our materials and teaching/consultation methodology have been carefully reviewed and endorsed as meeting the highest standards.
Each of our Trainers has also been approved by EMDRIA to provide EMDR Basic Training both in person and virtually.
Am I eligible to take the training?
EMDRIA sets the guidelines for who can attend an EMDR Basic Training. You are eligible if you are a:
- Graduate Student in Internship with active caseloads (not 1st yr. students)
- Registered Intern
- Social Worker
- Mental Health Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychiatric ARNP
Unfortunately, EMDRIA does not allow professionals with Masters’ degrees who are not pursuing licensure with their state board to attend Basic Training. We regret that this precludes some expert but unlicensed addiction professionals from training with us.
You can view EMDRIA’s Eligibility Requirements here.
Will I receive Continuing Education Credits (CEs) for this training?
We cover CEs for most states and license types. If you are a licensed clinician (Psychologist, Social Worker, Counselor, Marriage & Family Therapist) and choose to purchase CEs when you register for your training, you may be eligible to receive 40 CES upon completion of all training days.
Our APA-approved, national CE provider is CE-Classes. Please carefully review the CE Credit information on their website to ensure that your license type and state is covered.
If I complete this training, will I be “Certified” in EMDR?
In EMDR vocabulary, the term “Certification” is reserved for an additional, optional process of consultation and review that can only take place AFTER you have completed a full EMDR Basic Training. Therefore, no Basic Training program will make you automatically “Certified” in EMDR.
Our Basic Training program includes all required lecture, practicum, and consultation for training completion and sets the stage for you to take EMDRIA-Approved advanced trainings and pursue Certification as desired.
Once you have completed our program, you can proudly call yourself an EMDR Therapist! For full information on EMDRIA Certification, look here.
How long do I have to complete the training?
Per the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) all components of the training, including 10 consultation hours, must be completed within 12 months of the start of the training for virtual trainings, and within 24 months for in person trainings.
Do you offer any discounts for Students or non-profit clinicians?
Yes! We recognize the sacrifice that students and non-profit clinicians make and want to make EMDR Basic Training accessible to you.
We consider non-profit clinicians to be those who work primarily in a non-profit setting. Graduate students and Registered Interns or other pre-licensed clinicians who are on a licensure track are considered non-profit clinicians.
Please check the registration page of your preferred training to see the current student/non-profit rate.
Do you have a payment plan?
We are happy to offer a deposit option that will allow you to pay a portion of the total training fee up front and the remainder at least two weeks prior to the start of the training.
The earlier you register, the more time you have to complete your payment. This is less rigid than a formal monthly payment plan…you decide how to save and when to pay the remainder prior to the training.
What is your refund policy?
We understand that life can be unpredictable. We provide a full refund minus credit card processing fees for cancellations up to 2 weeks prior to start of training. Check the event registration page for exact refund cutoff dates for each training.
What materials do I need for the training and how do I get them?
Whether you register for a virtual or in-person training, you will receive access to an online learning management platform where you’ll find important information about the training process, as well as some supplemental digital materials.
Each trainee is also provided with a printed copy of our comprehensive, 300+ page training manual. For in-person trainings, you will receive the manual when you arrive at the training. If you are attending a virtual training the manual will be mailed to you approximately two weeks prior to the start of the training, so make sure you enter your preferred and complete mailing address at registration.
In addition to the manual, EMDRIA requires that you purchase and read Francine Shapiro’s text Eye Movement and Desensitization, 3rd Edition prior to the training. You can find this book for sale online from a number of sellers.
You will find links to some additional brief, required reading assignments and a required introductory video within your online course. And, of course you’ll also have access to a number of supplemental videos illustrating EMDR with real clients, as well as downloadable forms, scripts, and handouts.
How do I get my Consultation Hours?
Connect Basic Training includes all 10 Consultation Hours required by EMDRIA for course completion.
Why? Because we know how frustrating it can be to have to scramble to find affordable consultation with an expert Consultant; This can be a huge barrier to completing your training and feeling confident in your practice of this new model.
Each member of our faculty is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant with years of experience. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the support, encouragement, and answers you need to start using EMDR with appropriate clients right away.
How Consultation works:
Consultation meetings are held via zoom in a small—group format. Most groups meet five times in 2-hour blocks on a designated day of the week and time (i.e., Wednesdays from 9-11AM).
Several weeks prior to the start of your training, you’ll receive a list of group options for your training cohort and a link to register for the group of your choice. For most trainings there are at least two different group options to choose from.
Once you register, you’ll be provided with your Zoom meeting link for the Consultation series as well as some guidance/best practices for how to make the most of Consultation.
Your Consultant will record your attendance at each meeting to ensure that we have a record of your completion.
I specialize in a particular population/work in a specialized setting. Will the training teach me how to adapt EMDR to my clients/setting?
EMDR Basic Training starts by providing a foundation in the model and methodology with the Standard Protocol which is the basis for all advanced and specialized EMDR protocols.
As the training progresses, you’ll be introduced to the basics of case conceptualization and treatment of special populations and presenting issues such as:
- Children & Adolescents
- Combat trauma and first responders
- Sexual Trauma
- Dissociation
- Grief and Loss
- Anxiety and phobias
- Somatic disorders
- Early Intervention for natural and man-made disasters
- Couple’s therapy
- Trauma caused by racism, discrimination, and social location
We’ll also share best practices for working within a range of treatment settings and service delivery parameters, from private practice, to schools, to EAPs, to inpatient, PHP, and IOP hospital and treatment center settings.
During Consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask more specific questions about how to approach specific cases in your setting and area of specialization.
Beyond Basic training, Connect provides many advanced trainings for specialized protocols and approaches. We are also happy to recommend other trainings and resources to foster your development.
Do you teach and model cultural competence in your training? Do you have an Inclusion Policy?
As Trainers, Facilitators, and Consultants, we are committed to continuing our training and development related to cultural competence, collective trauma, and culturally-based trauma.
Our trainees and consultees can expect us to proactively address and teach to these issues during every phase of Basic Training and ongoing professional development. We invite questions, conversations, and honest feedback each step of the way.
We are also proud to offer training and consultation scholarships to BIPOC Clinicians. Please see our full Statement of Proactive Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity and learn more about scholarships here.
What makes the Connect EMDR Basic Training experience so phenomenal?
The short answer? Our team!
A good trainer is able to bring information to life in a fun – yet professional manner. All of our trainers are EMDRIA-Approved, have many years of clinical experience, and have completed rigorous training to ensure they will provide you with the best EMDR training experience!
We also pride ourselves on creating inclusive, supportive training groups – and many of our clients make friends for life during our events.
We want you to walk away from EMDR Basic Training feeling inspired by a transformative new perspective on how healing happens, powerful tools for implementing change, with clients, and a strong sense of connection to other dedicated clinicians.
We hope to see you soon!