Types of Consultation
This resource outlines the different types of EMDR consultation and their distinct purposes across stages of professional development. It explains EMDR Basic Training Consultation (Foundational), Certification Consultation, Consultation of Consultation (CIT), and EMDR Case Consultation (Not for Credentialing Purposes). Each section clarifies the goals, processes, and expectations involved, highlighting how consultation strengthens clinical competence, ethical practice, and effective application of EMDR therapy with clients.
Transcript
[Document 1]
Types of Consultation – EMDR Basic Training Consultation (Foundational)
Last updated: 03/03/2026
Purpose
Consultants in EMDR basic training function as an extension of the trainer’s education process, ensuring that consultation aligns with the EMDRIA Approved Trainer’s™ curriculum, procedures, and learning objectives (that have been approved by EMDRIA™).
The EMDR basic training consultation hours are focused on implementation and initial application of standard EMDR therapy and the AIP model in work with actual client cases.
Process
An EMDRIA Approved Trainer™ connects trainees with consultants to complete the consultation requirements for EMDR basic training.
Consultants and trainers are responsible for maintaining clear communication regarding the requirements, documentation, and progress, thereby supporting consistency, accountability, and a cohesive learning experience for the consultee.
Goals
The goal of consultation during basic training is to begin allowing trainees to safely and effectively integrate the use of EMDR therapy into their clinical setting.
Consultation provides an opportunity for the integration of the theory of EMDR therapy along with the development of EMDR therapy skills.
An additional goal is that consultees remember and recall facts and concepts from their training and understand ideas and concepts to be applied with actual clients.
Expectations
Consultants are expected to maintain active collaboration with the EMDRIA Approved Trainer™ when providing consultation hours toward completion of basic training
During consultation trainees receive individualized feedback and instruction in the areas of:
- case conceptualization
- client readiness
- target selection treatment planning,
- specific application of skills,
- and the integration of EMDR therapy into clinical practice with diverse populations and settings.
Consultation supports trained clinicians in deepening their use of EMDR therapy by developing and integrating their skills in creative ways, ultimately enhancing clinical effectiveness and helping a broader range of clients to achieve their goals for change.
Consultation during EMDR basic training centers on the application of the standard protocol to support the enhancement of those skills before including more nuances about more specialized applications.
[Document 2]
Types of Consultation – Certification Consultation
Last updated: 03/03/2026
Purpose
Consultation for EMDR certification is designed to deepen the clinician’s competencies beyond basic training, supporting the integration of EMDR therapy into diverse clinical contexts with professionalism, ethical awareness, and cultural responsiveness.
The certification consultation hours are focused on demonstrating proficiency and fidelity to the standard protocol as well as an awareness of situations in which modifications to standard protocols are necessary to safely and effectively treat the client.
The feedback provided by the consultant is based on material presented by the consultee, direct observation, or recorded observation.
Process
The consultant works with certification applicants to complete the consultation requirements for the EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ credential.
Goals
The goal of consultation for certification is a collaborative and instructional focus designed to enhance a clinician’s proficiency in EMDR therapy.
It involves working with a consultant who provides guidance, feedback, and support as the clinician hones their skills. It involves applying and analyzing information to strengthen clinical decision-making and clinical EMDR practice.
During this stage, consultants guide consultees in refining case conceptualization, strengthening clinical decision-making, and applying EMDR procedures with confidence, flexibility, and clinical integrity.
Expectations
Consultation sessions focus on applying EMDR therapy effectively and ethically with diverse populations and settings, integrating the eight phases of treatment, and addressing clinical challenges.
Whenever possible, video recording or live observation of clinical work is strongly preferred. This allows consultants to:
- directly observe clinical skills,
- identify strengths and areas of growth, and
- provide specific EMDR-focused feedback.
When video or live observation is not permitted – such as in certain agencies, university clinics, or governmental settings – alternative behavioral samples may be used. These may include detailed case presentations, near-verbatim transcripts, structured session summaries, or reflective dialogue.
[Document 3]
Types of Consultation – Consultation of Consultation (CIT)
Last updated: 03/03/2026
Purpose
Consultation for the consultant in training (CIT) processes focuses on developing advanced skills, professional judgment, and reflective capacity needed to guide other EMDR clinicians.
The consultation of consultation hours are focused on the CIT’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide consultation to other clinicians based on material presented by the CIT direct observation, or recorded observation.
Process
In this stage, consultants mentor CITs in the art and structure of consultation – modeling effective feedback, ethical discernment, and cultural humility.
The consultation of consultation occurs when the consultant and CIT meet to discuss specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to the consultation to complete the consultation requirements for the EMDRIA Approved Consultant™ credential.
Goals
The goal of consultation of consultation is a collaborative and instructional focused design to enhance the CIT’s proficiency in EMDR consultation.
It involves working with a consultant who provides guidance, feedback, and support as the consultee hones their consultation skills.
It also involves applying and analyzing information to strengthen consultation decision-making and adult education to support their consultee.
Expectations
Consultation sessions focus on developing CIT knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to consultation which includes the practice of case conceptualization and treatment planning consistent with the AIP model and adhering to EMDR treatment.
Whenever possible, video recording or live observation of consultation work is strongly preferred. This allows approved consultants to directly observe the CIT’s skills and identify strengths and areas for growth by providing specific, focused feedback.
When video or live observation is not permitted – such as in certain agencies, university clinics, or governmental settings – alternative behavioral samples may be used. These may include consultation summaries, near-verbatim transcripts, or reflective dialogue.
These methods can be used to support consultees in deepening their understanding in teaching and consulting on EMDR principles, building confidence as a consultant, and refining their consultation techniques.
This structured process not only meets credential requirements but also fosters professional growth and competence in delivering high-quality EMDR consultations.
The expectation is that the CIT applies the feedback received by the consultant to meet consultation competencies.
[Document 4]
Types of Consultation – EMDR Case Consultation (Not for Credentialing Purposes)
Last updated: 03/03/2026
Purpose
EMDR case consultation focuses on discussing complex or challenging cases to ensure that EMDR interventions and treatment are used properly and are effective.
This type of consultation is usually short-term and sporadic.
In addition, this type of consultation does not count for reaching an EMDRIA credential or certification nor consultation.
Process
This occurs when two clinicians meet to discuss case specific interventions, presentations, or situations to support EMDR therapy applications.
Goals
The goal of EMDR case consultation is to enhance a clinician’s proficiency in EMDR therapy in a collaborative process to gather feedback and recommendations.
Expectations
EMDR case consultation is not a formal, structured process for the purposes of credentialing – expectations are set by individual clinicians who are working together.
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