We asked EMDRIA members for video or written responses to the following question about the process of ‘Becoming an EMDR Therapist,’ and got so many great responses! (Note for subtitles on the videos, play the video and click on the ‘CC’ icon in the lower right-hand corner for closed captioning.)
*** Bonita Ashe, LPCC, Ohio, USA – “When I began my EMDR journey, my biggest fear was unintentionally causing harm to clients with complex presentations. At times, that responsibility felt heavy, and I questioned whether I could hold the depth of their experiences safely. What helped me most was the support of my consultant, who guided me from my second weekend training through to Approved Consultant status. Her mentorship reminded me that asking questions and moving carefully were strengths, not weaknesses. With her encouragement, I learned to trust the EMDR process, my clients’ resilience, and my own skills as a clinician. Over time, fear shifted into confidence, confidence grounded in compassion and humility. I remain deeply grateful for her guidance and for EMDR therapy.”
*** Gella Asovski, LCSWR, New York, USA
*** Cecily Batiste Dawson, PhD, LPC-S, Texas, USA – “My biggest hurdle was the fear of “doing it wrong.” EMDR felt so structured, and I worried that I would miss a step or somehow harm the process. What helped me overcome it was leaning into consultation and reminding myself that the model is flexible, and that I already had the clinical instincts to hold space for my clients. The more I practiced, the more I trusted both myself and the EMDR process.”
*** Janet Bayramyan, LCSW, California, USA – “When I first started as an EMDR therapist, my biggest fear was not doing it well enough. I wanted to make sure EMDR “worked” for everyone I saw — that every client experienced healing, relief, and transformation.”
*** Carolyn Black, CCC, Prince Edward Island, Canada – “Biggest fear/hurdle with EMDR: Having a solid understanding of dissociation & how this unfolds during reprocessing & having the skills to identify & to navigate dissociation specifically with any individual. I completed a master class on dissociation with NICABM which was super helpful.”
*** Latasha Burnett, LMFT-S, Texas, USA – “Honestly, my biggest challenge when becoming an EMDR therapist was struggling to find a black EMDR consultant and trainer. Back in 2018, I really wanted to be able to have the knowledge and insight of a black EMDR therapist who was a consultant or trainer here in Texas. I wanted to know how EMDR fits into the black community and addresses their specific needs. At that time, I couldn’t find one here in Texas. I started struggling with the fear of ‘Where is our voice in EMDR as black clinicians?’ When I talk to black clinicians today about EMDR, I often hear them make this same statement. What helped me overcome this challenge was having non-black EMDR therapists who saw and heard my concerns. They supported me and encouraged me to not give up, and to seek leadership roles in EMDR to help give us, as black clinicians, a voice. Now, I try to encourage other black clinicians to push past their fears and seek EMDR training and pursue higher leadership roles in EMDR as well. I want them to know that we belong here and there is a place for our voice in the field of EMDR.”
*** Ahmad Checkier, Beirut, Lebanon – “My greatest fear was the anxiety of not being able to effectively help clients, especially those suffering from severe psychological trauma. What helped me overcome these obstacles was intensive training in EMDR therapy, support from colleagues and fellow therapists, self-improvement and enhancing my skills in dealing with clients’ emotional reactions, and adherence to the EMDR therapy protocol. Through these factors, I was able to overcome my fears and obstacles. Now, I feel confident and reassured when working with clients, and I am committed to helping them overcome their psychological trauma.”
*** Ali Khalil Choukeir PhD, Beirut, Lebanon – “As an EMDR therapist, I’ve faced numerous challenges. My greatest fear was not being able to effectively support clients in processing their traumatic experiences. Key Factors in overcoming fears:
*** Ryan Christiansen LCSW, Utah, USA
*** ed denison, LICSW, Washington, USA – “My biggest hurdle when becoming an EMDR therapist was my past experience with violence and harassment. Convinced “someone like me” shouldn’t do this work, I leaned into curiosity, while still feeling afraid, and became an EMDR client myself. Receiving EMDR therapy shifted my perspective. As limiting beliefs began to shed, I began to return to the understanding that the outcome of these experiences is exactly what some folx are seeking – the reclamation of their power and healing, no matter how uncomfortable or what circumstances present themselves.”
*** Charlotte El-Khalil, Zalqa, Lebanon
*** Codi Espy, LICSW, Alabama, USA
*** Shiffo Farah, RSW, Ontario, Canada – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was making a mistake that could retraumatize a client. I carried a deep sense of responsibility, knowing how delicate trauma work is. I worried about how clients might perceive this modality—whether they would see it as too clinical, too unfamiliar, or even unsafe. Beneath that was the fear of losing their trust, or worse, losing the therapeutic connection altogether. What helped me overcome this was grounding myself in the principles of safety and collaboration. I reminded myself that EMDR isn’t something I do to clients—it’s something I do with them. Continuous consultation, supervision, and leaning into the structure of the EMDR protocol gave me confidence. Most importantly, witnessing clients’ gradual shifts—their own insight and healing—affirmed that this process, when held with care and attunement, is profoundly empowering rather than retraumatizing.”
*** Patricia Ferreriro, LPC, Texas, USA – “My biggest fear about becoming an EMDR psychotherapist was the question: “Would I be able to help people with EMDR therapy?” I overcame my fear when I witnessed the amazing healing from trauma, my patients experienced.”
*** Kathleen Fitzgerald, LPC, North Carolina, USA
*** Melissa Galiotto, LPC, Pennsylvania, USA – “The biggest fear or hurdle that I experienced with providing EMDR was online. It was during the pandemic, and even though people eventually returned to in-person, there were many who needed and wanted EMDR but did not want to be seen in person. I found a poof ball that was a bright color and used that, and then eventually located an app to help transport clients to a place of comfort.”
*** Pamela Garber, LMHC, New York, USA – “My concern was that my clients who expected resolutions, action plans, and next steps to situations in the present would feel either misunderstood or frustrated with what I call the “psychological long division” of delving into memories and feelings instead of sticking solely to tangible circumstances. Giving each client an overview of EMDR, bibliotherapy, and a discussion about the process led to (more often than not) an interest in trying EMDR, and EMDR led to eventual insight about the status quo, even though the EMDR sets were targeting historical events. The ongoing requests for EMDR helped me overcome my initial hesitancy.”
*** Olga Gavrilyuk, Moscow, Russia – “I have been practicing EMDR for over seven years. The greatest challenge in my work involves clients with a particular combination of narcissistic traits and dissociation, often within the context of CPTSD. These cases can be surprising, revealing their complexity mid-therapy. To manage the impact of this work, I engaged in personal therapy to separate my own feelings from those of my clients and sought specialized supervision. Now, I view such cases as difficult professional scenarios where devaluation may occur, but they are no longer as frightening as they were at the start of my career.”
*** Sue Gonsalves, RP, Ontario, Canada – “During training, we heard how powerful EMDR is and how it can be very quick, and beneficial to clients in ways that traditional therapy has not been able to help. My biggest fear was doing it wrong, and getting clients into a triggered, re-traumatized state and doing more harm than good. What helped me to overcome my fear was joining a consultation group and finding a fantastic supervisor, so that I felt supported as I started to do this work with clients. I’m still early in my “becoming” an EMDR therapist, but with these supports in place, I am on my way.”
*** Kara Guindin, LCSW, Tennesee, USA “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was that I might do it “wrong”- that I’d somehow harm a client or not guide the process perfectly. EMDR felt so different from traditional talk therapy, and at first, it was hard to trust the structure and let go of control. What helped was doing my own therapy and EMDR work. Experiencing it personally allowed me to understand, on a deeper level, how the nervous system naturally moves toward healing when given space and safety. Over time, I learned to step back and trust both the process and my clients’ innate resilience. Now, instead of fearing I’ll do harm, I focus on creating safety and staying present- and letting their system do what it was always wired to do: heal.”
*** Anusree Gupta, LPC, LMHC, Texas, USA
*** Patricia Hanley, LCMHC-S, North Carolina, USA
*** Marta Hatter, LCSW, California, USA
*** Rhea Jacobs, RCC, British Columbia, Canada – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was whether clients would trust the process. The use of eye movements often feels unusual compared to traditional talk therapy, where people are used to analyzing and discussing their experiences in detail. The biggest hurdle has been helping clients understand that EMDR doesn’t rely on cognitive problem-solving or verbal analysis—it works at a deeper, neurobiological level, beyond words. Many clients initially believe they must come prepared with an agenda or explanation for every emotion. I overcame this fear by inviting clients to simply experience EMDR for a few sessions rather than trying to intellectually understand it right away. Once they begin to feel the shifts within themselves—the calm, clarity, and emotional release—they naturally start trusting the process. Witnessing these transformations has strengthened my confidence in EMDR’s power to heal beyond logic and language. ”
*** Arielle Jordan, PhD, LCPC, Maryland, USA – “My biggest fear was whether I could hold space for the intensity of trauma processing while maintaining my own emotional balance. I worried about doing harm or not being skilled enough to guide clients through such vulnerable work. What helped me overcome it was trusting the process and remembering that EMDR is client-led. My role wasn’t to fix or control the outcome, but to create safety and follow the protocol. Supervision, practice, and witnessing my clients’ resilience reminded me that healing happens when we get out of the way and let the brain do what it was designed to do. That shift from pressure to partnership changed everything.”
*** Chuck Ketchel, LCSW, Virginia, USA – “In the midst of the 1990’s I was deeply immersed in workshops with Carlos Castaneda. At the same time, I was a practicing Clinical Social Worker who was getting rumblings of this miracle trauma treatment called EMDR. Judging it to be the latest fad in psychotherapy, I pursued it no further. Carlos then introduced an ancient Toltec practice called Recapitulation, which involves a life review accompanied by a bilateral breath as a form of Soul Retrieval. I intuitively saw the connection with the bilateral emphasis in EMDR and went on for training, which has served the better part of my career.”
*** Oksana Khmil, Gatne, Ukraine – “When I was becoming an EMDR therapist, my biggest hurdle was the fear that I would not be able to hold clients’ deepest pain safely. I worried that the process might be “too much” for them and for me. What helped me overcome this was twofold: first, trusting the structured eight-phase protocol, which gave me a reliable map; and second, experiencing EMDR personally, as a client. This allowed me to feel, not just know, how healing can unfold step by step without overwhelming the system. Over time, I also learned to trust the client’s resilience and the wisdom of their nervous system. Today, what was once a fear has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my work: witnessing people reclaim hope, confidence, and strength through EMDR.”
*** Nancy Killen, LCSW-C, Maryland, USA – “For me, I was intimidated by feeling the need to ‘do it right’… I have learned over the 18 years of practicing EMDR that I can be creative with it and it’s not all a rigid protocol to follow. It has been very effective for my clients. ”
*** Christine King, PsyD, Montana, USA – “For me, the most difficult aspect of learning EMDR therapy was that I was awkward at first and I felt a little embarrassed, which made it more difficult to see the simplicity of an elegant model. I came to learn that as long as I was following the protocol, even if clumsily, it was still a powerful intervention. It was the efficacy of the EMDR itself and practicing it every chance I got that gave me the most confidence, although I have such gratitude for my mentor, who did not rest until I had the components of the protocol down pat. From her, I received the foundation and reassurance that it would become like second nature. It has made me a much better therapist.”
*** Domenica Knudsen, Pennsylvania, USA – “My training triad made a pact that we would use EMDR with one client the week we returned to work and then call the other two colleagues and report our success. Probably would have never started without this promise.”
*** Wendy Krauss, LMHC, Florida, USA – “Learning EMDR therapy fairly late in my career was for me like trying to learn a new language, and unlike learning a new language, I was highly motivated because of my own experience of the healing power of this therapy. My biggest fear was opening up deep trauma that I could then not manage and direct onto a healing course. One helpful thing was having had experience as a clinician and having a sense of what to do when my clients were in deep distress. Consultation, which was not required at the time but which I sought out, was profoundly helpful, along with additional training experiences that included demonstrations in which I saw what I was learning in real time in action. I read many of the books written by my brilliant colleagues and took much deeper dives into attachment theory, dissociation, neuroscience, attachment repair, and more. What really sealed the deal for me was when the psychiatrist whom I was working with, who was quite skeptical about EMDR therapy in the beginning, began to put it on his treatment plan for his clients and refer them to me for it.”
*** Carol Laufer, LCSW-S, Texas, USA – ‘My EMDR hurdle was trusting the process. I can remember sitting in day 3 of basic training, looking around at about 40 fellow clinicians, and wondering if I’d “drank some kind of Kool-Aid.” Between the scripts and the BLS and my own fears of doing harm inadvertently, I was concerned that I was falling down a rabbit hole. Despite my concerns, I worked with clients and completed consultation hours. After that, I continued with consultation until I was certified. As I could see the benefits EMDR provided my clients, I not only trusted the process, I also came to feel confident, even if I made a mistake. Now, if I accidentally do a fast BLS set during installation, I’d just keep going, using slow passes for my next set. Between using the intervention, getting appropriate consultation, and adding in some trainings when I feel a client needs me to expand my skillset, I have been able to overcome my fears and concerns about using EMDR.”
*** Kristi LeBeau-Cline, LPC, Michigan, USA
*** Carolyn Light, LCAT, New York, USA – “The biggest fear I had when training to do EMDR ultimately came down to actually taking what we were learning in the training and translating it to real-world clients. It’s easy to follow a specific protocol in a training setting, but as therapists, we all know that real humans show up differently. Things don’t always go as planned. We sometimes have to improvise because we’re dealing with real people. What really helped me overcome this was listening to what my EMDR consultant told me – that I’m still a therapist and I have that clinical instinct to roll with the punches. The other thing that helped was just ripping off the band-aid and starting EMDR with my clients. Once you start doing it, you realize that the training and the consultations really did prepare you. I’ve had so many EMDR clients at this point, and the results I’ve seen are deeply moving.”
*** Syh-Kun Lin, Taitung, Taiwan – “Biggest hurdle: Spending time to reprocess the memory but not being sure about what hinders the process. Consultation helps to overcome it.”
*** Aurora Luna Walss, LMFT, Arizona, USA
*** Claire Mauer, LMHC, Florida, USA
*** Connie McDonald, LMFT, Texas, USA – “My biggest hurdle in learning EMDR is whether it would work or not! I was in the first training for EMDR. At that time, EMDR was called a crazy therapy out of California that will never work. As a therapist, I had anxiety and panic attacks from a car accident. I was desperate to get some relief. My male therapist friends all encouraged me to take the training. I took the training and walked out of level one training and never had anxiety driving again! Found out my male therapist friends wanted me to practice with them. They had all been in the military and had PTSD. Against my better judgment, I practiced with them. We were all amazed that their PTSD symptoms were gone. I was happy I was able to help them.”
*** Prabha Milstein, LMFT, California, USA – “When I first began using EMDR, I noticed myself becoming anxious about when to stop the Tac/Audio to ask what is happening, with the client. And I would do that repeatedly, sometimes not giving the client the time s/he needed to process what was coming up. I felt clumsy and scared that I was not providing adequate resources for the client.”
*** Carmen Montenegro-Sis, LMFT, California, USA – “One of my biggest hurdles was a lack of confidence in knowing the ins and outs of EMDR. Because I had a perfectionist part coming up, it prevented me from implementing this modality with clients because I wanted to avoid the feeling of not being good at it. Over time, I realized that just like I equipped myself with other areas of my practice and got the support when needed, I could do the same with EMDR. It led me to pursue EMDR certification, and I’m so glad I did. I’m more open to embracing learning new things, trying them out, and knowing that, regardless, it will ripple something back in return.”
*** Jeehee Moon, LMFT, California, USA – “The biggest hurdle was overcoming my own idea of what therapy should include: digging deeper into thoughts and emotions. To me, EMDR seemed to be missing some steps that I thought crucial for therapeutic progress: suffering and enduring. Experiencing EMDR as a client and witnessing changes in my clients helped me overcome it. A little to add- I had to attend the EMDR basic workshop for my agency’s sake, and after the first workshop, I was confused and had a major ideology crisis as a therapist, because, in my perspective, EMDR should not work, but it worked. I decided to be an EMDR client, since this is the way I learn the best, and I also continued applying EMDR with my clients. There was a client whom I felt stuck with for a while, and he made more progress than he ever did with EMDR in a month. I believe he was able to shift his perspective because the shift came from himself, not from me, the therapist.”
*** Michelle Morrissey, PhD, LMFT, Colorado, USA – “I was trained before consultation was required. So, my biggest hurdle was not having anyone to ask what to do when I got stuck. This forced me to find my own answers. I read numerous books and took a lot of advanced trainings and applied what I learned with clients.”
*** Michael Murrell, PsyD, Florida, USA – “I remember going to my first live EMDR workshop in 1996 and being very skeptical. Waving your finger in front of your client must be the stupidest idea I have ever heard of! I took a chance and actually started working on a traumatic event when, at age 4, I was intentionally hit in the face with a baseball bat and temporarily knocked unconscious. I recalled the memory in great detail, and my eyes started watering. It was very therapeutic, and from that moment, my respect for EMDR soared. I continue to be fascinated by the healing powers of EMDR.”
*** Anthony Naguiat, LCMHC, LMHC, North Carolina, USA – “As an Approved Consultant, I often hear from consultees in EMDR Basic Training groups or those starting their Certification journeys about their worries of using EMDR or becoming “good” at it. These fears are very relatable to how I felt after I finished training in 2017. My biggest concern at the time was using EMDR without making things worse for clients, or with more complex presentations than we ever discussed in training. While not everyone chooses to go for Certification, the additional consultation and support I received during that process was the most beneficial and helpful for me. Having a skilled consultant to guide me through these tougher cases, reassure me, and challenge me helped build my confidence. Finding a consultant/mentor, joining a peer EMDR group, and taking advanced trainings was immensely helpful. Growth came with continued practice and leaning into supports rather than learning in isolation. Go With That!”
*** Vicki Nelson Smeby, LLP, Michigan, USA – “My worst fear (I brought it up in training) is that my clients would all heal quickly and I wouldn’t have any clients! The consultant said not to worry and of course, she was correct. EMDR has enhanced my practice. My 2nd worst fear was that I had failed my past clients who would have benefited from EMDR. I raised this fear also during training and my consultant said, “They’ll call back.” And of course, they did. :)”
*** Dina Nygmatova, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan – “I completed my EMDR training in 2023. The biggest fear I had when becoming an EMDR therapist was the possibility of doing something wrong. I worried that I might make a mistake or that clients wouldn’t respond well to the method, especially since most people are used to traditional talk therapy. However, once I started practicing, I saw how powerful EMDR truly is. My clients began to experience noticeable improvements almost immediately — their anxiety decreased, and they were able to process difficult emotions with more ease and stability. Seeing these results helped me gain confidence in both the method and myself as a therapist. Through practice, I learned to trust the process and to see EMDR not just as a technique, but as a profound way to help people heal more deeply and effectively.
*** Claudia Ocampo, LCSW, Texas, USA
*** Greta Pankratz, LCSW, California, USA
*** Veronica Perez-Kahl, LCSW, Nevada, USA – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was that I might not be effective in my role. I felt uncertain about how to utilize the technique, especially since colleagues often described it as complex and challenging to master. What helped me overcome this fear was hearing firsthand from colleagues and friends about the profound effectiveness of EMDR therapy. Their positive experiences inspired me and motivated me to become a part of this impactful practice.”
*** Celina Pina Shemo, PsyD, Massachusetts, USA – “I began following EMDR back in the early 90s I believe, and received my certification, probably around that time as well. It took me forever to begin utilizing EMDR, which I knew was going to be extremely effective, especially for trauma. It is the last two years that I’ve gained the courage to not question the process. Questions like ‘Am I doing this right? If I don’t perfect this, how am I going to be able to help someone?’ These questions kept rolling around in my mind until one day I decided after many, many trainings and videos, and webinars, I just had to go for it and trust in my skills. So I did. I then began receiving feedback from my patients that this was really helping them to desensitize the impact of the images and feelings of their trauma. It is getting through the imposter perceptions of things that hold us back sometimes, and it’s about connecting with those who have the confidence and can tell you that you’re doing it right and not to worry. I have now seen so much improvement in my patients, not only with trauma, but with anxiety, with procrastination, and now I’m going to venture into international grounds and see if I can do it culturally using traditional group style settings.”
*** Megan Quigley, LCSW, Oregon, USA
*** Mary Ray, LCSW, Virgina, USA
*** Ashley Riveros, LCSW, Florida, USA – “One of my biggest fears when first training in EMDR was imposter syndrome. As an MSW student, I had an incredible EMDR experience and felt how powerful it can be with a trusted therapist. Believing I could be just as impactful in my own community felt like a major confidence hurdle. What helped was surrounding myself with other supportive EMDR clinicians, diving into books and trainings, and working toward certification. Like any new skill, growth came through practice and reflection. I learned that it’s not about removing the hurdles, but about learning to jump over them and keep moving forward—even if I was still clinging to those initial scripts and telling myself to keep going with that!”
*** Raisa Stinson, LMHC, Massachusetts, USA – “My EMDR training was entirely online; I missed in-person interaction. I was administering it for 2 years in private practice. At times, I felt like an imposter – I just hoped clients would not notice. In January 2023, I moved to Israel, in the middle of the war. I had limited opportunities to practice EMDR in English and Russian, still not sure of my skills. Meeting an expert in EMDR as a mentor changed everything. During the private refresher course, I finally had in-person instructions. Even though I received encouragement, I realized that I had been somewhat casual with the order of operations; they helped me to see how important it is. Upon returning to the USA, I began my own practice, with EMDR as one of my favorite modalities. Now I am not embarrassed to use “a cheat sheet,” to make sure I do it right.”
*** Tammy Sutton, LCSW, Florida, USA – “One of my greatest hurdles early on as an EMDR therapist was learning to feel confident modifying the standard protocol for diverse client populations. In the client role during practicum, I had a transformative experience which anchored my belief that the model truly works. I strongly encourage clinicians to do their own EMDR work with a seasoned therapist, especially if their practicum left them feeling uncertain. When you experience the transformation yourself, it’s easier to trust the process and hold space for clients with clarity and conviction. As a new EMDR therapist, I realized it wasn’t about getting it perfect, but about staying in consultation, participating in advanced trainings, and continuing to grow. Over time, the AIP model began to truly click. I understood not just how to adapt the protocol, but why. That clarity, paired with ongoing support, helped me grow into a more confident, attuned EMDR therapist, which produced amazing results for my clients.”
*** Monique St Denis, RCSW, Alberta, Canada
*** George Tabb, LCSW, North Carolina, USA
*** Sarah Tillotson, LCSW-R, New York, USA
*** Anna Torres, LMHC, Florida, USA – “For me, the biggest hurdle in becoming an EMDR therapist was learning to trust the process while also trusting myself. I remember feeling torn between following the structured script and staying connected to my natural, relational style as a clinician. Understanding the neurobiology behind EMDR—the brain’s incredible capacity for healing—was both fascinating and overwhelming at first. The shift came when I realized that EMDR isn’t just about protocols; it’s about presence. It’s about being fully attuned to the client’s nervous system, emotions, and story while guiding the process with both skill and heart. Once I embraced that balance—science and intuition, structure and relationship—it transformed not only how I practiced EMDR, but how I showed up as a therapist overall.”
*** Amanda Vacca, LMHC, New York, USA – “When I first began my journey as an EMDR therapist, my biggest fear was trusting the process. Trusting that something so structured and at times, simple in form could truly access and heal such complex pain. I worried about “getting it right” and whether I could hold space safely while letting the client’s system lead. Over time, what helped me overcome this was ongoing consultation and continued practice. Realizing that EMDR is less about perfection and more about attunement, presence, and curiosity was key. Once I let go of trying to “do” EMDR and instead allowed myself to be WITH it, the work changed completely.”
*** Chris Warrens-Dickens, LPC, New Jersey, USA
*** Sarah Watt, LMHC, Florida, USA
*** Caitlin Weese, LCSW-C, Maryland, USA – “My biggest fear was most definitely anxiety about a client becoming overwhelmed or “retraumatized” during a session. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to recognize when a client needed to pause and would push them too far. The most significant factor in my progress has been ongoing training, primarily focused on the nervous system, signs of dysregulation, and educating clients about these signs within themselves. This has helped my clients to become aware and vocal participants, shifting the weight from recognizing their distress to being solely on my lap.”
*** Geri Weitzman, PhD, California, USA – “My biggest fear when I began taking the Basic EMDR training was that I would have trouble really learning and understanding the methods and scripts. There is a lot to take in at first, and many steps to the process, and lots of if-then decision trees. And let’s face it, the foundational Shapiro text is a really dense read. I did read it, but I was worried that I couldn’t remember it all once I was in front of actual clients. What helped me to overcome it was a few things:
*** Cindy Zabinski, LMHC, LCMHC, New York, USA – “My biggest hurdle when becoming an EMDR therapist was in trusting myself to ‘do it right.’ I had the fear that I would miss something, or skip an important step, and therefore negatively impact the client’s progress. I was able to overcome it through consultation, both individual and group. By using those opportunities effectively, I began to trust myself and my clinical intuition, which helped me to fall in love with EMDR even more. I had a consultant once share with me: “Your clients can often handle more than you think they can,” which I still repeat in my head today when I notice an urge to slow or pause processing. It is an excellent phrase to help me check myself and make an appropriate clinical decision.”
*** Gianluca Zazzi, Clinical Psychologist, Pontremoli, Italy – “My greatest fear in becoming an EMDR therapist was not being able to manage the emotional depth that emerges when working with trauma. I was afraid that the patients’ pain might enter me too deeply, making it hard to maintain a healthy therapeutic distance. Over time, I realized that this sensitivity was not a weakness but a resource to be shaped. EMDR training, supervision, and sharing experiences with colleagues helped me transform that fear into awareness. Today, I feel that empathy—when combined with grounding and presence—becomes a powerful and safe therapeutic tool, allowing me to accompany my patients on their healing journey with authenticity and trust in the process.”
*** Michael Zimmerman, LCSW, Pennsylvania, USA – “My biggest hurdle in becoming an EMDR therapist was learning to stop interfering with the process. I had been doing ACT, MBCT, and CBT for over a decade before taking EMDR basic training. During training, my consultant/trainer routinely reminded me to “get out of the way” when I would preemptively try to revert back to didactic tactics instead of continuing with BLS sets. The basic training was very helpful in showing why I needed to “get out of the way.” Between the thorough explanations of the process of the therapy and my consultant’s constant reminders, I overcame that impulse to do therapy the way I had for a decade. I can still hear my consultant in my head to this day when I want to jump in preemptively during sets of BLS. This reminder allows BLS and EMDR to flow as designed.”
“What was your biggest fear or hurdle when becoming an EMDR therapist? What helped you overcome it?”
*** Carrie Allen, PhD, LPC-S, Texas, USA – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was that I would do something wrong and somehow harm a client. The responsibility of guiding someone through trauma felt enormous, and even with training and supervision, I worried that I might miss something important or not follow the protocol perfectly. What helped me overcome that fear was simply starting. I reminded myself that competence grows through experience, not before it. I used every tool available to me… my training, my consultation group, the structure of the EMDR protocols, and the wisdom already within my clients’ nervous systems. With each session, I saw that healing does not require perfection. It requires presence, attunement, and a willingness to learn. Taking one step at a time helped me build confidence, and over time, the fear shifted into a deep respect for the transformational power of this work.”*** Bonita Ashe, LPCC, Ohio, USA – “When I began my EMDR journey, my biggest fear was unintentionally causing harm to clients with complex presentations. At times, that responsibility felt heavy, and I questioned whether I could hold the depth of their experiences safely. What helped me most was the support of my consultant, who guided me from my second weekend training through to Approved Consultant status. Her mentorship reminded me that asking questions and moving carefully were strengths, not weaknesses. With her encouragement, I learned to trust the EMDR process, my clients’ resilience, and my own skills as a clinician. Over time, fear shifted into confidence, confidence grounded in compassion and humility. I remain deeply grateful for her guidance and for EMDR therapy.”
*** Gella Asovski, LCSWR, New York, USA
*** Cecily Batiste Dawson, PhD, LPC-S, Texas, USA – “My biggest hurdle was the fear of “doing it wrong.” EMDR felt so structured, and I worried that I would miss a step or somehow harm the process. What helped me overcome it was leaning into consultation and reminding myself that the model is flexible, and that I already had the clinical instincts to hold space for my clients. The more I practiced, the more I trusted both myself and the EMDR process.”
*** Janet Bayramyan, LCSW, California, USA – “When I first started as an EMDR therapist, my biggest fear was not doing it well enough. I wanted to make sure EMDR “worked” for everyone I saw — that every client experienced healing, relief, and transformation.”
*** Carolyn Black, CCC, Prince Edward Island, Canada – “Biggest fear/hurdle with EMDR: Having a solid understanding of dissociation & how this unfolds during reprocessing & having the skills to identify & to navigate dissociation specifically with any individual. I completed a master class on dissociation with NICABM which was super helpful.”
*** Latasha Burnett, LMFT-S, Texas, USA – “Honestly, my biggest challenge when becoming an EMDR therapist was struggling to find a black EMDR consultant and trainer. Back in 2018, I really wanted to be able to have the knowledge and insight of a black EMDR therapist who was a consultant or trainer here in Texas. I wanted to know how EMDR fits into the black community and addresses their specific needs. At that time, I couldn’t find one here in Texas. I started struggling with the fear of ‘Where is our voice in EMDR as black clinicians?’ When I talk to black clinicians today about EMDR, I often hear them make this same statement. What helped me overcome this challenge was having non-black EMDR therapists who saw and heard my concerns. They supported me and encouraged me to not give up, and to seek leadership roles in EMDR to help give us, as black clinicians, a voice. Now, I try to encourage other black clinicians to push past their fears and seek EMDR training and pursue higher leadership roles in EMDR as well. I want them to know that we belong here and there is a place for our voice in the field of EMDR.”
*** Ahmad Checkier, Beirut, Lebanon – “My greatest fear was the anxiety of not being able to effectively help clients, especially those suffering from severe psychological trauma. What helped me overcome these obstacles was intensive training in EMDR therapy, support from colleagues and fellow therapists, self-improvement and enhancing my skills in dealing with clients’ emotional reactions, and adherence to the EMDR therapy protocol. Through these factors, I was able to overcome my fears and obstacles. Now, I feel confident and reassured when working with clients, and I am committed to helping them overcome their psychological trauma.”
*** Ali Khalil Choukeir PhD, Beirut, Lebanon – “As an EMDR therapist, I’ve faced numerous challenges. My greatest fear was not being able to effectively support clients in processing their traumatic experiences. Key Factors in overcoming fears:
- Intensive Training: Helped me build confidence in my abilities.
- Peer Support: Regular consultations provided valuable guidance.
- Self-Reflection: Improved my emotional regulation and self-awareness.
- Adherence to Protocol: Ensured I provided effective care.
*** Ryan Christiansen LCSW, Utah, USA
*** ed denison, LICSW, Washington, USA – “My biggest hurdle when becoming an EMDR therapist was my past experience with violence and harassment. Convinced “someone like me” shouldn’t do this work, I leaned into curiosity, while still feeling afraid, and became an EMDR client myself. Receiving EMDR therapy shifted my perspective. As limiting beliefs began to shed, I began to return to the understanding that the outcome of these experiences is exactly what some folx are seeking – the reclamation of their power and healing, no matter how uncomfortable or what circumstances present themselves.”
*** Charlotte El-Khalil, Zalqa, Lebanon
*** Codi Espy, LICSW, Alabama, USA
*** Shiffo Farah, RSW, Ontario, Canada – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was making a mistake that could retraumatize a client. I carried a deep sense of responsibility, knowing how delicate trauma work is. I worried about how clients might perceive this modality—whether they would see it as too clinical, too unfamiliar, or even unsafe. Beneath that was the fear of losing their trust, or worse, losing the therapeutic connection altogether. What helped me overcome this was grounding myself in the principles of safety and collaboration. I reminded myself that EMDR isn’t something I do to clients—it’s something I do with them. Continuous consultation, supervision, and leaning into the structure of the EMDR protocol gave me confidence. Most importantly, witnessing clients’ gradual shifts—their own insight and healing—affirmed that this process, when held with care and attunement, is profoundly empowering rather than retraumatizing.”
*** Patricia Ferreriro, LPC, Texas, USA – “My biggest fear about becoming an EMDR psychotherapist was the question: “Would I be able to help people with EMDR therapy?” I overcame my fear when I witnessed the amazing healing from trauma, my patients experienced.”
*** Kathleen Fitzgerald, LPC, North Carolina, USA
*** Melissa Galiotto, LPC, Pennsylvania, USA – “The biggest fear or hurdle that I experienced with providing EMDR was online. It was during the pandemic, and even though people eventually returned to in-person, there were many who needed and wanted EMDR but did not want to be seen in person. I found a poof ball that was a bright color and used that, and then eventually located an app to help transport clients to a place of comfort.”
*** Pamela Garber, LMHC, New York, USA – “My concern was that my clients who expected resolutions, action plans, and next steps to situations in the present would feel either misunderstood or frustrated with what I call the “psychological long division” of delving into memories and feelings instead of sticking solely to tangible circumstances. Giving each client an overview of EMDR, bibliotherapy, and a discussion about the process led to (more often than not) an interest in trying EMDR, and EMDR led to eventual insight about the status quo, even though the EMDR sets were targeting historical events. The ongoing requests for EMDR helped me overcome my initial hesitancy.”
*** Olga Gavrilyuk, Moscow, Russia – “I have been practicing EMDR for over seven years. The greatest challenge in my work involves clients with a particular combination of narcissistic traits and dissociation, often within the context of CPTSD. These cases can be surprising, revealing their complexity mid-therapy. To manage the impact of this work, I engaged in personal therapy to separate my own feelings from those of my clients and sought specialized supervision. Now, I view such cases as difficult professional scenarios where devaluation may occur, but they are no longer as frightening as they were at the start of my career.”
*** Sue Gonsalves, RP, Ontario, Canada – “During training, we heard how powerful EMDR is and how it can be very quick, and beneficial to clients in ways that traditional therapy has not been able to help. My biggest fear was doing it wrong, and getting clients into a triggered, re-traumatized state and doing more harm than good. What helped me to overcome my fear was joining a consultation group and finding a fantastic supervisor, so that I felt supported as I started to do this work with clients. I’m still early in my “becoming” an EMDR therapist, but with these supports in place, I am on my way.”
*** Kara Guindin, LCSW, Tennesee, USA “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was that I might do it “wrong”- that I’d somehow harm a client or not guide the process perfectly. EMDR felt so different from traditional talk therapy, and at first, it was hard to trust the structure and let go of control. What helped was doing my own therapy and EMDR work. Experiencing it personally allowed me to understand, on a deeper level, how the nervous system naturally moves toward healing when given space and safety. Over time, I learned to step back and trust both the process and my clients’ innate resilience. Now, instead of fearing I’ll do harm, I focus on creating safety and staying present- and letting their system do what it was always wired to do: heal.”
*** Anusree Gupta, LPC, LMHC, Texas, USA
*** Patricia Hanley, LCMHC-S, North Carolina, USA
*** Marta Hatter, LCSW, California, USA
*** Rhea Jacobs, RCC, British Columbia, Canada – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was whether clients would trust the process. The use of eye movements often feels unusual compared to traditional talk therapy, where people are used to analyzing and discussing their experiences in detail. The biggest hurdle has been helping clients understand that EMDR doesn’t rely on cognitive problem-solving or verbal analysis—it works at a deeper, neurobiological level, beyond words. Many clients initially believe they must come prepared with an agenda or explanation for every emotion. I overcame this fear by inviting clients to simply experience EMDR for a few sessions rather than trying to intellectually understand it right away. Once they begin to feel the shifts within themselves—the calm, clarity, and emotional release—they naturally start trusting the process. Witnessing these transformations has strengthened my confidence in EMDR’s power to heal beyond logic and language. ”
*** Arielle Jordan, PhD, LCPC, Maryland, USA – “My biggest fear was whether I could hold space for the intensity of trauma processing while maintaining my own emotional balance. I worried about doing harm or not being skilled enough to guide clients through such vulnerable work. What helped me overcome it was trusting the process and remembering that EMDR is client-led. My role wasn’t to fix or control the outcome, but to create safety and follow the protocol. Supervision, practice, and witnessing my clients’ resilience reminded me that healing happens when we get out of the way and let the brain do what it was designed to do. That shift from pressure to partnership changed everything.”
*** Chuck Ketchel, LCSW, Virginia, USA – “In the midst of the 1990’s I was deeply immersed in workshops with Carlos Castaneda. At the same time, I was a practicing Clinical Social Worker who was getting rumblings of this miracle trauma treatment called EMDR. Judging it to be the latest fad in psychotherapy, I pursued it no further. Carlos then introduced an ancient Toltec practice called Recapitulation, which involves a life review accompanied by a bilateral breath as a form of Soul Retrieval. I intuitively saw the connection with the bilateral emphasis in EMDR and went on for training, which has served the better part of my career.”
*** Oksana Khmil, Gatne, Ukraine – “When I was becoming an EMDR therapist, my biggest hurdle was the fear that I would not be able to hold clients’ deepest pain safely. I worried that the process might be “too much” for them and for me. What helped me overcome this was twofold: first, trusting the structured eight-phase protocol, which gave me a reliable map; and second, experiencing EMDR personally, as a client. This allowed me to feel, not just know, how healing can unfold step by step without overwhelming the system. Over time, I also learned to trust the client’s resilience and the wisdom of their nervous system. Today, what was once a fear has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my work: witnessing people reclaim hope, confidence, and strength through EMDR.”
*** Nancy Killen, LCSW-C, Maryland, USA – “For me, I was intimidated by feeling the need to ‘do it right’… I have learned over the 18 years of practicing EMDR that I can be creative with it and it’s not all a rigid protocol to follow. It has been very effective for my clients. ”
*** Christine King, PsyD, Montana, USA – “For me, the most difficult aspect of learning EMDR therapy was that I was awkward at first and I felt a little embarrassed, which made it more difficult to see the simplicity of an elegant model. I came to learn that as long as I was following the protocol, even if clumsily, it was still a powerful intervention. It was the efficacy of the EMDR itself and practicing it every chance I got that gave me the most confidence, although I have such gratitude for my mentor, who did not rest until I had the components of the protocol down pat. From her, I received the foundation and reassurance that it would become like second nature. It has made me a much better therapist.”
*** Domenica Knudsen, Pennsylvania, USA – “My training triad made a pact that we would use EMDR with one client the week we returned to work and then call the other two colleagues and report our success. Probably would have never started without this promise.”
*** Wendy Krauss, LMHC, Florida, USA – “Learning EMDR therapy fairly late in my career was for me like trying to learn a new language, and unlike learning a new language, I was highly motivated because of my own experience of the healing power of this therapy. My biggest fear was opening up deep trauma that I could then not manage and direct onto a healing course. One helpful thing was having had experience as a clinician and having a sense of what to do when my clients were in deep distress. Consultation, which was not required at the time but which I sought out, was profoundly helpful, along with additional training experiences that included demonstrations in which I saw what I was learning in real time in action. I read many of the books written by my brilliant colleagues and took much deeper dives into attachment theory, dissociation, neuroscience, attachment repair, and more. What really sealed the deal for me was when the psychiatrist whom I was working with, who was quite skeptical about EMDR therapy in the beginning, began to put it on his treatment plan for his clients and refer them to me for it.”
*** Carol Laufer, LCSW-S, Texas, USA – ‘My EMDR hurdle was trusting the process. I can remember sitting in day 3 of basic training, looking around at about 40 fellow clinicians, and wondering if I’d “drank some kind of Kool-Aid.” Between the scripts and the BLS and my own fears of doing harm inadvertently, I was concerned that I was falling down a rabbit hole. Despite my concerns, I worked with clients and completed consultation hours. After that, I continued with consultation until I was certified. As I could see the benefits EMDR provided my clients, I not only trusted the process, I also came to feel confident, even if I made a mistake. Now, if I accidentally do a fast BLS set during installation, I’d just keep going, using slow passes for my next set. Between using the intervention, getting appropriate consultation, and adding in some trainings when I feel a client needs me to expand my skillset, I have been able to overcome my fears and concerns about using EMDR.”
*** Kristi LeBeau-Cline, LPC, Michigan, USA
*** Carolyn Light, LCAT, New York, USA – “The biggest fear I had when training to do EMDR ultimately came down to actually taking what we were learning in the training and translating it to real-world clients. It’s easy to follow a specific protocol in a training setting, but as therapists, we all know that real humans show up differently. Things don’t always go as planned. We sometimes have to improvise because we’re dealing with real people. What really helped me overcome this was listening to what my EMDR consultant told me – that I’m still a therapist and I have that clinical instinct to roll with the punches. The other thing that helped was just ripping off the band-aid and starting EMDR with my clients. Once you start doing it, you realize that the training and the consultations really did prepare you. I’ve had so many EMDR clients at this point, and the results I’ve seen are deeply moving.”
*** Syh-Kun Lin, Taitung, Taiwan – “Biggest hurdle: Spending time to reprocess the memory but not being sure about what hinders the process. Consultation helps to overcome it.”
*** Aurora Luna Walss, LMFT, Arizona, USA
*** Claire Mauer, LMHC, Florida, USA
*** Connie McDonald, LMFT, Texas, USA – “My biggest hurdle in learning EMDR is whether it would work or not! I was in the first training for EMDR. At that time, EMDR was called a crazy therapy out of California that will never work. As a therapist, I had anxiety and panic attacks from a car accident. I was desperate to get some relief. My male therapist friends all encouraged me to take the training. I took the training and walked out of level one training and never had anxiety driving again! Found out my male therapist friends wanted me to practice with them. They had all been in the military and had PTSD. Against my better judgment, I practiced with them. We were all amazed that their PTSD symptoms were gone. I was happy I was able to help them.”
*** Prabha Milstein, LMFT, California, USA – “When I first began using EMDR, I noticed myself becoming anxious about when to stop the Tac/Audio to ask what is happening, with the client. And I would do that repeatedly, sometimes not giving the client the time s/he needed to process what was coming up. I felt clumsy and scared that I was not providing adequate resources for the client.”
*** Carmen Montenegro-Sis, LMFT, California, USA – “One of my biggest hurdles was a lack of confidence in knowing the ins and outs of EMDR. Because I had a perfectionist part coming up, it prevented me from implementing this modality with clients because I wanted to avoid the feeling of not being good at it. Over time, I realized that just like I equipped myself with other areas of my practice and got the support when needed, I could do the same with EMDR. It led me to pursue EMDR certification, and I’m so glad I did. I’m more open to embracing learning new things, trying them out, and knowing that, regardless, it will ripple something back in return.”
*** Jeehee Moon, LMFT, California, USA – “The biggest hurdle was overcoming my own idea of what therapy should include: digging deeper into thoughts and emotions. To me, EMDR seemed to be missing some steps that I thought crucial for therapeutic progress: suffering and enduring. Experiencing EMDR as a client and witnessing changes in my clients helped me overcome it. A little to add- I had to attend the EMDR basic workshop for my agency’s sake, and after the first workshop, I was confused and had a major ideology crisis as a therapist, because, in my perspective, EMDR should not work, but it worked. I decided to be an EMDR client, since this is the way I learn the best, and I also continued applying EMDR with my clients. There was a client whom I felt stuck with for a while, and he made more progress than he ever did with EMDR in a month. I believe he was able to shift his perspective because the shift came from himself, not from me, the therapist.”
*** Michelle Morrissey, PhD, LMFT, Colorado, USA – “I was trained before consultation was required. So, my biggest hurdle was not having anyone to ask what to do when I got stuck. This forced me to find my own answers. I read numerous books and took a lot of advanced trainings and applied what I learned with clients.”
*** Michael Murrell, PsyD, Florida, USA – “I remember going to my first live EMDR workshop in 1996 and being very skeptical. Waving your finger in front of your client must be the stupidest idea I have ever heard of! I took a chance and actually started working on a traumatic event when, at age 4, I was intentionally hit in the face with a baseball bat and temporarily knocked unconscious. I recalled the memory in great detail, and my eyes started watering. It was very therapeutic, and from that moment, my respect for EMDR soared. I continue to be fascinated by the healing powers of EMDR.”
*** Anthony Naguiat, LCMHC, LMHC, North Carolina, USA – “As an Approved Consultant, I often hear from consultees in EMDR Basic Training groups or those starting their Certification journeys about their worries of using EMDR or becoming “good” at it. These fears are very relatable to how I felt after I finished training in 2017. My biggest concern at the time was using EMDR without making things worse for clients, or with more complex presentations than we ever discussed in training. While not everyone chooses to go for Certification, the additional consultation and support I received during that process was the most beneficial and helpful for me. Having a skilled consultant to guide me through these tougher cases, reassure me, and challenge me helped build my confidence. Finding a consultant/mentor, joining a peer EMDR group, and taking advanced trainings was immensely helpful. Growth came with continued practice and leaning into supports rather than learning in isolation. Go With That!”
*** Vicki Nelson Smeby, LLP, Michigan, USA – “My worst fear (I brought it up in training) is that my clients would all heal quickly and I wouldn’t have any clients! The consultant said not to worry and of course, she was correct. EMDR has enhanced my practice. My 2nd worst fear was that I had failed my past clients who would have benefited from EMDR. I raised this fear also during training and my consultant said, “They’ll call back.” And of course, they did. :)”
*** Dina Nygmatova, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan – “I completed my EMDR training in 2023. The biggest fear I had when becoming an EMDR therapist was the possibility of doing something wrong. I worried that I might make a mistake or that clients wouldn’t respond well to the method, especially since most people are used to traditional talk therapy. However, once I started practicing, I saw how powerful EMDR truly is. My clients began to experience noticeable improvements almost immediately — their anxiety decreased, and they were able to process difficult emotions with more ease and stability. Seeing these results helped me gain confidence in both the method and myself as a therapist. Through practice, I learned to trust the process and to see EMDR not just as a technique, but as a profound way to help people heal more deeply and effectively.
*** Claudia Ocampo, LCSW, Texas, USA
*** Greta Pankratz, LCSW, California, USA
*** Veronica Perez-Kahl, LCSW, Nevada, USA – “My biggest fear when becoming an EMDR therapist was that I might not be effective in my role. I felt uncertain about how to utilize the technique, especially since colleagues often described it as complex and challenging to master. What helped me overcome this fear was hearing firsthand from colleagues and friends about the profound effectiveness of EMDR therapy. Their positive experiences inspired me and motivated me to become a part of this impactful practice.”
*** Celina Pina Shemo, PsyD, Massachusetts, USA – “I began following EMDR back in the early 90s I believe, and received my certification, probably around that time as well. It took me forever to begin utilizing EMDR, which I knew was going to be extremely effective, especially for trauma. It is the last two years that I’ve gained the courage to not question the process. Questions like ‘Am I doing this right? If I don’t perfect this, how am I going to be able to help someone?’ These questions kept rolling around in my mind until one day I decided after many, many trainings and videos, and webinars, I just had to go for it and trust in my skills. So I did. I then began receiving feedback from my patients that this was really helping them to desensitize the impact of the images and feelings of their trauma. It is getting through the imposter perceptions of things that hold us back sometimes, and it’s about connecting with those who have the confidence and can tell you that you’re doing it right and not to worry. I have now seen so much improvement in my patients, not only with trauma, but with anxiety, with procrastination, and now I’m going to venture into international grounds and see if I can do it culturally using traditional group style settings.”
*** Megan Quigley, LCSW, Oregon, USA
*** Mary Ray, LCSW, Virgina, USA
*** Ashley Riveros, LCSW, Florida, USA – “One of my biggest fears when first training in EMDR was imposter syndrome. As an MSW student, I had an incredible EMDR experience and felt how powerful it can be with a trusted therapist. Believing I could be just as impactful in my own community felt like a major confidence hurdle. What helped was surrounding myself with other supportive EMDR clinicians, diving into books and trainings, and working toward certification. Like any new skill, growth came through practice and reflection. I learned that it’s not about removing the hurdles, but about learning to jump over them and keep moving forward—even if I was still clinging to those initial scripts and telling myself to keep going with that!”
*** Raisa Stinson, LMHC, Massachusetts, USA – “My EMDR training was entirely online; I missed in-person interaction. I was administering it for 2 years in private practice. At times, I felt like an imposter – I just hoped clients would not notice. In January 2023, I moved to Israel, in the middle of the war. I had limited opportunities to practice EMDR in English and Russian, still not sure of my skills. Meeting an expert in EMDR as a mentor changed everything. During the private refresher course, I finally had in-person instructions. Even though I received encouragement, I realized that I had been somewhat casual with the order of operations; they helped me to see how important it is. Upon returning to the USA, I began my own practice, with EMDR as one of my favorite modalities. Now I am not embarrassed to use “a cheat sheet,” to make sure I do it right.”
*** Tammy Sutton, LCSW, Florida, USA – “One of my greatest hurdles early on as an EMDR therapist was learning to feel confident modifying the standard protocol for diverse client populations. In the client role during practicum, I had a transformative experience which anchored my belief that the model truly works. I strongly encourage clinicians to do their own EMDR work with a seasoned therapist, especially if their practicum left them feeling uncertain. When you experience the transformation yourself, it’s easier to trust the process and hold space for clients with clarity and conviction. As a new EMDR therapist, I realized it wasn’t about getting it perfect, but about staying in consultation, participating in advanced trainings, and continuing to grow. Over time, the AIP model began to truly click. I understood not just how to adapt the protocol, but why. That clarity, paired with ongoing support, helped me grow into a more confident, attuned EMDR therapist, which produced amazing results for my clients.”
*** Monique St Denis, RCSW, Alberta, Canada
*** George Tabb, LCSW, North Carolina, USA
*** Sarah Tillotson, LCSW-R, New York, USA
*** Anna Torres, LMHC, Florida, USA – “For me, the biggest hurdle in becoming an EMDR therapist was learning to trust the process while also trusting myself. I remember feeling torn between following the structured script and staying connected to my natural, relational style as a clinician. Understanding the neurobiology behind EMDR—the brain’s incredible capacity for healing—was both fascinating and overwhelming at first. The shift came when I realized that EMDR isn’t just about protocols; it’s about presence. It’s about being fully attuned to the client’s nervous system, emotions, and story while guiding the process with both skill and heart. Once I embraced that balance—science and intuition, structure and relationship—it transformed not only how I practiced EMDR, but how I showed up as a therapist overall.”
*** Amanda Vacca, LMHC, New York, USA – “When I first began my journey as an EMDR therapist, my biggest fear was trusting the process. Trusting that something so structured and at times, simple in form could truly access and heal such complex pain. I worried about “getting it right” and whether I could hold space safely while letting the client’s system lead. Over time, what helped me overcome this was ongoing consultation and continued practice. Realizing that EMDR is less about perfection and more about attunement, presence, and curiosity was key. Once I let go of trying to “do” EMDR and instead allowed myself to be WITH it, the work changed completely.”
*** Chris Warrens-Dickens, LPC, New Jersey, USA
*** Sarah Watt, LMHC, Florida, USA
*** Caitlin Weese, LCSW-C, Maryland, USA – “My biggest fear was most definitely anxiety about a client becoming overwhelmed or “retraumatized” during a session. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to recognize when a client needed to pause and would push them too far. The most significant factor in my progress has been ongoing training, primarily focused on the nervous system, signs of dysregulation, and educating clients about these signs within themselves. This has helped my clients to become aware and vocal participants, shifting the weight from recognizing their distress to being solely on my lap.”
*** Geri Weitzman, PhD, California, USA – “My biggest fear when I began taking the Basic EMDR training was that I would have trouble really learning and understanding the methods and scripts. There is a lot to take in at first, and many steps to the process, and lots of if-then decision trees. And let’s face it, the foundational Shapiro text is a really dense read. I did read it, but I was worried that I couldn’t remember it all once I was in front of actual clients. What helped me to overcome it was a few things:
- Practice Practice Practice
- Having heard how much the technique helps people helped me to persevere
- Joining EMDR therapist groups on social media let me know that I’m not alone in those struggles, and hence didn’t need to self-doubt as much
- It helped me to write out the basic EMDR script in large font in a document that I could keep onscreen when doing EMDR via telehealth – this helped me not to freeze up if I forgot precisely what to say at a given turn.”
*** Cindy Zabinski, LMHC, LCMHC, New York, USA – “My biggest hurdle when becoming an EMDR therapist was in trusting myself to ‘do it right.’ I had the fear that I would miss something, or skip an important step, and therefore negatively impact the client’s progress. I was able to overcome it through consultation, both individual and group. By using those opportunities effectively, I began to trust myself and my clinical intuition, which helped me to fall in love with EMDR even more. I had a consultant once share with me: “Your clients can often handle more than you think they can,” which I still repeat in my head today when I notice an urge to slow or pause processing. It is an excellent phrase to help me check myself and make an appropriate clinical decision.”
*** Gianluca Zazzi, Clinical Psychologist, Pontremoli, Italy – “My greatest fear in becoming an EMDR therapist was not being able to manage the emotional depth that emerges when working with trauma. I was afraid that the patients’ pain might enter me too deeply, making it hard to maintain a healthy therapeutic distance. Over time, I realized that this sensitivity was not a weakness but a resource to be shaped. EMDR training, supervision, and sharing experiences with colleagues helped me transform that fear into awareness. Today, I feel that empathy—when combined with grounding and presence—becomes a powerful and safe therapeutic tool, allowing me to accompany my patients on their healing journey with authenticity and trust in the process.”
*** Michael Zimmerman, LCSW, Pennsylvania, USA – “My biggest hurdle in becoming an EMDR therapist was learning to stop interfering with the process. I had been doing ACT, MBCT, and CBT for over a decade before taking EMDR basic training. During training, my consultant/trainer routinely reminded me to “get out of the way” when I would preemptively try to revert back to didactic tactics instead of continuing with BLS sets. The basic training was very helpful in showing why I needed to “get out of the way.” Between the thorough explanations of the process of the therapy and my consultant’s constant reminders, I overcame that impulse to do therapy the way I had for a decade. I can still hear my consultant in my head to this day when I want to jump in preemptively during sets of BLS. This reminder allows BLS and EMDR to flow as designed.”
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Additional Resources
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- Search for an EMDR Training Provider
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Date
December 19, 2025
Practice & Methods
Your EMDR Practice
