Member Testimonials

The EMDRIA™ Member Experience

In Their Own Words

Behind every EMDR therapy session is a committed therapist making a difference. Our members bring EMDR to life in private practices, clinics, hospitals, and communities around the world. Here, we celebrate them.

Below, EMDRIA™ members share how the organization has shaped their professional journey, supported their growth, and connected them to a vibrant, healing-focused community. Words like community, support, professional growth, and excellence came up again and again.

A heart-shaped word cloud filled with words our members use to describe what EMDRIA means to them. Words like community, support, professional growth, and excellence came up again and again.

Janet Bayramyan, LCSW

"EMDRIA has supported my career by offering wonderful training and consulting opportunities, and supporting prospective clients in finding me for EMDR therapy for support."

California, USA
Member since 2017
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Karen Kennedy, LMHC

“As the owner of a group practice serving diverse populations, I've seen firsthand how EMDRIA's commitment to culturally competent and research-backed EMDR elevates both client outcomes and professional leadership."

Florida, USA
Member since 2022
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Dr. Gianluca Zazzi

“Being part of EMDRIA means being part of something bigger: a global movement of professionals committed to healing. Thank you for empowering my practice and expanding my vision of what is possible."

Pontremoli, Italy
Member since 2025

Amirah Nelson, PhD, LPC

“EMDRIA has played a pivotal role in supporting my growth and development as an EMDR counselor. Most recently, I was honored to receive the RESI award, which will help me move forward with certification...I am especially passionate about bringing EMDR to Black and brown communities, where trauma often goes untreated or unacknowledged. With EMDRIA’s support, I am one step closer to offering accessible, culturally responsive EMDR services to those who need it most."

Mississippi, USA
Member since 2024

Sally-Anne Haug, RCC

“EMDRIA has fostered a sense of belonging in a professional community that values excellence, accountability, and compassion. As I progress toward becoming a consultant and trainer, EMDRIA continues to provide structure, standards and encouragement that keep me grounded in best practices while expanding my impact in the trauma therapy field. It has truly helped shape both my identity and integrity as a therapist."

British Colombia, Canada
EMDR Canada Affiliate Member
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Oksana Khmil

“I came to EMDR not as a therapist first — but as a client. Experiencing the method from the inside, I was deeply moved by how fast and profoundly it worked. I fell in love with EMDR instantly. Later, as I trained and started practicing, EMDRIA became a compass: offering structure, clarity, and high professional standards."

Kyiv, Ukraine
Member since 2022
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Wendy Krauss, LMHC

"EMDRIA is an exceptional professional organization. Why do I say this? Not only does EMDRIA support excellence in education and training, and maintains excellence in professional standards, but the organization constantly remakes and reinvents itself in a rapidly changing and evolving world."

Florida, USA
Member since 2006
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

Sally Mansour, LMFT

"EMDRIA has been an invaluable networking resource. Staying connected with other EMDR therapists is essential for building and keeping up on the knowledge base, as well as nurturing a sense of community."

California, USA
Member since 2024
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Cindy Vang, LMFT

"All my EMDR trainings are EMDRIA-approved, which gives me confidence that I am receiving the highest quality of training in EMDR."

California, USA
Member since 2023
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Masha Shapiro, LMHC

“Being part of EMDRIA has elevated the quality of my work and strengthened my confidence as a trauma clinician."

New York, USA
Member since 2021

Noel Dibe, RP

“EMDRIA’s commitment to excellence has made me a more confident, informed, and connected therapist."

Ontaria, Canada
EMDR Canada Affiliate Member
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

Cecilia Ponce, LSCSW

"EMDRIA is a source of hope, guidance, and structure that new and seasoned clinicians alike can benefit from for years to come."

Kansas, USA
Member since 2022
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Dr. Linda Timme, LCSW-C

“EMDRIA has been instrumental in shaping my career as an EMDR therapist...The emphasis on ethical standards and research-based care has deepened my clinical skills and kept me grounded in evidence-informed work."

Pennsylvania, USA
Member since 2020
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

Wendy West, LPC

“I get a lot of support from the EMDRIA central forum and communities online. It is like having a skilled team of consultants to confer with about difficult or specialized cases. This feature alone is well worth the annual membership fee."

Georgia, USA
Member since 2024

Sousan Amiri, LMFT

“EMDRIA's resources have been invaluable in enhancing my expertise and keeping me connected with the latest advancements in EMDR therapy, contributing greatly to my career growth and success in this field."

California, USA
Member since 2015
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Stella Bhagwat, Ph.D

“I am really blessed to be part of EMDRIA! One of the great blessings is to be able to purchase the webinars available on the EMDRIA website. I have learnt so much and grown in my professional skills on account of this."

Pune, India
Member since 2020
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

Morgan Levine, LCSW

“As I’ve deepened my work, EMDRIA’s continuing education opportunities and working with incredible EMDRIA Approved Consultants have helped me integrate advanced approaches like IFS-informed EMDR, polyvagal theory, and attachment work. But beyond clinical tools, EMDRIA has provided me with a sense of community. Cheers to another 30 years of EMDRIA!"

Pennsylvania, USA
Member since 2023
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™

Tania Welikala, LCSW

"EMDRIA has significantly supported my career as an EMDR therapist through strong advocacy and rigorous certification standards."

Oregon, USA
Member since 2020
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

Rachel Rubenstein, LCSW

"I have been an EMDRIA member for many years. And I find EMDRIA wonderful because if I have a question, I can usually find an article on it. If I want to connect with someone, I can usually find someone nearby. And I love the magazine.

Arizona, USA
Member since 2022

Ann Beckley-Forest, LCSW

“The conferences, which have become like one of the most important parts of my year...to reconnect with other people who do this work. So thank you, EMDRIA, for all the connections."

New York, USA
Member since 2013
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

Dr. Maryellen Dyer-Russell

"I tell everybody that if you're going to get trained, go through EMDRIA."

California, USA
Member since 2023

Holly Forman-Patel, LMFT, LPCC

"I was able to become certified, an approved consultant, and now a trainer.

And I definitely owe all of that to EMDRIA."

Texas, USA
Member since 2014
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

Kathleen Fitzgerald, LPC

"From the moment I stepped into EMDR basic training, I felt surrounded and cocooned by people who were excellent people both professionally, but also in their knowledge of how to help people with trauma."

North Carolina, USA
Member since 2015
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

Rachel Harrison, LCPC

"EMDRIA has supported my career as an EMDR therapist by providing an excellent conference every year for continued learning."

Maryland, USA
Member since 2012
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

Kriss Jarecki, LCSWR

"I have appreciated the opportunity to give back to the community and bring my skills and talents to EMDRIA. I did this by means of committee membership."

New York, USA
Member since 2003
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

Paula Merucci, LCSW

"I feel very held. I feel very safe. I feel very secure with EMDRIA having my back."

Illinois, USA
Member since 2016
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

Carol Miles, MSW, LCSW

"I truly feel that I've found my community in EMDRIA. We share a deep passion for EMDR therapy and are dedicated to using this powerful tool to help others. Together, these supports have enabled a whole new generation of healing."

Louisiana, USA
Member since 2008
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

"EMDRIA has undergone significant transformation since my initial awareness of the organization in 2007. It has expanded considerably and now boasts a higher percentage of new members. Membership with EMDRIA now offers a wealth of benefits beyond just referrals; I often find myself discussing the numerous resources available to our members. We've developed innovative tools designed to support clinicians, such as engaging publications like Go With That Magazine®. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, EMDRIA has created a dedicated section on its website for Spanish-language resources. I cannot even begin to list all the benefits members have now.

One new feature I particularly appreciate is the searchable EMDRIA Library. As a new EMDR clinician, I always sought access to information that could guide my practice, and this library has truly been a game changer. I also take great pride in being part of the board that advocated virtual EMDR, despite initial skepticism and concerns. This initiative proved to be timely, especially during the pandemic! Additionally, I was part of the board's efforts in establishing standards for virtual basic training, which has also been transformative. EMDRIA established new standards for training and practice, particularly in virtual settings, and requires focused continuing education for trainers, ensuring that members are equipped with the latest best practices.

Our diverse membership in EMDRIA offers numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity and innovation through varied perspectives, improved decision-making by considering different viewpoints, and broader representation of diverse interests. It raises awareness of challenges faced by underrepresented groups, fosters networking opportunities, and enhances the organization's reputation. Additionally, it leads to better engagement and satisfaction, promotes skill development, and strengthens community impact by addressing diverse needs. Ultimately, embracing diversity positions organizations to thrive in an increasingly global environment.

I truly feel that I've found my community in EMDRIA. We share a deep passion for EMDR therapy and are dedicated to using this powerful tool to help others. Together, these supports have enabled a whole new generation of healing."

Mark Nickerson, LICSW

"EMDRIA was built on and has remained resolute in its unflinching belief in the validity of EMDR therapy in healing the effects of trauma and adversity. The organization has helped members maintain an expansive view of the potential of EMDR by providing cutting-edge learning and collaboration opportunities and by its commitment to expanding the diversity of our members and the clients we serve."

Massachusetts, USA
Member since 2004
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

One of the most defining moments in the association’s history was an era of approximately ten years, during which the scales tipped from EMDR having to prove itself to professionals and become better known to the public, to it being widely recognized and sought after as a treatment for trauma and adversity. This would not have been possible without the united efforts of EMDR clinicians, researchers, advocates, consultants and trainers, all encouraged by EMDRIA and, of course, inspired by Dr. Francine Shapiro.

One example of a moment in that era was when we stopped focusing on convincing certain outlier VA hospitals to train their clinicians in EMDR, and instead logically persuaded VA policy makers that if EMDR therapy was a top-level treatment for PTSD within their own guidelines, why wouldn’t they expect every VA hospital to provide this option to their veterans."

Deborah L. Korn, PsyD

"Even as a senior clinician who trained in EMDR in 1991, I find myself returning to EMDRIA again and again, week after week, year after year, finding inspiration and answers and new connections. EMDRIA provides a secure base and a community that unconditionally welcomes us home."

Massachusetts, USA
Member since 1998
EMDRIA Certified Therapist™
EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

"When taking a history with my clients, I am always curious as to how they managed to navigate the challenges in their lives. Did they have the support and resources they needed? Who were the people, and what were the experiences that had the most positive impact on them? What do they need to move from surviving to thriving?

In looking at EMDRIA through a similar developmental/attachment lens, I see that it has provided a secure and nurturing home base for EMDR therapists for the past 30 years. As members of EMDRIA, we get what we need “at home” and are able to then head back out into the world, with new and abundant connections and resources. With EMDRIA’s support, we are able to offer our best selves to our clients and also, to our professional communities. EMDRIA has played a very important role in supporting the development of EMDR-trained therapists, providing incredible opportunities for continued learning, professional advancement, and community-building. I am so grateful for the many resources offered by EMDRIA—Go with That Magazine, Let’s Talk EMDR Podcast, the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, the Focal Point Blog, the EMDRIA Library, annual conferences and on-demand webinars, the Find a Therapist Directory, and a very informative website.

Even as a senior clinician who trained in EMDR in 1991, I find myself returning to EMDRIA again and again, week after week, year after year, finding inspiration and answers and new connections. EMDRIA provides a secure base and a community that unconditionally welcomes us home."

Member Testimonials

The EMDRIA™ Member Experience

In Their Own Words

Janet Bayramyan, LCSW

Karen Kennedy, LMHC

Dr. Gianluca Zazzi

Amirah Nelson, PhD, LPC

Sally-Anne Haug, RCC

Oksana Khmil

Wendy Krauss, LMHC

Sally Mansour, LMFT

Cindy Vang, LMFT

Masha Shapiro, LMHC

Noel Dibe, RP

Cecilia Ponce, LSCSW

Dr. Linda Timme, LCSW-C

Wendy West, LPC

Sousan Amiri, LMFT

Stella Bhagwat, Ph.D

Morgan Levine, LCSW

Tania Welikala, LCSW

Rachel Rubenstein, LCSW

Ann Beckley-Forest, LCSW

Dr. Maryellen Dyer-Russell

Holly Forman-Patel, LMFT, LPCC

Kathleen Fitzgerald, LPC

Rachel Harrison, LCPC

Kriss Jarecki, LCSWR

Paula Merucci, LCSW

Carol Miles, MSW, LCSW

Mark Nickerson, LICSW

Deborah L. Korn, PsyD

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