E.M.D.R

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes, showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences (Maxfield, 2019). EMDR therapy has even been superior to Prozac in trauma treatment (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). Shapiro and Forrest (2016) share that EMDR therapists in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.

Why EMDR Training Matters

Not all EMDR therapy is created equal. Many clinics and therapists list EMDR as a service after completing only basic coursework — but the depth of training and experience varies dramatically. At the Utah Center for Trauma Recovery, every clinician is trained at the highest level possible to ensure our clients receive expert, effective, and results-driven care.

Understanding the Levels of EMDR Training

1. EMDR Basic Training
This is the entry-level requirement to begin using EMDR therapy. It involves:

  • One year of training

  • 20 hours of instructional material

  • 20 hours of supervised practicum

  • 10 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant™

While this provides foundational knowledge, the skill level can vary widely depending on the quality of supervision and experience after training.

2. EMDR Certification (EMDRIA Certified Therapist)
Certification reflects advanced competence and extensive clinical experience. To become EMDR Certified, therapists must:

  • Complete an EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training Program

  • Hold a current independent clinical license (such as CMHC, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, etc.)

  • Have at least two years of experience in their field

  • Conduct a minimum of 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients

  • Complete 20 hours of EMDR consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ (at least half individual)

  • Receive professional letters of recommendation verifying ethics and clinical excellence

  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education in EMDR

Therapists with this credential demonstrate not only technical proficiency but the clinical judgment and depth needed to handle complex trauma safely and effectively.

3. EMDR Consultant (EMDRIA Approved Consultant™)
This is the highest level of EMDR expertise and supervision. Consultants are not only master clinicians — they train and mentor other EMDR therapists. Requirements include:

  • EMDRIA Certification plus three additional years of experience using EMDR

  • A minimum of 300 EMDR clinical sessions

  • 20 hours of consultation-of-consultation with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

  • Ongoing continuing education every two years to maintain credentialing

  • Multiple professional letters of recommendation attesting to consultation skill, ethics, and clinical excellence

Consultants possess a deep understanding of trauma treatment, neurobiology, and complex case formulation, and they teach other therapists how to use EMDR safely and effectively.

Why Choose the Utah Center for Trauma Recovery

At the Utah Center for Trauma Recovery, EMDR is not a technique we occasionally use — it is one of our core specialties.

  • Founder Jordan Meyer is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA-Approved Consultant™, with advanced training and years of supervision experience.

  • Every clinician on our team will either be EMDR Certified or actively training under Jordan’s direct consultation toward certification.

  • Our clients receive care from trauma experts who use EMDR precisely, safely, and effectively to achieve lasting transformation.

When you choose our center, you are choosing Utah’s premier EMDR specialists — clinicians who don’t just practice EMDR, but master it.