Just Got Trained in EMDR? Here’s How to Start Integrating It Into Your Practice
So, you’ve completed your basic EMDR training — congratulations! That’s no small feat- at least 50 hours of your life you have already dedicated to this! You’ve likely spent hours immersed in theory, practicum, and maybe even experienced some powerful shifts yourself. But now that you're officially EMDR-trained, a big question often comes up:
“Now what?”
You’re not alone in that feeling. Many therapists finish EMDR training excited yet unsure of how to integrate it into their clinical work. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this next phase with clarity and confidence.
1. Honor the Learning Curve
First things first: give yourself permission to start slow. EMDR is a powerful modality with a unique structure and pacing. It’s normal to feel hesitant or even intimidated at first.
Remember: You don’t have to switch your whole practice overnight. Start with clients who already have a strong therapeutic alliance with you, are resourced, and are curious about trying something new. Our biggest tip, just start. Start using it and gaining confidence in the protocol.
2. Get Consultation (Yes, Even After Training)
EMDR consultation is one of the most helpful (and necessary) parts of growing as an EMDR therapist. Your basic training likely included some consultation hours, but don’t stop there.
Ongoing consultation helps you:
Build confidence with the 8-phase protocol
Handle stuck points or complex cases
Learn adaptations for different populations or diagnoses
Avoid feeling isolated in the process- you don’t have to practice on an island all alone
Whether it’s group or individual, consultation gives you a safe place to ask, “Am I doing this right?” — and actually get answers.
3. Know Who’s Ready — and Who’s Not (Yet)
Not every client is immediately ready for reprocessing, and that’s okay. EMDR isn’t just about the bilateral stimulation — it’s about the full 8-phase protocol, which includes stabilization, preparation, and resourcing.
Some clients might spend weeks or months in Phase 2 (Preparation), and that’s still EMDR work. Building safety and emotional regulation is not just a “step” — it’s a foundation.
4. Lean on Your Existing Clinical Wisdom
You don’t have to abandon your style or your intuition to be an EMDR therapist. In fact, EMDR integrates beautifully with many other approaches — whether you lean psychodynamic, somatic, DBT, IFS, or parts work.
You already know how to build rapport, read the room, and hold space for emotional processing. EMDR adds to that — it doesn’t replace it.
5. Let Your Clients In on the Process
Many clients are curious (or a little nervous) when they hear “EMDR.” Be ready to explain it in simple, empowering terms. Focus on how it helps the brain heal naturally from emotional wounds — just like the body heals physical ones.
You don’t have to be an expert or a neuroscientist to start introducing the idea. Normalize the learning process, both for yourself and for them.
6. Keep Learning
EMDR is rich and deep, and there’s always more to learn. Once you’ve gotten your feet wet, you might explore advanced trainings in:
Complex trauma & dissociation
EMDR with children
Attachment-focused EMDR
Parts work integration
Cultural considerations in EMDR
You might also consider working toward EMDR certification — which not only deepens your skill, but also connects you to a broader professional community.
7. Trust Yourself
You’re not expected to be perfect. EMDR is a journey, just like the healing process itself. Every session teaches you something new. Trust your clinical judgment. Trust the protocol. And most importantly, trust that your presence is the most healing thing you bring to the room.
Final Thought: You’re More Ready Than You Think
If you’ve been feeling that mix of excitement and nervousness, you’re exactly where you need to be. Take one small step at a time. Use your resources. Ask questions. Celebrate the wins — even the tiny ones.
You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to do it all at once.
Looking for EMDR consultation or community?
We offer supportive group and individual consultation to help you build confidence and grow in your EMDR practice. Reach out anytime — we’d love to connect.
