EMDRIA Members Respond: Celebrating 30 Years of EMDRIA

EMDRIA is excited to celebrate 30 Years of helping EMDR therapists! Check out more about EMDRIA’s evolution over the past 30 years and how members have shaped EMDRIA here.

We asked EMDRIA members for video or written responses to the following question. (Note for subtitles on the videos, play the video and click on the ‘CC’ icon in the lower right-hand corner for closed captioning.)

“How has EMDRIA supported your career as an EMDR therapist?”

*** Sousan Amiri, LMFT, California, USA, Member since 2015, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has significantly enriched my abilities as an EMDR and trauma-informed therapist. Through their training, workshops, and events, my professional development has flourished. This has resulted in improved therapeutic outcomes for my clients, as I can now offer more effective treatment and support on their path to healing. 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.”

*** Janet Bayramyan, LCSW, California, USA, Member since 2017, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has supported my career by offering wonderful training and consulting opportunities, and supporting prospective clients in finding me for EMDR therapy for support.”

*** Ann Beckley-Forest, LCSW, New York, USA, Member since 2013, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

*** Stella Bhagwat, Pune, India, Member since 2020, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ – “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. The case discussions via emails, the market place to put up our adverts – these are all possible because of EMDRIA website and therefore the organization. I get to interact with other therapists and we learn from each other! Several years ago I was having some trouble trying to achieve my Certified Therapist and later Approved Consultant status since the whole world had shut down due to COVID, but EMDRIA staff really helped me get my certificates. Having my name in its yellow pages gets me clients internationally! It’s really a privilege to be a part of this community! You go EMDRIA!!!

*** Sabrina Chouinard, LMSW, LISW, Iowa, USA, Member since 2022, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “Congratulations, EMDRIA, on your 30th anniversary! I’m so grateful to be part of this community. EMDRIA has played a key role in supporting my journey as an EMDR therapist in the U.S. As someone originally from Brazil, EMDRIA helped me connect with other professionals from my home country and provided a bridge between my work here in the U.S. and the EMDR community in Brazil. Thanks to EMDRIA’s credibility, the EMDR Association in Brazil recognized my training and certification, which allowed me to continue working also with clients in Portuguese—my first language. I am looking forward to attending the 2025 EMDRIA Conference, where I’ll have the chance to learn from experts around the world and deepen my connection with this global EMDR community. Thank you, EMDRIA, for your ongoing dedication and for creating a space where clinicians like me feel supported and proud to belong.”

*** Carly Costello, LICSW, West Virginia, USA, Member since 2021, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

*** Karoline Crawshaw, LPC, LMHC, LIAC, New York, USA, Member since 2o19, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has played a pivotal role in my development as an EMDR therapist. The basic training provided a solid foundation that helped me understand the structure and power of the EMDR protocol. Pursuing certification further deepened my knowledge, sharpened my clinical skills, and allowed me to approach complex cases with greater clarity and confidence. What I value most is EMDRIA’s ongoing commitment to research and its strong emphasis on maintaining EMDR as an evidence-based modality. This has given me assurance that my work is rooted in science and continues to evolve. In my clinical experience, EMDR has consistently helped clients achieve meaningful progress in significantly less time than other approaches I’ve used. The transformation I’ve witnessed—especially in individuals with trauma, anxiety, and long-standing emotional patterns—has been profound. EMDRIA has not only supported my growth as a clinician, but also helped me bring lasting healing to those I serve.”

*** Noel Dibe, RP, Ontaria, Canada, EMDR Canada Affiliate Member, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ – “EMDRIA has been foundational in my development as an EMDR therapist. Its thorough training standards, continuing education, and clinical resources have deepened my capacity to support clients with complex trauma. The EMDRIA Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant credentials have not only legitimized my practice but also enhanced visibility, allowing clients and colleagues to find me through EMDRIA’s website, which has been a valuable referral source for all parties. I’ve also greatly benefited from the Consultant Digest online community group that has provided a rich space for peer learning, resource sharing, and community support. EMDRIA’s commitment to excellence has made me a more confident, informed, and connected therapist.”

*** Dr. Maryellen Dyer-Russell, California, USA, Member since 2023

*** Kathleen Fitzgerald, LPC, North Carolina, USA, Member since 2015, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

*** Holly Forman-Patel, LMFT, LPCC, Texas, USA, Member since 2014, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

*** Rachel Harrison, LCPC, Maryland, USA, Member since 2012, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

*** Sally-Anne Haug, RCC, British Colombia, Canada, EMDR Canada Affiliate Member, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has been a foundational support in my growth as an EMDR therapist. Through its rigorous training standards, I developed a solid grounding in EMDR’s eight-phase protocol, ensuring ethical and effective care. The certification process challenged me to deepen my clinical understanding and refine my skills through consultation and ongoing education. EMDRIA’s case consultation guidelines and how to advance in my EMDR practice have kept me informed and connected to the evolving field of trauma therapy. Most importantly, 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.”

*** Kriss Jarecki, LCSWR, New York, USA, Member since 2003, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

*** Karen Kennedy, LMHC, Florida, USA, Member since 2022, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has been foundational to my growth as an EMDRIA Certified Therapist. Its high-quality trainings, ethical guidelines, and supportive community have empowered me to integrate EMDR into my trauma-focused practice with both confidence and clinical excellence. The resources – especially the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) and consultation networks – keep me informed, inspired and aligned with a broader mission of healing. 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. I’m deeply grateful for the role EMDRIA continued to play in shaping resilient therapists and transforming lives.”

*** Oksana Khmil, Kyiv, Ukraine, Member since 2022, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “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. Thanks to this support, I was able to bring my practice to a whole new level — both in depth and in impact. I’m constantly inspired by the powerful results my clients achieve with EMDR. And I’m grateful to be part of a professional community that protects the method’s integrity and helps it evolve.“

*** Deborah Korn, PsyD, Massachusetts, USA, Member since 1998, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ – “In looking at EMDRIA through a 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.“

*** Wendy Krauss, LMHC, Florida, USA, Member since 2006, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ – “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. When it was discovered and developed, EMDR therapy was leading edge in behavioral healthcare, and it still is thanks to EMDRIA’s ethical fiber: ahead of the curve bringing in neuroscience (to mention only one of the many categories of healthcare expertise interfacing with trauma treatment); ahead of the curve in championing inclusion, equity, and diversity concerns; unafraid to explore adaptations and alternative protocols. If I want to find the best and brightest in my field, I need to look no further than to the professionals in EMDRIA, its sister associations, and the EMDR Institute.”

*** Morgan Levine, LCSW, Pennsylvania, USA, Member since 2023, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “Happy 30 years EMDRIA! From the start of basic training to now working my way to becoming an Approved Consultant – my learning and growth through EMDRIA driven learning has given me a strong foundation and clear benchmarks for clinical EMDR competence. 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. The EMDRIA conferences and annual consultant days have supported me in building a specialized practice and connecting with fellow professionals who value delivering the highest quality care to their clients. But beyond clinical tools, EMDRIA has provided me with a sense of community. EMDRIA’s community emphasis on ethics, innovation, and mutual learning has allowed me to stay inspired and accountable in this work. Especially as I’ve recently expanded into intensives and adjunctive EMDR care, EMDRIA’s guidance and the connections I’ve made through EMDRIA continue to ground me as a professional home base in the next phases of my EMDR journey. Cheers to another 30 years of EMDRIA!”

*** Sally Mansour, LMFT, California, USA, Member since 2024, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has provided vital support for my career as an EMDR therapist. It offers endless clinical and professional development resources. Specifically, the Weekly Consolidated Digest has provided a wealth of relevant clinical information. I am impressed and appreciative of the variety of topics covered, as well as the ease in sharing and accessing information. The EMDRIA Conference covers a variety of session topics that are equally informative and relevant to the work. Furthermore, 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. These connections create organic opportunities to continue to excel at and master EMDR work. I am fortunate to be a part of this cutting-edge network of professionals.”

*** Paula Merucci, LCSW, Illinois, USA, Member since 2016, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™

*** Carol Miles, LCSW, 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. Membership with EMDRIA now offers a wealth of benefits beyond just referrals; I often find myself discussing the numerous resources available to our members. 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 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.”

*** Amirah Nelson, PhD, LPC, Mississippi, USA, Member since 2024 – “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—something I’ve long aspired to achieve. This support has not only validated my commitment to trauma-informed care but has also made it possible for me to access the consultation and training necessary to become fully certified. EMDR has always been a modality I deeply believe in, both personally and professionally, and EMDRIA’s resources, community, and recognition have been instrumental in my journey. 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. Thank you for being a part of this important chapter in my career.”

*** Mark Nickerson, LICSW, Massachusetts, USA, Member since 2004, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™, EMDRIA Approved Trainer™ – “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.

*** Patricia Podhaisky, LPC, Colorado, USA, Member since 2015 – “Wow, where do I start? EMDRIA has brought with it a community of competent and compassionate professionals giving the practice enduring credibility. EMDRIA’s research has provided a solid and sure foundation of evidence-based results, out of which flows the proven techniques and the changed lives. The trainings facilitated by EMDRIA have expanded my own comfort and competence in the field. Last but not least, having received EMDR has transformed my own life and practice, generating in me the vocation to become an EMDR therapist.”

*** Cecilia Ponce, LSCSW, Kansas, USA, Member since 2022, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA continues to provide support, guidance, consultation, research and advocacy for the use of culturally effective, evidence-based care and systems. EMDRIA empowers clinicians to continue to work alongside clients on their healing journey. EMDRIA continues to stay relevant in an ever-changing climate. EMDRIA is a source of hope, guidance, and structure that new and seasoned clinicians alike can benefit from for years to come.”

*** Karen Rowe, LCSW, LICSW, Massachusetts, USA, Members since 2001, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

*** Rachel Rubenstein, LCSW, Arizona, USA, Member since 2022

*** Masha Shapiro, LMHC, New York, USA, Member since 2021 – “EMDRIA has played an essential role in my development as an EMDR therapist by providing access to rigorous, evidence-based training and continuing education. Its commitment to clinical excellence and ethical standards has supported me in maintaining best practices and delivering high-quality care to my clients. Additionally, the professional network and resources EMDRIA offers have been invaluable in deepening my expertise, expanding my clinical perspective, and staying informed on the latest research and innovations in the field. Being part of EMDRIA has elevated the quality of my work and strengthened my confidence as a trauma clinician.”

*** Dr. Linda Timme, LCSW-C, Pennsylvania, USA, Member since 2020, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ – “EMDRIA has been instrumental in shaping my career as an EMDR therapist. From the moment I began my training, the organization provided not only high-quality education but also a sense of community and professional belonging. Through access to continuing education, consultation opportunities, and clinical resources, EMDRIA has empowered me to grow with confidence and integrity in my practice. The emphasis on ethical standards and research-based care has deepened my clinical skills and kept me grounded in evidence-informed work. I’m especially grateful for the connections I’ve made through EMDRIA—mentors, colleagues, and peers who have supported me along the way. Being part of this professional network has truly enhanced both my competence and my compassion as a trauma therapist.”

*** Cindy Vang, LMFT, California, USA, Member since 2023, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ – “EMDRIA has supported my career in different ways. First, all my EMDR trainings are EMDRIA-approved, which gives me confidence that I am receiving the highest quality of training in EMDR. This means that my clients and the communities I serve are receiving the highest standard of EMDR there is. Second, my EMDR consultants were EMDRIA-approved, and their direction and guidance have been crucial in my journey to becoming certified two years ago. Finally, my personal therapist is an EMDR therapist certified by EMDRIA. My EMDR therapy experience has been transforming, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without going through that with someone well-informed in everything that EMDR can provide. As a member, I also appreciate the member forums and the calendar with all the EMDRIA-approved trainings. All this has been crucial to my development as an EMDR therapist.”

*** Tania Welikala, LCSW, Oregon, USA, Member since 2020, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

*** Wendy West, LPC, Georgia, USA, Member since 2024 – “I get a lot of support from the EMDRIA central forum and communities online. I enjoy getting the weekly email with new topics under discussion. I also have found helpful information to support my work by searching the archives on a particular topic. 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.”

*** Jessica Willemsen, LCSW, Kansas, USA, Member since 2017, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, EMDRIA Approved Consultant™

*** Dr. Gianluca Zazzi, Pontremoli, Italy, Member since 2025 – “As a clinical psychologist and EMDRIA Full Member from Italy, I’m honored to share how EMDRIA has supported my professional growth. Through EMDRIA, I’ve gained access to high-quality training, ethical guidance, and a vibrant international community. Your standards gave me the confidence to integrate EMDR therapy in my clinical and neuropsychological work — helping patients overcome trauma, anxiety, and emotional blocks in ways I never imagined before. 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.”

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