Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become one of the most discussed modalities in mental health today. Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now used to help clients with a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. With its growing popularity, many Canadian therapists are eager to bring this evidence-based approach into their practices.
Becoming trained and certified in EMDR not only equips you with tools to better support your clients, but also strengthens your professional offerings. This can potentially allow you to increase your fees and attract more clients.
Before you begin practicing EMDR, however, it’s essential to complete an approved training program. Let’s dive into which organizations can support your journey, what it means to be certified, why mental health professionals become certified and how to get started.
What Organizations Can Help Me Get an EMDR Certification?
There are two organizations that Canadians can turn to for guidance on receiving accredited EMDR training and certification. EMDRIA and EMDR Canada provide up-to-date information and resources to learn about EMDR Basic Training, EMDR Certified Therapist Application as well as membership to each of these organizations.
EMDRIA is the EMDR International Association. It is a national membership organization where members can be listed on their EMDR Therapist directory, resources, networking opportunities, professional development opportunities, discounted products and services, and more.
EMDRIA also provides the accredited training and education required to become an EMDRIA Certified Therapist.
EMDR Canada is a Canadian affiliate of EMDRIA. They are dedicated to establishing, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of excellence in integrity in EMDR therapy practice, research and education. EMDR Canada members also receive benefits such as a therapist directory, membership discounts including on certification, video resource library and more. Additionally, joining EMDR Canada means that members can receive a free affiliate membership with EMDRIA. Note, this benefit is not available vice versa.
What Does It Mean to Be a “Certified Therapist” in EMDR?
There’s a lot of language around EMDR certification and training, so let’s clear up the differences first.
The term “certification” specifically means credentials earned through accredited training programs approved by recognized bodies like EMDRIA — not just any training program that happens to teach EMDR techniques.
EMDRIA is the recognized body in North America with an accredited training program that allows you to meet the requirements to become a “Certified EMDR Therapist”. If your desire is to earn a recognized professional credential and register with national organizations — you will need to follow EMDRIA’s criteria for accreditation.
There are many ways to learn about EMDR and receive training, but these courses will not be able to contribute to earning a recognized credential and certification. You may find educational courses on PESI and Udemy, but these do not fit the criteria for rigorous, accredited training with proper supervision and standards needed to be a certified therapist in EMDR, as set out by EMDRIA.
EMDR certification ensures that therapists have gone through rigorous, supervised training and are ethically and clinically competent to apply the approach in real client sessions. Certification is a more advanced process that builds upon the initial training and includes extensive consultation, clinical experience, and continuing education. In short, while any eligible therapist can enroll in training, becoming certified means you have met a high standard of practice and oversight.
Why Do Canadian Therapists Pursue EMDR Certification?
Canadian therapists often seek EMDR training for several compelling reasons:
- It’s Evidence-Based: EMDR is backed by a significant body of research supporting its effectiveness in treating trauma, anxiety, grief, and more.
- It Enhances Your Toolbox: Many therapists use EMDR alongside other therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment to their clients’ needs.
- It Increases Marketability: Offering EMDR can make your practice stand out, especially in areas where there are few certified EMDR practitioners.
- It Justifies Higher Rates: Because EMDR is a specialized service, many therapists are able to increase their session fees appropriately.
How Long Does EMDR Training Take?
EMDRIA-approved basic training includes:
- 20 hours of instructional material covering the history and overview of EMDR therapy, and coverage of Model, Methodology and Mechanism of EMDR.
- 20 hours of practicum to facilitate the demonstration and practice of EMDR.
- 10 hours of consultation to integrate the theory of EMDR with the development of EMDR therapy skills.
Outside of basic training, training to become a Certified Therapist also includes 20 hours of consultation by an EMDRIA approved consultant in EMDR, and 12 hours of EMDRIA credits — which can only be earned after basic training and through EMDRIA Credit workshops and programs.
EMDR Basic Training in Canada must be completed through a provider that is approved by EMDRIA and EMDR Canada. It’s important to avoid “shortcut” training programs that are not recognized by either body, as these may not be accepted toward certification or membership to national organizations.
How Do I Get Started With EMDR Training in Canada?
To register for EMDR basic training in Canada, participants must:
- Be licensed or registered with an EMDR Canadian-approved regulatory body in a mental health field, such as psychology, social work, counselling, or psychiatry.
- Hold at least a master’s degree, or be in a graduate program with relevant clinical practicum.
- Be actively engaged in clinical work with clients.
- Have valid and current professional liability insurance.
Some programs allow graduate students or pre-licensed professionals to attend, provided they are under clinical supervision. Always verify eligibility with the training provider.
How to Become an EMDRIA Certified Therapist
After completing basic training, Canadian therapists can apply to become a Certified Therapist through EMDRIA. The steps include:
- Complete EMDRIA-approved Basic Training through an approved provider.
- Obtain at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA-approved consultant after your training. Ten of these hours must be individual; the remaining ten may be in group format.
- Conduct a minimum of 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 different clients.
- Be licensed or registered for independent practice for at least two years.
- Submit the following to EMDRIA:
- Documentation of your consultation hours.
- Proof of active licensure or registration.
- A notarized statement detailing your EMDR practice.
- Letters of recommendation from a consultant and two professional peers.
- Certificates for at least 12 hours of continuing education in EMDR.
- Attestation that you agree to the EMDRIA Policies Agreement.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an EMDR Certified Therapist in Canada is a significant investment of time and effort. However, it can be one of the most rewarding paths for a therapist who is passionate about helping clients process trauma and distress. Not only does it enhance your clinical skills, but it also opens the door to a broader client base and professional opportunities.
Whether you are looking to deepen your trauma-informed practice or expand your service offerings, EMDR certification is a meaningful next step. Once you are certified, don’t forget to celebrate — your clients and your practice will benefit immensely.
Please note that this guide is not an exhaustive or definitive resource on how to obtain EMDR certification to practice EMDR therapy in Canada. Please consult EMDRIA for full training and certification requirements and EMDR Canada as additional resource.
