It has been a lon time since I have posted here.   During this time, I have been posting on facebook and also at www.TADASCounseling.com.  Be sure to check there because there is quite a bit of useful information in the Blog!

Today I think it is important to talk about EMDR.

EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – a term that does not just roll off the tongue.  It is an advanced therapy that requires very specialized training to provide appropriately, safely and effectively.  This training requires significant investment by the therapist in time, effort and money to attend the courses and complete the supervision hours with a certified supervisor.  In short – EMDR is a certification that a therapist has to seek on their own after completing their university training, and it is costly.  Most do not.

Since Prince Harry went public talking about how it has helped him, EMDR has become quite popular.  And just as a popular dog breed gets ruined by everybody producing puppies to make a buck, the same thing is happening with EMDR.  For years now I have had new clients come in and tell me “EMDR didn’t work”.  Now it is possible because like anything it doesn’t work well with everyone,  but I got concerned.  I asked questions about preparation they experienced for EMDR – and found nothing.  No indication that the former therapist knew what they were doing.

I have also been interviewing potential new therapists for my agency.  Many have indicated that they offer EMDR but when asked, they could provide no credentials.  Most even claimed that they didn’t know anything about that and one even told me they aren’t necessary.  Agency directors across the country have told me the same thing.

Let me assure you – proper training and credentials are definitely necessary.  This is not just waving your fingers in the air to promote healing.  That is like a medical transcriptionist saying they”ve read enough medical reports to be able to diagnose and treat someone without going to medical school.  NOT!

There are EMDR imposters out there.  Be safe.  Ask for credentials.  Did they study with an EMDRIA-approved instructor?  What level are they?  l (beginner but trained); ll (completed supervised hours after training); or lll (approved instructor)?  Where did they train?  When did they get their certification?  Have they advanced beyond the basics with advanced training?

Ask.

Because you deserve quality therapy.  Actually, you deserve quality therapy that works.