EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps accelerate treatment for a wide range of issues related to disturbing past events and present life conditions. EMDR therapy is applicable for all ages. It is especially effective in rapidly reducing symptoms across various clinical concerns.

This program prepares participants to become EMDR Trained by providing 25 hours of didactic instruction, 21 hours of practicum, and 12 hours of consultation, all within a four-weekend format. Participants will learn to apply evidence-based EMDR techniques, develop case conceptualizations using attachment theory, the theory of structural dissociation, and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. They will also be trained to perform all eight phases of EMDR, with a focus on PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other DSM-V-TR diagnoses.

The EMDR Center of Southern California (ECSC) is accredited by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). This course meets the standards for EMDRIA’s EMDR Training requirements and provides an introductory, doctoral-level instruction in EMDR. The EMDR Center of Southern California (ECSC) is also an approved sponsor of Continuing Education (CE) by the American Psychological Association (APA). Our EMDR basic training offers an optional 58 CEs upon completion of the training program.

Yes, this is considered an introductory course for mental health professionals. Appropriate participants are at least on a pathway for independent licensure and in their second year of graduate school and within a practicum setting with an active clinical caseload. Mental health professionals already holding independent licensure anywhere in the United States and around the world are welcome to join our training program! Our EMDR basic training program is taught at a level equivalent to a completed doctoral program in psychology.

The upcoming in-person EMDR Basic Training will take place on the following Saturday/Sunday weekends:  

• March 1-2, 2025

• April 5-6, 2025

• May 3-4, 2025

• June 7-8, 2025

The training will be held at The Mental Health Collective, located at 20377 SW Acacia Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Training days begin with sign-in at 8:15 am and end at 5:15 pm Pacific Time.

The standard tuition for the Basic Training program is $1,775. Pre-licensed clinicians are eligible for a discounted rate of $1,575. We offer flexible payment plans, including single, two-payment, and three-payment options, to accommodate different budgets.

Upon completing this program, participants will be EMDR Trained, qualifying them for membership in the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and with its associated benefits. This training is also equivalent to completing both Level I and Level II EMDR training programs offered elsewhere.

The detailed learning objectives for the program can be found on the Learning Objectives page of our website.

Yes! All course dates are inclusive of lecture, practicum and consultation requirements per the governing body of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).      

Our training follows a Saturday-Sunday format, with sessions from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm. The training is spread over 8 days, spaced three to four weeks apart, allowing participants to apply their learning with client populations at a manageable pace.

Yes, each weekend includes supervised practice of EMDR Therapy skills, which reinforces the concepts covered in class lectures. Beginning in Weekend Two, participants present written and verbal materials in consultation sessions, helping to solidify their skills based on client work

After the first training weekend, you’ll begin using foundational concepts and EMDR preparation techniques with your clinical caseload, with ongoing consultation provided during class. Starting after Weekend Two, you’ll apply the full EMDR Standard Protocol therapy with clients, and receive further consultation during training dates for the two final weekends.

By the conclusion of this EMDR Basic Training, you will be EMDR Trained in the Standard Protocol. You’ll complete the program with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to apply an EMDR Therapy framework tailored to each client based on individualized treatment plans and case formulations.