Summer I, Online, 2026 EMDR Therapist Training

Sale
June 12-14 & July 10-12, 2026
Trainer: Heather Dunn
Online
Overview & Requirements

Become an EMDR Therapist!

This EMDR Therapist Training is Online Only

This training is open to mental health professionals, provisionally licensed clinicians, and university students in approved programs across the US and Canada. The times for the training will be in the Central Time Zone. CompassionWorks, LLC is an EMDRIA-approved training provider. You can find the requirements for eligibility <here>.

There are minimal requirements for the online training: You will need to be able to have a quiet space for participation with your fully functioning computer connected to the internet. Your computer must have full audio and video capabilities. Using a Chrome browser is preferred. For the practicums you must be able to offer your partner the same privacy you would provide an actual client. Go <here> for more information.

This is the Complete EMDR Therapist Training, which consists of two 3-day sections and 10 hours of online group consultation. It is an EMDRIA-approved program and upon completion, you are a fully trained EMDR therapist. This is the foundational step on the pathway to becoming Certified in EMDR.

In addition to the two weekends, which are attended online in a synchronous video training format, each trainee must attend five 2-hour group consultations. These are completed through video calls between and after the training weekends.

This training is designed to explain, demonstrate, and apply the practical experience you will need to use EMDR effectively with your clients. Even after the first weekend, you will be encouraged to use it with appropriate clients and begin preparing the others who aren’t ready.

EMDR gets at the source of maladaptive behaviors by providing sub-cortical resolution to free up stuck or frozen intrusive thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. This training is focused on teaching you the basics of EMDR and the most effective way to incorporate it into your practice.

All trainees will be asked to participate in practicum exercises as part of the training. You will be encouraged to work on personal issues that are appropriate for the training environment.

There will be demonstrations with individual attendees throughout the 6 days, and you are encouraged to consider being a volunteer. In addition, all participants will be paired to practice the protocols and procedures that are explained in the class. This will be done in a safe, supportive environment in which confidentially will be maintained.

*Early registration cutoff date is two weeks prior to the first day of training. Participants will be let into the Zoom room at 8:50 CT on each day of training. The training site is online.

40 hours of continuing education hours are available. Please see the Continuing Education tab for more details.

Course Objectives

The Following are the Learning Objectives for the CompassionWorks EMDR Therapist Training.

EMDR Therapist Training Learning Objectives for Weekend 1

  • Identify how to integrate the standard EMDR therapy to psychotherapy
  • Use the standard EMDR Procedure to feel competent
  • Explain the development of EMDR therapy
  • Recognize the current inclusion of EMDR therapy in treatment guidelines
  • Distinguish, identify and explain the concepts of the AIP model
  • Compare and summarize how to differentiate EMDR therapy and the AIP model from other psychotherapy approaches
  • Identify the EMDR’s Eight phase treatment procedure
  • Analyze how to describe EMDR’s Three-pronged approach
  • Integrate EMDR safeguards.
  • Rank the effects of “Big—T” and “Little-T” Trauma
  • Summarize how to distinguish how EMDR helps with impairments in social, occupational, health, relational, and other areas of functioning
  • Recognize the implicit and explicit memory functioning
  • Identify and summarize memory linkage and association
  • Recognize how EMDR processing causes an adaptive shift in all components of the memory, including sense of time and age, symptoms, reactive behaviors, and sense of self
  • Compare and summarize EMDR from psychodynamic, CBT, experiential, and other therapy models

EMDR Therapist Training Learning Objectives for Weekend 2

  • Identify and summarize the 8-Phases of EMDR therapy
  • Demonstrate Resource Development & Installation (RDI)
  • Recognize how to handle Abreactions
  • Explain and identify Strategies for Blocked Processing
  • Explain how to recognize Types of Blocked Processing
  • Demonstrate how and analyze how to handle looping
  • Explain and evaluate how to process and resolve feeder memories
  • Distinguish how demonstrate the Appropriate Application of Cognitive Interweaves
  • Compare how to recognize the types of feeder cognitive interweaves and how to apply them
  • Demonstrate how to apply the Future Template.
  • Select Advanced Methodology: Additional protocols and specific populations
  • Explain how to identify and evaluate Professional and Legal Issues
  • Demonstrate how RDI is used to develop positive introjects, increase affect regulation and adaptive responses
  • Contrast how to practice and use the RDI procedure.
  • Identify and use the Recent Event Protocol
  • Explain and summarize traumatic event protocols
  • Recognize how to use EMDR with Complex PTSD
Course Outline

Day 1

Outline for EMDR Training Schedule
*Based on an 8:30 start time. Exact times are subject to change based on exact start time of training*

WEEKEND 1

  • 8:30 am – 9:50 am
    Introduction to the training
    Introduction to EMDR
    Goals for the weekend
  • 9:50 am – 10:00 am – morning break
  • 10:00 – 12:00 pm
    How EMDR began
    EMDR research
    Concepts and AIP model
    Touchstone event
    Neural network activation exercise (affect scan and container)
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm
    Clinical implications of AIP Model EMDR therapy
    Three-pronged protocol
  • 2:50 pm – 3:00 pm – afternoon break
  • 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm
    EMDR Demo/video
  • 3:50 pm – 4:00 pm – afternoon break
  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Eight phases of EMDR therapy Phase one: History
    History taking Treatment planning Three-pronged approach Identifying trauma Targeting
    Light stream
  • 5:00 pm – End Day 1

Day 2

  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Phase two: Preparation
    Attunement
    Education about EMDR
    Cautions for clients
    Metaphor for EMDR
    Addressing expectations and fears Stabilization strategies
    *Please note this schedule may change as necessary.
    Demo/practicum: Safe/calm place Phase Three: Assessment
    Issue
    Image
    Negative cognition Positive cognition
    VOC
    Emotion
    SUD
    Location of body sensation
  • 10:00 – 10:15 – morning break
  • 10:15 am – 12:00 pm
    Phase Four – Desensitization Begin processing
    Target/node
    Associative channels
    When to keep processing Returning to target
    When processing is complete Ecologically valid 1 or greater
    Phase Five: Installation Install the PC
    Phase Six: Body scan Phase Seven: Closure
    Complete session
    Incomplete session Phase Eight: Reevaluation
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm
    Demo standard protocol on volunteer
    Practicum – pairs practice on standard protocol
  • 2:50 pm – 3:00 pm – afternoon break
  • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Practicum – reverse pairs practice on standard protocol Discussion, end of day wrap-up
    Container exercise with group
  • 5:00 pm – End Day 2

Day 3

  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Review: PTSD and brain activity Review: Components of EMDR protocol Case conceptualization: Client readiness Consultation Calls: Review schedule
  • 10:00 am – 10:10 am – morning break
  • 10:15 am – 12:00 pm
    Mechanisms of Action
    Orienting response
    Working memory hypothesis
    Prefrontal attentional flexibility (Mindfulness and metacognitive awareness) REM sleep
    Temporal binding via thalamus
    Inter/intra hemispheric activation
    Demo on standard protocol
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
    Practicum – pairs practice on standard protocol
  • 1:30 pm – 1:45 pm – afternoon break
  • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Practicum – reverse pairs practice on standard protocol Evaluation
    Discussion & wrap-up
    Do mindful body scan
  • 3:00 pm – End Day 3

End Weekend 1

Day 4

WEEKEND 2

  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Review: AIP model
    EMDR therapy eight phases
    Resource development and installation (RDI)
  • 10:00 am – 10:10 – Break
  • 10:10 am – 12:00 pm
    Demo/practicum on resourcing
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm
    More clinical implications
    Abreactions
    Blocked processing
    Strategies for working with blocked processing
  • 2:50 pm – 3:00 pm – break
  • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    More clinical implications Cognitive interweaves
    Case conceptualization: Cognitive interweaves
    When to use cognitive interweaves
  • 5:00 pm – End Day 4

Day 5

  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Recent event protocol
    Self-use: Self-soothing and affect regulation
    EMDR with couples
    EMDR with children and adolescents
  • 10:00 am – 10:10 – morning break
  • 10:10 am – 12:00 pm
    EMDR therapy with: Anxiety
    Phobias Addictions Grief
    Demo on standard procedure: Touchstone event and present template
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm
    Practicum – breaking into pairs on “Most Triggering Client” exercise
  • 2:50 pm – 3:00 pm – afternoon break
  • 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Practicum – reverse pairs on “Most Triggering Client”

Discussion & wrap-up 5:00 pm-End Day 5

Day 6

  • 8:30 am – 10:00 am
    Professional legal and ethical issues Virtual EMDR therapy
    EMDR with sex abuse survivors
  • 10:00 am – 10:15 – morning break
  • 10:15 am –12:00 pm
    EMDR with complex (trauma) PTSD Stabilization and resourcing strategy:
    EMD and EMDr
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch
  • 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm
    Future template
    Demo/practicum: Future template
  • 2:50 pm – 3:00 pm – afternoon break
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Review
    Discussion & wrap-up Evaluations and Closure
    Reminder of Post-test

End Weekend 2 – End Training

Required Reading
  1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures, Third Edition, by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., EMDR Originator. *
  2. Go With That Magazine Fall 2020, Volume 25, Issue 3 [EMDR & Racial Trauma]**
  3. Guidelines for Virtual EMDR Therapy (Spring 2020)

*Not included in training cost and will need to be purchased prior to training.
**Included in Online Training Manual

Scheduled Presenters
Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

LPC-S, LMFT-S

Location 3820 E Broadway St. , Pearland , Texas

Close
Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn

LPC-S, LMFT-S

Location 3820 E Broadway St. , Pearland , Texas

Takes insurance?: No

Completed CompassionWorks trainings: EMDR Consultant, EMDRIA Approved Trainer, CompassionWorks Lead Trainer

Heather graduated from the University of Colorado in Denver with a Masters of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy in 2005.  Shortly after graduation she moved to Houston where she worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence in a non-profit setting for 15 years. Now in private practice, she specializes in working with adults with complex trauma. Heather is a supervisor for both LPC’s and LMFT’s, a Fully Approved EMDR Consultant, an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, and a CompassionWorks Lead Trainer.
Date & Delivery Format

Location: Online

The training is completed online with the schedule as listed below. You will need to have a quiet space for participation with your fully functioning computer connected to the internet. Your computer must have full audio and video capabilities. Using a Chrome browser is preferred. For the practicums you must be able to offer your partner the same privacy you would provide an actual client. Go <here> for more information.

This training is open to all qualified mental health professionals, provisionally licensed clinicians, and university students in approved mental health career path programs across the US and Canada. Go here to check for eligibility.

After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps and how to best prepare for your training.

Dates and Times:

June 12, 13, 14, 2026 (First Weekend)

  • Friday – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Central Time)
  • Saturday – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Central Time)
  • Sunday – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Central Time) (with a working lunch)

Group video/phone consultations: Consultation call information is provided in the first weekend. These calls are an integral part of learning and required by EMDRIA.

July 10, 11, 12, 2026 (Second Weekend)

  • Friday – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Central Time)
  • Saturday – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Central Time)
  • Sunday – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Central Time) (with a working lunch)
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation more than 14 days prior to the training start date: Full refund after $100 administration fee.
Cancellation between 4-14 days from training start date: No refund provided. Training fee be transferred to a later training with a $100 transfer fee.
Cancellation is 3 days or less prior to the training start date: No refund provided. Training fee may be transferred to a later training with a $400 administrative transfer fee.

Policy for Changing 2nd Weekend

The charge for changing or missing (more than 3 hours of) the second weekend after attending Weekend 1 of a training: $375.00 transfer fee. Fees may be waived with extenuating circumstances.

Policy for Missing Training Hours
The charge for rescheduling to make up any missed portion of the training over 20 minutes is billed at $125 per missed hour with a minimum charge of one hour. This may not apply to computer or internet malfunction if it is quickly followed with a phone call and/or resolution.
Any missed portion of the training over 20 minutes must be approved in advance and approval may not be possible depending on time and day of the training.

Policy for Making Up a Consultation Group
If you are scheduled for a Consultation Call and no-show or late cancel (within 24 hours) you may be charged $50.00 per group or $100.00 per individual call to reschedule the consultation call.

Time Frame for Completion of Program
The online program is required to be completed within a 12-month period beginning at the time of attendance of the first weekend. (Completion involves attending Weekends 1 and 2 and the 10 hours of consultation.)

Policy for Recording Trainings
Online trainings may be recorded and used at CompassionWorks LLC’s discretion. Demonstrations may be recorded however, will only be used with signed consent of the demonstration participants. Breakout rooms and practicums are not recorded. We respect your privacy. If you are concerned with your image or voice being recorded used in any manner please, feel free to reach out and let us know.

On-site and in-person trainings may be recorded and used at CompassionWorks LLC’s discretion. Demonstrations may be recorded however, will only be used with signed consent of the demonstration participants. Dyad or Triad practicums will not be recorded. We respect your privacy. If you are concerned with your image or voice being recorded and used in any manner please, feel free to reach out and let us know.

Attendees may not record any portion of the trainings for any reason.

Continuing Education

Forty continuing education (CE) credits for Texas LPC, LCSW and MFT mental health professionals and are provided by CompassionWorks at no additional charge.

Continuing Education (CE) credits are also available through CE-Classes for those needing credits for licenses outside of Texas.  These are available for an additional charge of $40.00 per weekend.

The course agenda is to teach the use of EMDR Therapy to licensed mental health professionals and qualified interns.  This is a link to the Training Objectives

In this case, CE Classes is the provider of continuing education (CE) credits.  The Skill Level is All levels, Beginner to Advanced.  “There are no known conflicts of interest for this workshop”.  These credits are for Psychologists and Counselors outside of Texas.  A total of 40 CEs are available, 20 per weekend of training.

“Certificates are awarded online after completion of the workshop.  Participants print their own certificate after registering at ce-classes.com, entering a keycode, and completing an evaluation form.”

“Licensed Professionals should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval”

All grievances must be in writing to Amber Quaranta-Leech, and will be replied to within 5 – 10 business days.)

ADA assistance – Please contact Amber Quaranta-Leech if special accommodation is required.

CE-Classes is approved by:

  • The American Psychological Association (APA) CE-Classes.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE-Classes.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Florida Certification Board
  • The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #852 BAP-Expires 3/31/2025
  • The California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS, recognizes relevant course work/training that has been approved by nationally recognized certifying bodies, such as APA, to satisfy renewal requirements.
  • California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-12-174-0225 Expires 02-2025
  • The Texas Board of Social Work Examiners – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
  • The Texas Board of Professional Counselors – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.  Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
  • The Texas Board of Marriage & Family Therapists – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
  • Massachusetts Authorization Number: (TBD)
  • Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board – Approval from a state licensing board for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists is accepted by the OH CSWMFTB.
  • New York Social Work Board – CE-Classes.com is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0120.
  • New York Mental Health Practitioners Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0260.
  • New York Psychology Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0211
  • Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (LPCs, LMFTs and LBCs)
  • South Carolina – CE-Classes.com is approved by the S.C. Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapist, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (#4696).
  • Illinois – CE-Classes.com is a registered social work CE sponsor by the State of Illinois. License 159.001607 Expires 11/30/2025
  • The Florida Board of Nursing (CE Provider #: 50-4896) Expires 10/31/2026 Do not send certificates to the Florida Board of Nursing. You must keep this certificate for 4 years.
  • The California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2026.
  • This course is NOT available for NBCC credit
  • This training does not offer ASWB ACE credit to social workers.
June 12-14 & July 10-12, 2026
Trainer: Heather Dunn
Online
40 hs CE Credits options (for those licensed outside Texas or Oklahoma)
40 hs NBCC credit hours certificate
Price range: $1,299.00 through $1,449.00
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Dr. Amanda Martin, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN

Amanda Martin holds a PhD in Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. With over 14 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals and families in residential and outpatient settings. Amanda also provides supervision for EMDR certification, EMDR consultants-in-training, and LMFT-Associates. Her mission is to help people find a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling path in life. Her warm, supportive, and interactive counseling style incorporates Symbolic Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, HeartMath, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Collaborative Problem Solving.

Dr. Jose Carbajal, LCSW

Dr. Jose Carbajal, a U.S. Army veteran, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a master’s in theological studies from Baylor University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive teaching experience, Jose specializes in trauma, sexual abuse recovery, domestic violence, and substance abuse. His research focuses on trauma interventions, neuroscience, and faith. He is EMDR Certified, an Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, with numerous publications and professional presentations to his name.

Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, LPC-S

Amber holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Oklahoma and holds Supervisor credential for Texas. Amber is an EMDRIA consultant and trainer. She has over a decade of experience in the trauma field in work with uniformed services, domestic violence, childhood trauma and abuse, and recent mass trauma events. Amber provides consultation for EMDRIA certification, for consultants-in-training, and supervision for LPC-Associates. Amber continues to research the benefits of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. Her goal is to help build strong clinicians who are well versed in trauma interventions to better support their clients. Amber sees a limited number of clients with a focus on trauma work, she is also a Certified Career Counselor and Certified through EAGALA to provide equine-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, LPC-S

Amber holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Oklahoma and holds Supervisor credential for Texas. Amber is an EMDRIA consultant and trainer. She has over a decade of experience in the trauma field in work with uniformed services, domestic violence, childhood trauma and abuse, and recent mass trauma events. Amber provides consultation for EMDRIA certification, for consultants-in-training, and supervision for LPC-Associates. Amber continues to research the benefits of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. Her goal is to help build strong clinicians who are well versed in trauma interventions to better support their clients. Amber sees a limited number of clients with a focus on trauma work, she is also a Certified Career Counselor and Certified through EAGALA to provide equine-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Jose Carbajal, LCSW

Dr. Jose Carbajal, a U.S. Army veteran, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a master’s in theological studies from Baylor University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive teaching experience, Jose specializes in trauma, sexual abuse recovery, domestic violence, and substance abuse. His research focuses on trauma interventions, neuroscience, and faith. He is EMDR Certified, an Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, with numerous publications and professional presentations to his name.

Dr. Amanda Martin, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN

Amanda Martin holds a PhD in Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. With over 14 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals and families in residential and outpatient settings. Amanda also provides supervision for EMDR certification, EMDR consultants-in-training, and LMFT-Associates. Her mission is to help people find a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling path in life. Her warm, supportive, and interactive counseling style incorporates Symbolic Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, HeartMath, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Collaborative Problem Solving.