Why EMDR Accreditation Matters: A Concern About the Rise of Non-Accredited Training

At first glance, this might not seem like a big issue. But when we look more closely at what it takes to become a qualified EMDR trainer. Over the past decade, the evidence base for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) has grown significantly.

Originally developed for the treatment of PTSD, EMDR is now supported by research for a wide range of psychological difficulties when applied through a careful, formulation-driven approach. As awareness of the model increases, so too does interest from therapists wanting to train in EMDR. EMDR is now also growing outside the traditional therapy room and becoming more accessible to people wouldn’t necessarily be looking for a therapist. I have spent years developing my EMDR informed coaching approach – The Uplift breakthrough®. You can read a bit more about my approach here https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2024/10/28/emdr-informed-coaching-for-transformative-growth-taking-emdr-outside-the-therapy-room/

And that’s a good thing.

More skilled practitioners means more people can access effective trauma treatment.

But alongside this growing interest, I’ve noticed something that concerns me.

Increasingly, I’m seeing EMDR training courses offered by trainers who are not accredited EMDR trainers and whose courses are not accredited by EMDR Europe or national EMDR associations.

iner, and the intensity of the therapy itself,  it raises important questions about standards, safety and responsibility.

The Reality of Becoming an Accredited EMDR Trainer

Becoming an accredited EMDR trainer is not a quick or simple process.

And that’s intentional.

The standards are high because the work we are doing with clients is significant and emotionally powerful. The pathway to trainer accreditation requires years of clinical experience, supervision, and professional scrutiny.

For example, in order to train as an accredited EMDR trainer through EMDR Europe, the journey typically involves:

• Becoming an EMDR Consultant and practising in this role for several years
• Training and working as an EMDR Facilitator on accredited training programmes
• Having your clinical and teaching work reviewed and scrutinised by senior EMDR professionals
• Developing a training programme that must be formally ratified by EMDR Europe

In my own case, the process took over two years of additional training, on top of many years of clinical practice and EMDR consultation work.

The standards are rigorous and they should be.

Because when people train in EMDR, they are learning to work directly with trauma memory networks, emotional distress and deeply vulnerable experiences.

Why Accreditation Exists

Accreditation isn’t about gatekeeping.

It’s about protecting clients and protecting the integrity of the therapy model.

Accredited EMDR training ensures that:

• Trainers have substantial clinical experience
• The curriculum covers the full EMDR protocol and theoretical foundations
• Participants receive supervised practice and feedback
• The training aligns with international professional standards

Without these safeguards, we simply don’t know:

• The trainer’s level of expertise
• The quality of the teaching
• Whether the training covers the necessary clinical competencies

And that uncertainty matters when the therapy itself often is emotionally intense.

A Growing Concern: Who Is Being Trained?

Another issue I’m increasingly noticing is that some non-accredited courses are offering EMDR training to people without a therapeutic background.

For example, courses being marketed to:

• Coaches
• Hypnotherapists
• Practitioners without formal clinical training

This is deeply worrying.

EMDR sessions can access powerful emotional material very quickly. When distressing memories activate, therapists must be able to:

• Recognise signs of dissociation or overwhelm
• Stabilise clients safely
• Work with complex trauma presentations
• Hold emotional intensity in a contained, therapeutic way

These skills come from years of clinical training and experience, not simply learning a technique.

Without that foundation, there is a real risk that clients may feel overwhelmed, unsupported, or even retraumatised.

Sadly, I do occasionally meet clients who tell me they had a difficult experience with EMDR previously. When I hear these stories, I can’t help but wonder whether the therapy was delivered by someone who had not received proper training and supervision.

And that’s heartbreaking, because when EMDR is delivered well, it can be life-changing.

Protecting Clients and the Profession

EMDR is a powerful therapy. It deserves to be practised by professionals who are properly trained and supported.

If you are considering training in EMDR, my advice is simple:

Check that the training provider is accredited.

You can verify accredited EMDR training providers through the EMDR Association:

Standard accredited training

Accredited programmes ensure you receive:

• High-quality teaching
• Supervised practice
• Training aligned with international standards
• A pathway toward EMDR accreditation yourself

A Final Thought

I’m passionate about EMDR because I see every day how transformative it can be for clients.

My hope is that as interest in EMDR continues to grow, we maintain the high standards that protect both practitioners and the people we serve.

If you’re seeking EMDR therapy, it’s completely reasonable to ask your therapist where they trained and whether they completed an accredited programme.

And if you’re thinking about learning EMDR yourself, make sure you choose training that honours the depth, responsibility and integrity of this powerful approach.

Your clients deserve nothing less.

Written by Dr Hannah Bryan