EMDR therapist credentials explained

When searching for an EMDR therapist, you'll encounter terms like "EMDR trained," "EMDRIA certified," and vague claims like "uses EMDR techniques." Here's what each actually means and what you should look for.

EMDR Trained

A therapist who completed a multi-day EMDR training program. This is what most EMDR therapists have and is sufficient to practice EMDR well. Training includes instruction on EMDR theory and the 8-phase protocol, supervised practice sessions, and consultation on real cases.

EMDRIA Certified Therapist

A therapist who completed training and then documented 50+ EMDR sessions with real clients, received additional consultation, and applied for formal certification through the EMDR International Association. Certification is a meaningful credential — it means third-party verification — but many excellent therapists skip it because it requires substantial paperwork.

What to look for

The key question is whether the therapist completed a real, multi-day training program — not a brief workshop. Programs from EMDRIA-approved providers, Maiberger Institute, Parnell Institute, EMDR Europe, and similar organizations all meet the standard.

How Loma verifies credentials

Every Loma therapist is verified to have completed genuine multi-day EMDR training before being matched with clients. Find a verified EMDR therapist.