EMDR Foundational Training Objectives Days 1-6

Objectives: Day 1

To provide working definitions of trauma from the larger field of psychology/psychiatry and according to the adaptive information processing (AIP) model
To discuss the Indigenous and ancient origins of EMDR therapy in providing context for the modern history of EMDR Therapy
To explain EMDR Therapy’s model, methodology, and mechanism(s) within the context of the adaptive information processing (AIP) model
To list the 8 phases of the EMDR Therapy standard protocol
To identify the 8 phases of the EMDR standard protocol after seeing a live or video demonstration of EMDR Therapy
To summarize current organizational and clinical recommendations on EMDR therapy
To identify the aspects of EMDR therapy (e.g., model, methodology, and mechanism) that justify it being regarded as an approach to psychotherapy

Objectives: Day 2

To explain how the 8 Phases of Shapiro’s Standard EMDR Therapy Protocol correspond to the 3-Stage Consensus Model of trauma treatment originally proposed by Pierre Janet
To conduct a thematic EMDR Therapy Phase 1 (Client History) with respect to general, well-established principles for trauma-informed care
To define the terms Resource Development and Installation (RDI), “tapping in,” and frontloading, and explain their role in EMDR Therapy Phase 2 Preparation
To develop a comprehensive, holistic set of stabilization, grounding, and resourcing skills in Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy
To explain, in general, the rationale behind speeds of bilateral stimulation/dual attention stimulus
To deliver 3-5 activities with a client in EMDR Therapy preparation, with and without bilateral stimulation
To discuss and implement which stabilization activities are most ideal for those clients with dissociation or complex trauma issues
To make modifications for teaching all skills covered today, including delivery of bilateral dual attention stimulus (DAS), in a telehealth setting
To complete, under supervised practice, EMDR Phases 1 & 2 with a practice partner
To assess client preparedness for moving from Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy into the reprocessing Phases 3-6
To discuss the standard targeting sequence offered in the 2018 Shapiro text for reprocessing traumatic memories

Objectives: Day 3

To complete, under supervised practice, EMDR Therapy Phases 3-8
To define abreaction and discuss its relevance to trauma processing work
To define dissociation and develop strategies for mitigating risk and working most effectively with dissociative clients
To list the main suggestions offered by Shapiro and master clinicians in EMDR therapy for handling abreactions
To recheck the progress on both complete and incomplete EMDR therapy sessions
To articulate the general principles at play in Phase 8 Re-Evaluation
To obtain resources for accessing follow-up consultation and support in EMDR therapy between Part I of the training (Days 1-3) and Part II of the training (Days 4-6)

Objectives: Day 4

To discuss, in general, what it means to be an ethical EMDR Therapist and list three safeguards for ensuring safe and ethical practice
To explain, in a general sense, the policy of the EMDR International Association condemning the use of EMDR therapy for Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE)
To define interweaves and describe at least three situations where using interweaves are useful in EMDR therapy
To apply three different styles of interweaves and articulate at least three examples for implementation within these styles
To list examples of situations within EMDR therapy where making modifications may be necessary, especially when addressing abreaction and dissociation in the various phases of EMDR therapy
To describe the types of modifications that might be necessary and appropriate in addressing dissociation within the clinical setting
To execute the EMDR 8-Phase protocol under supervised practice and receive necessary instruction about interweaves and modifications (implementing accordingly)

Objectives: Day 5

To list the specific protocols/targeting sequences that Shapiro overviews in her seminal text and be able to set them up (e.g., recent events, anxiety and phobia, illnesses and somatic disorders, grief, self-use)
To discuss the best practices for conducting EMDR therapy with the following groups of people/clinical situations: Children, couples and families, addictions, survivors of sexual abuse, complex PTSD and developmental trauma, military and public safety personnel
To discuss, in greater detail and clinical competence, best practices for the specific groups of people/clinical situations that participants are likely to see in their clinical settings
To explain the meaning of anti-oppression in psychotherapy and discuss the role of the EMDR therapist and EMDR therapy is advancing anti-oppression work
To access resources for obtaining specialty resources and “protocols” for these variously noted populations
To cultivate the quality of empathy for clients struggling with trauma-related presenting issues as a necessary first skill in building a case conceptualization treatment plan
To complete, under supervised practice, a future template targeting sequence
To implement Phase 8 Re-Evaluation strategies at both a micro-level and macro-level, including (but not limited to): Future template; rechecking Phase 1 Client History; assessing for blocking beliefs; treatment plan review

Objectives: Day 6

To discuss the neurobiology of trauma covered on Day 1 of the course in the context of EMDR Therapy and working hypotheses about mechanisms of action
To present a clinical case study for the participant’s clinical practice through the EMDR Therapy/AIP framework
To complete, under supervised practice, any remaining practice elements that a participant may need to attend to using EMDR therapy
To explain EMDR therapy to a client in a general sense and provide clients with adequate informed consent for EMDR therapy
To discuss the characteristics of strong EMDR therapists
To evaluate any issues that a participant may need to address to better capture these qualities of strong EMDR therapists
To develop a plan for continued consultation and formation as an EMDR therapist after the completion of the training course