Overview

Welcome to the Center for Clarity EMDR Basic Training

This 12-week remote curriculum is designed to provide clinicians with the foundational knowledge and supervised practice required to begin integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy into their clinical work, in full alignment with EMDRIA standards.

 

Mission & Guiding Principles

The Center for Clarity is committed to delivering rigorous, culturally responsive EMDR training that prepares clinicians to work ethically and competently with diverse populations. Our training integrates the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, trauma-informed pedagogy, and antiracist clinical frameworks as foundational pillars throughout all 12 sessions.

EMDRIA Alignment

EMDRIA Basic Training Requirements

This training meets or exceeds the EMDRIA standards for EMDR Basic Training, including:

•  20 hours of didactic instruction

•  20 hours of supervised practicum (facilitated dyad practice)

•  10 hours of individual or group consultation with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant

•  Completion of required readings and case documentation

 

Participants who complete all requirements are eligible to apply for EMDRIA membership and to list EMDR therapy as a specialty on their professional profiles.

 

Curriculum Structure

Session

Focus Area

Sessions 1–2

History, AIP Model, Window of Tolerance, Cultural Standards

Sessions 3–4

Phase 2 History taking, Complex Trauma

Sessions 5–6

Phase 3 Assessment; NC/PC; SUD/VoC Measures

Sessions 7–8

Phases 4–7: Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, Closure

Sessions 9–10

Phase 8 Reevaluation; Special Populations & Protocols

Sessions 11–12

Blocking Beliefs; Cultural Considerations; Training Wrap-Up

Course curriculum

    1. Course Overview

    2. Enrollment & Eligibility

    3. Attendance & Participation

    4. Accommodation Request Policy

    5. Technology & Remote Learning

    6. Practicum & Clinical Practice

    7. Consultation Requirements

    8. Completion & Certification

    9. Fees, Payment & Refund Policy

    10. Professional Conduct & Ethics

    11. Cultural Responsiveness in Training

    12. Grievance & Appeals Procedures

    1. Week 1: Foundations of EMDR

    1. Week 2: Cultural Implications

    1. Week 3: History-Taking, Assessment & Case Conceptualization

    1. Week 4: Complex PTSD & Dissociative Disorders

    1. Week 5: Phase 2 - Preparation

About this course

  • 12 Weeks via live Zoom conference
  • 20 hours of didactic instruction
  • 20 hours of supervised practicum

Your Instructor

Sarah Smith

ACSW, LCSW-R, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

I graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Social Work in 1994. I began my career working in chemical dependency, but very quickly realized that you can’t treat addiction without looking at trauma. My earliest experience was working with women, and realizing the barriers they had to treatment. I worked in community mental health for several years. I was especially interested in the relationship between trauma and addiction, and the need to treat both issues concurrently. I also worked extensively with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. I also developed an expertise in the psychological impact of traumatic brain injury. In 2008 I was trained in EMDR Therapy at the University at Buffalo. I became certified in EMDR and eventually became in Approved Consultant in EMDR Therapy. Throughout my career I have sought training and consultation specific to trauma. I have list that on my resume. In closing, I feel so honored to be doing this work.

Participant Eligibility

EMDR Basic Training is open to licensed mental health professionals who meet the following criteria:

  • Provisional or Active licensure in one of the following: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LPCC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Psychologist (PhD/PsyD), Psychiatrist (MD/DO), or equivalent credential recognized in the participant’s jurisdiction.

  • Active caseload providing direct client services at the time of enrollment.

  • Access to reliable broadband internet and a private, HIPAA-compliant space for remote sessions.

  • Completion of the Center for Clarity enrollment application and professional credential verification.

Attendance & Participation

The Center for Clarity EMDR Basic Training is designed to meet EMDRIA standards for certification, which require a minimum number of didactic, practicum, and consultation hours. Consistent attendance is essential for participants to develop the theoretical foundation and clinical competency necessary to practice EMDR therapy safely and effectively.

Participation in the full 12-session cohort program is expected.

Full details availabe in course preview.

Accommodations

Our Commitment

Center for Clarity is committed to providing a fully accessible and inclusive learning environment for all participants in the EMDR Basic Training program. We believe that every clinician deserves the opportunity to develop EMDR competency, and we are dedicated to removing barriers that may prevent full participation.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Center for Clarity will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified participants with disabilities. Accommodations are individualized and determined through a collaborative process between the participant and program leadership.


Who May Request Accommodations

Any enrolled participant who has a physical, sensory, cognitive, psychological, or other disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities may request accommodations. Eligible conditions include but are not limited to:

  • Hearing or vision impairment
  • Physical or mobility disabilities
  • Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, processing differences)
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Chronic health conditions affecting stamina, concentration, or participation
  • Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions
  • Temporary disabilities resulting from illness, injury, or medical treatment


Participants are not required to disclose a specific diagnosis. What is needed is sufficient information to establish that a disability exists and that the requested accommodation is related to that disability.


Types of Accommodations Available

The following accommodations are available and can be arranged upon request. This list is not exhaustive — participants are encouraged to describe their needs and program leadership will work collaboratively to identify effective solutions.

Area

Examples of Available Accommodations

Live Session Access

•  Real-time captioning (CART) or automated captions enabled via Zoom

•  ASL interpretation (arranged in advance)

•  Audio descriptions of visual content presented on screen

Materials & Content

•  Alternative formats for handouts and slides (large print, high-contrast, plain text)

•  Screen reader-compatible versions of all PDFs and documents

•  Extended time to review pre-session readings or written assignments

•  Advance copies of slides and materials before each session

Participation Structure

•  Scheduled breaks during sessions for fatigue or pain management

•  Modified dyad or small group practicum arrangements

•  Flexibility in practicum role assignment when physical limitations apply

•  Option to complete certain activities asynchronously with instructor approval

Communication

•  Written summaries of verbal instructions or key session content

•  Preferred communication channel (email, chat, phone) for follow-up

•  Extended response time for written check-ins or reflections

Technical Support

•  Orientation to platform accessibility features prior to cohort start

•  Troubleshooting support for assistive technology integration with Zoom

•  Recording access for missed or partially attended sessions (see Note below)

 

Note on Recorded Sessions

Access to session recordings is provided as an accessibility accommodation only and does not substitute for live attendance requirements under EMDRIA standards. Recording access must be requested through the accommodation process and is subject to participant confidentiality agreements.

 

How to Request an Accommodation

Participants are encouraged to submit accommodation requests as early as possible — ideally at least two weeks before the training begins — to allow adequate time for planning and coordination. However, things happen!  If you need to submit when a situation arises, that is fine.  

 

#

Step

What This Involves

1

Submit a Request

Contact the program email to indicate that you are requesting an accommodation. You do not need to use specific legal language — simply let us know you have a need related to a disability or health condition.

2

Provide Supporting Information

Share enough information for us to understand your needs.  Even if you don’t have the specific accommodation in mind, any information is helpful.

3

Collaborative Discussion

A member of program leadership will contact you to discuss your needs, clarify what accommodations would be effective, and explore any implementation considerations.

4

Confirmation & Implementation

If requested by you, agreed-upon accommodations will be confirmed in writing and communicated to relevant training staff on a need-to-know basis. Implementation begins prior to or at the start of your next session.

5

Ongoing Review

Accommodations can be revisited at any point during the training. If your needs change or an accommodation is not working as intended, contact the program coordinator to adjust.

 

Scope and Limitations

Center for Clarity is committed to providing accommodations that are effective and reasonable. However, accommodations will not be approved if they:

  • Fundamentally alter the nature of the EMDR Basic Training program or its EMDRIA-required components
  • Create an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization
  • Compromise the safety, privacy, or learning experience of other participants
  • Circumvent EMDRIA standards for certification eligibility

 When a requested accommodation cannot be provided as described, program leadership will work with the participant to identify an alternative solution that meets both the participant’s needs and program requirements.


Non-Discrimination & Grievance

Center for Clarity does not discriminate against any participant on the basis of disability. Participants who request accommodations will not be penalized, disadvantaged, or treated differently in any aspect of the training program.

 If a participant believes their accommodation request was handled inappropriately, or that they have been subject to discrimination, they may submit a written grievance to program leadership. All grievances will be reviewed within 10 business days and responded to in writing.

 

To Request an Accommodation

Contact the Center for Clarity Program Coordinator:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  (716) 430-2524

Preferred lead time: at least 2 weeks before cohort start

 

Consultation Requirements

Required Consultation Hours

EMDRIA Basic Training standards require a minimum of 10 hours of EMDR consultation with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant. These hours are in addition to the 12 live training sessions and practicum time.

Consultation Scheduling

As mentioned previously, this training is scheduled for 12 sessions, approximately one week apart.  Consultation is a part of this training and the 10 hours required will be scheduled during this time.  However, the trainees have 12 months from the start date to complete requirements for the Basic EMDR Training.  If for any reason a trainee was not able to participate in a consultation session, there are solutions to make that up.

Consultation Content

Consultation sessions focus on the application of EMDR protocols to actual client cases.  All client information shared in consultation must be appropriately de-identified.

Completion & Certification

Requirements for Certificate of Completion

Participants who fulfill all of the following requirements will receive a Center for Clarity Certificate of Completion in EMDR Basic Training:

  1. Attendance at all 12 live training sessions (or documented completion of approved make-up activities)
  2. Participation in all 12 practicum segments (or approved make-up supervised dyad sessions)
  3. Submission of all required case documentation and practicum worksheets
  4. Completion and documentation of 10 hours of EMDR consultation with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant
  5. Completion of the required reading list (self-attestation via signed Completion Agreement)
  6. Submission of the Participant Feedback Survey

 

Certificate Timeline

Certificates of Completion will be issued within 30 days of receipt of all required documentation, including the completed Consultation Log and signed Completion Agreement.

 

Incomplete Status

Participants who do not fulfill all requirements within 12 months of the final session will be placed in Incomplete status. 

 

Note on EMDRIA Certification

The Center for Clarity Certificate of Completion confirms that a participant has met the training requirements for EMDR Basic Training as defined by EMDRIA. It does not constitute EMDRIA Certification in EMDR Therapy, which requires additional consultation hours and application through EMDRIA directly. Participants interested in pursuing EMDRIA Certification should visit www.emdria.org for current requirements.

Fees, Payment & Refund Policy

Training Fees

The Center for Clarity is committed to offering EMDR Basic Training at a fair and competitive rate. Current fees are listed on the Center for Clarity website and in the enrollment materials. All fees are in U.S. dollars.

Fee Type

Details

Full Tuition

Standard enrollment fee covering all 12 sessions, practicum, course materials, and digital resources

Payment Plans

Available in installments.

Group / Agency Rate

Available for 3 or more participants enrolling from the same organization; contact the training office

Materials Fee

Included in tuition; covers all downloadable worksheets, reference guides, and session recordings

 

Refund Policy

Withdrawal Timing

Refund

30+ days before Session 1

Full refund, minus a $75 administrative processing fee

15–29 days before Session 1

50% refund

8–14 days before Session 1

25% refund

7 days or fewer before Session 1

No refund; credit toward a future cohort may be available upon request

After Session 1 has occurred

No refund; no credit

 

Extenuating Circumstances

Participants who experience a documented medical emergency, bereavement, or other qualifying extenuating circumstance may submit a written request for credit toward a future cohort. Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the event and include supporting documentation. Credits are valid for 12 months and are non-transferable.

Professional Conduct & Ethics

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the ethical codes of their respective licensing boards and professional associations, as well as the standards set forth in this Policies & Procedures document. The training environment is a professional learning context; the same standards of conduct expected in clinical supervision or continuing education apply here.

The Center for Clarity is committed to creating a training environment that is inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive. Participants are expected to engage with humility, openness, and respect when discussing topics related to race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, and other dimensions of identity.

Microaggressions, discriminatory language, or behavior that marginalizes any participant or group will be addressed directly by the trainer and may result in disenrollment. The Center for Clarity does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind.

Participants agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all clinical material, personal disclosures, and practicum content shared within the training. This includes material shared by fellow participants in any training modality (live session, small group, practicum dyad, or consultation group). Violation of participant confidentiality is grounds for immediate disenrollment.

Participants are expected to practice within their licensed scope of practice at all times. EMDR skills introduced in practicum are intended for supervised practice and learning purposes. Participants should not introduce EMDR processing into active client sessions without appropriate consultation and supervisor support. Participants with questions about scope of practice in relation to EMDR are encouraged to consult with their clinical supervisor and/or licensing board.

Participants who observe or experience a violation of these conduct standards are encouraged to report concerns directly to the trainer or to the Center for Clarity training director. Reports may be made confidentially. The Center for Clarity will investigate all reports promptly and take appropriate corrective action.

Grievance & Appeals Procedures

The Center for Clarity is committed to addressing participant concerns promptly, fairly, and respectfully. This section outlines the process for raising concerns, filing formal grievances, and appealing decisions related to enrollment, completion status, or conduct actions.

Participants are encouraged to first attempt informal resolution of concerns by speaking directly with the trainer. Many concerns can be resolved through open, direct communication. The trainer will make reasonable efforts to address concerns within 3 business days. 

If informal resolution is not successful or appropriate, participants may file a formal written grievance with the Center for Clarity training director using the following process:

  1. Submit a written grievance via email to the training director within 30 days of the incident or concern.
  2. Include a clear description of the concern, relevant dates, and any supporting documentation.
  3. The training director will acknowledge receipt within 3 business days and conduct a review within 15 business days.
  4. The participant will receive a written response outlining the findings and any corrective action.
  5. If the participant is not satisfied with the response, they may request a final review by the Center for Clarity Director within 10 business days of the response.


Participants may appeal decisions regarding incomplete status, disenrollment, or refund eligibility by following the formal grievance process above. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the relevant decision.

Begin your EMDR Therapy certification journey today.

Enroll today