Being a therapist with training in EMDR has its benefits. Unlike hypnosis, there’s no argument that this is a specific type of treatment method. EMDR isn’t just a therapy, it’s a theory about the way the brain perceives, stores, and retrieves information. It continues to evolve. It continues to grow in popularity, setting you, as an EMDR therapist, in high demand – there’s more than one reason why it’s good to be a therapist with training in EMDR.
As mental health professionals, our primary focus isn’t on the profit we make. We work to change the world for the better, one client at a time. It may be an understatement to say that much of that work concerns digging past awareness. We help people forgive past hurts that are often buried deep. EMDR continues to prove effective as a key to the hidden.
EMDR can be the best tool in your toolbox. It can make you a more effective therapist. And when some clients make real progress, they become ambassadors for the therapist that helped them out the most. Your practice grows as a result. As a therapist with training in EMDR, you get to help more people – and you help them better.
Who Can a Therapist with Training in EMDR help?
EMDR earns a lot of attention for its usefulness in PTSD cases, but its uses and benefits are far more. It’s a way to treat depression without drugs, for example, saving your clients from the undesirable side effects of medications.
EMDR is also applicable for treating anxiety and several other psychological problems, like eating disorders and panic attacks. It can be used for fear, addiction, and grief recovery. Even athletes can benefit from EMDR therapy, helping improve their performance.
In short, where there is trauma, EMDR can help. And that’s where you as a therapist with training in EMDR can help.
The most serious side effects of EMDR is that the heightened awareness it causes can stick around long after the session ends. This causes vivid dreams in some, and some clients may experience a bit of lightheadedness. EMDR is safe. And what it does for the memory can be considered a benefit more than a side effect.
As an EMDR therapist, it’s important to keep the history of this treatment in mind. It has grown in popularity because of results. EMDR started back in the 80s as a therapy for soldiers with PTSD. It’s effectiveness made it the standard practice for this use and inspired explorations into other applications. EMDR became preferred in the face of all the other available therapies – that alone should speak volumes.
Why Not Be a Therapist with Training in EMDR ?
Just as with any treatment, EMDR isn’t without it’s controversy and naysayers. A few have spread the rumor that it’s dangerous because of how EMDR opens the mind to vividly recall the past. There have also been a few who’ve reported the therapy either being ineffective for them or making matters worse. But a growing body of evidence-based research and success cases continue to secure the future of EMDR.
EMDR is a professional tool. It is safe and effective when used as intended by a well-trained EMDR professional. Part of your training at EMDR Educators covers how to use the therapy in a variety of client scenarios.
The number of cases demonstrating its safety and effectiveness continue to grow, as does its applications. But this is not a one-hit-wonder therapy. Clients will need your support before, during, and after their EMDR sessions. And they will need subsequent sessions.
The benefits of EMDR can be noted after the first session. But stopping at the first or second session and claiming that it doesn’t work or has negative effects may be shortsighted. EMDR is not for every clinical disorder and it’s not for every case. A therapist with training in EMDR should know when and with whom to use it.
Top Reasons Not to Be a Therapist with Training in EMDR
A therapist wouldn’t want EMDR training if they’re not willing to follow its protocols and procedures. They also wouldn’t want to be taught EMDR if they are unwilling to look beyond the few naysayers and gain first-hand experience. Also, some mental health professionals aren’t eligible for EMDR training.
Therapist Training in EMDR from EMDR Educators
When a properly trained EMDR therapist uses the therapy, clients get to experience its benefits. EMDR transforms lives. And the work of these professionals further the therapy while demonstrating its effectiveness.
The importance of doing EMDR right is why our Dr. Andrew Dobo is diligent in ensuring students are comfortable during training and competent upon completion. Therapists training in EMDR through EMDR Educators to get experience the therapy as both clients and providers, imbuing them with the knowledge, experience, and confidence they need for being true EMDR professionals.
Andrew, I totally agree. EMDR is very useful in the work we do with our clients. I have been trained since 2016 and I have helped many clients with past trauma, negative memories, anxiety, depression and addiction. I would highly recommend that every mental health therapist get trained in EMDR.