Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR International Association approved
SonomaPTI Basic Training in EMDR
Does the SonomaPTI four weekend training cover Part 1 and Part 2 of the basic EMDR training?
In a word, "Yes."
Actually, the EMDR International Association approved SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR provides more hours of lecture and practice with additional training exercises than in the historic "Part 1" and "Part 2" approach.
EMDRIA does not specifically recognize a Part 1, Part 2 (or Part 3) of basic training. These "parts" of training represent varieties of training models offered by different EMDRIA approved providers of basic training. EMDRIA sets minimum standards for amount of lecture (20 hours), practice (20 hours), and consultation (10 hours) and leaves it up to each provider to propose a training model and structure to meet EMDRIA standards. For example, EMDRIA approved University courses might meet once a week or twice a week for a semester. Some commercial EMDRIA approved basic trainings in EMDR are delivered in three weekends, some in two weekends.
The SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR is offered as a series of four two-day weekends scheduled over a 12-week period. With SonomaPTI, there is no "Part 1" or "Part 2," just a complete basic training. With SonomaPTI you sign up for a complete training with a specific training schedule. 12-weeks after you start, you have completed basic training in EMDR and are using it regularly in your current clinical setting.
To see a quick overview of the SonomaPTI training model vist the Visual Schedule page.
Actually, the EMDR International Association approved SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR provides more hours of lecture and practice with additional training exercises than in the historic "Part 1" and "Part 2" approach.
EMDRIA does not specifically recognize a Part 1, Part 2 (or Part 3) of basic training. These "parts" of training represent varieties of training models offered by different EMDRIA approved providers of basic training. EMDRIA sets minimum standards for amount of lecture (20 hours), practice (20 hours), and consultation (10 hours) and leaves it up to each provider to propose a training model and structure to meet EMDRIA standards. For example, EMDRIA approved University courses might meet once a week or twice a week for a semester. Some commercial EMDRIA approved basic trainings in EMDR are delivered in three weekends, some in two weekends.
The SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR is offered as a series of four two-day weekends scheduled over a 12-week period. With SonomaPTI, there is no "Part 1" or "Part 2," just a complete basic training. With SonomaPTI you sign up for a complete training with a specific training schedule. 12-weeks after you start, you have completed basic training in EMDR and are using it regularly in your current clinical setting.
To see a quick overview of the SonomaPTI training model vist the Visual Schedule page.
I want to register, but I cannot afford to pay the tuition in full in advance.
SonomaPTI offers tuition on an installment plan with three payments by credit card spread over time. See the installment contract on page 3 of the Registration Application Form for details. If you submit a credit card installment contract, the initial charge will made to your account only upon your acceptance into the training.
I am an intern who wants to register. Must my supervisor be EMDR trained?
Whether you are licensed as a psychotherapist or are an intern, you need to be working in a clinical setting where you will be able to practice the knowledge and skills you are learning in the EMDR basic training. Your supervisor need not be trained in EMDR, but must be supportive of your using EMDR with patients with posttraumatic stress and related syndromes such as phobias, panic attacks and symptoms of complex PTSD (DESNOS). As part of your application package, your supervisor will need to sign a letter to that effect. See the Registration Forms page for detailed guidance on this letter.
Supervisors do not need to be trained in EMDR to provide supervision for pre-licensed clinicians being trained in EMDR. Your clinical supervisor should have education and training in the assessment and treatment of those with PTSD, phobias, panic attacks and complex PTSD (DESNOS). If your clinical supervisor is familiar with any of the evidence based treatments and the community standards of care for these conditions, there generally should be no barrier to your use of EMDR for these conditions.
SonomaPTI provides written guidelines to assist you and your clinical supervisor in selecting cases suitable for application of EMDR during the training process. EMDR treatment follows general principles from consensus models for treating these conditions. Some pre-licensed clinicians have clinical supervisors trained in EMDR, however a large portion of our interns have supervisors not yet trained in EMDR. Some clinical supervisors later decide to get training in EMDR after witnessing how clients of the pre-licensed clinicians they supervise progress as a result of treatment with EMDR.
Supervisors do not need to be trained in EMDR to provide supervision for pre-licensed clinicians being trained in EMDR. Your clinical supervisor should have education and training in the assessment and treatment of those with PTSD, phobias, panic attacks and complex PTSD (DESNOS). If your clinical supervisor is familiar with any of the evidence based treatments and the community standards of care for these conditions, there generally should be no barrier to your use of EMDR for these conditions.
SonomaPTI provides written guidelines to assist you and your clinical supervisor in selecting cases suitable for application of EMDR during the training process. EMDR treatment follows general principles from consensus models for treating these conditions. Some pre-licensed clinicians have clinical supervisors trained in EMDR, however a large portion of our interns have supervisors not yet trained in EMDR. Some clinical supervisors later decide to get training in EMDR after witnessing how clients of the pre-licensed clinicians they supervise progress as a result of treatment with EMDR.
I have a possible scheduling conflict for one or two of the eight days of basic training.
The basic training in EMDR provided by SonomaPTI is a sequential learning process which builds progressively on learning experiences over each of the eight days of training.
The program consists of more than 50% experiential learning activities through supervised group and partner practice exercises and group consultation sessions. It is not possible to miss one full day or a weekend and make it up via home study or private consultation.
Further, EMDRIA requirements state that participants must attend all training days and actively participate in all supervised practice exercises and group consultation sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion for this training. Similarly, CE granting organizations require participation and completion of all program activities to earn CEs. Neither CEs, nor documentation of program completion may be granted for partial attendance.
We recognize that holding our training over four two-day weekends may pose scheduling challenges for some. However, we believe that the progressive and incremental model of training provided by SonomaPTI provides a superior program of professional development.
So, you should only plan to register if you can commit to attending all training days and participating fully. For further details please read the Registration Instructions and Checklist and the Participant Agreement on the Registration Forms page.
The program consists of more than 50% experiential learning activities through supervised group and partner practice exercises and group consultation sessions. It is not possible to miss one full day or a weekend and make it up via home study or private consultation.
Further, EMDRIA requirements state that participants must attend all training days and actively participate in all supervised practice exercises and group consultation sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion for this training. Similarly, CE granting organizations require participation and completion of all program activities to earn CEs. Neither CEs, nor documentation of program completion may be granted for partial attendance.
We recognize that holding our training over four two-day weekends may pose scheduling challenges for some. However, we believe that the progressive and incremental model of training provided by SonomaPTI provides a superior program of professional development.
So, you should only plan to register if you can commit to attending all training days and participating fully. For further details please read the Registration Instructions and Checklist and the Participant Agreement on the Registration Forms page.
I took the EMDR training years ago, but have seldom used EMDR. Can I review the training?
Are you already trained in EMDR? Do you want to review the training to strengthen your understanding and skills? Do you want a great training value?
Then the Reviewers’ Track Discount is right for you.
You can take the entire SonomaPTI basic training at the student rate and earn 10 group hours toward EMDRIA Certification. Upon completion you will also receive 47.5 CEs toward re-licensure.
In the reviews’ track you join other reviewers in the consultation and practice sessions to focus on how you can integrate EMDR into your current clinical setting. This offer is open only to licensed mental health professionals who meet eligibility criteria and who provide documentation of having completed any EMDRIA Approved Basic Training in EMDR.
Are you partially trained in EMDR? Call or email to find out if you qualify for a special rate when you take the entire SonomaPTI Basic Training in EMDR.
Then the Reviewers’ Track Discount is right for you.
You can take the entire SonomaPTI basic training at the student rate and earn 10 group hours toward EMDRIA Certification. Upon completion you will also receive 47.5 CEs toward re-licensure.
In the reviews’ track you join other reviewers in the consultation and practice sessions to focus on how you can integrate EMDR into your current clinical setting. This offer is open only to licensed mental health professionals who meet eligibility criteria and who provide documentation of having completed any EMDRIA Approved Basic Training in EMDR.
Are you partially trained in EMDR? Call or email to find out if you qualify for a special rate when you take the entire SonomaPTI Basic Training in EMDR.
Is consultation included in the basic training schedule and tuition?
This is a great question and an important issue to consider.
All EMDRIA approved providers of basic training in EMDR are required to provide at least 10 hours of consultation "in developmental increments to extend over the course of the training."
In choosing between different providers of basic training in EMDR you should be aware that some providers of basic training do not include the cost of all 10 required hours of consultation in their listed tuition. Also, most providers do not include these 10 hours in the standard training schedule, but instead require participants to attend separately scheduled consultation sessions or to find a consultant on their own and to schedule and pay for their own consultation sessions privately.
SonomaPTI takes a different approach. First, the cost of all required hours of consultation is included in the listed tuition. Equally importantly we believe is that we integrate 10.5 hours of consultation into the standard training schedule of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends. These 90 minute sessions of consultation are provided in truly developmental increments.
At SonomaPTI, we also closely support you in your learning process by providing clear and easy-to-use forms and scripts to assist in practicing and documenting your clinical experiences. This makes it easy for you to present simple work summaries to the consultants with whom you work over the course of the SonomaPTI basic training.
Of course, completing basic training in EMDR is just the beginning of your professional development with EMDR. After you complete your Basic Training in EMDR, we strongly encourage you to continue to obtain consultation on a regular basis from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. In addition to Dr. Leeds and his training staff, you have a diverse range of Approved Consultants to consider in the greater San Francisco bay area as well as telephone conference group and individual consultation with Approved Consultants from throughout the USA. Lists of additional resources for professional development in EMDR are provided in your SonomaPTI participant manual.
All EMDRIA approved providers of basic training in EMDR are required to provide at least 10 hours of consultation "in developmental increments to extend over the course of the training."
In choosing between different providers of basic training in EMDR you should be aware that some providers of basic training do not include the cost of all 10 required hours of consultation in their listed tuition. Also, most providers do not include these 10 hours in the standard training schedule, but instead require participants to attend separately scheduled consultation sessions or to find a consultant on their own and to schedule and pay for their own consultation sessions privately.
SonomaPTI takes a different approach. First, the cost of all required hours of consultation is included in the listed tuition. Equally importantly we believe is that we integrate 10.5 hours of consultation into the standard training schedule of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weekends. These 90 minute sessions of consultation are provided in truly developmental increments.
At SonomaPTI, we also closely support you in your learning process by providing clear and easy-to-use forms and scripts to assist in practicing and documenting your clinical experiences. This makes it easy for you to present simple work summaries to the consultants with whom you work over the course of the SonomaPTI basic training.
Of course, completing basic training in EMDR is just the beginning of your professional development with EMDR. After you complete your Basic Training in EMDR, we strongly encourage you to continue to obtain consultation on a regular basis from an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. In addition to Dr. Leeds and his training staff, you have a diverse range of Approved Consultants to consider in the greater San Francisco bay area as well as telephone conference group and individual consultation with Approved Consultants from throughout the USA. Lists of additional resources for professional development in EMDR are provided in your SonomaPTI participant manual.
Will I be Certified in EMDR when I complete the Basic Training in EMDR?
Completing an EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) approved Basic Training in EMDR is the first step. After completing basic training you are considered "trained in EMDR".
After completing the basic training, licensed mental health professional are eligible for full clinical membership in EMDRIA. Interns are eligible for associate membership and can upgrade to full membership upon licensure.
Should you wish, after completing basic training you may pursue EMDRIA Certification. EMDRIA requirements to be recognized an EMDRIA Certified in EMDR are described in detail on EMDRIA's web site. Generally, you must
After completing the basic training, licensed mental health professional are eligible for full clinical membership in EMDRIA. Interns are eligible for associate membership and can upgrade to full membership upon licensure.
Should you wish, after completing basic training you may pursue EMDRIA Certification. EMDRIA requirements to be recognized an EMDRIA Certified in EMDR are described in detail on EMDRIA's web site. Generally, you must
- have at least two years experience in your field
- have conducted at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients
- have received 20 hours of consultation by an Approved Consultant in EMDR (after completing Basic Training)
- have completed 12 hours of EMDRIA Credits (continuing education in EMDR)
- provide letter(s) of recommendation from one or more Approved Consultant(s) in EMDR, regarding your use of EMDR
- provide two letters of recommendation
- verify that you agree to adhere to EMDRIA's Professional Code of Conduct.
Most of my clients have complex co-occurring conditions. How can I learn EMDR with them?
The training curriculum of the SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR is organized to address the fact that most clinicians see relatively few cases of single incident adult (or child) trauma and instead see mostly complex cases with co-occurring conditions.
In fact, many of our participants work in county or federally funded mental health care systems, prisons and non-profit agencies with highly challenging cases.
Therefore, from the beginning, the first weekend of the SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR focuses on the use of methods of stabilization and assessing readiness for EMDR memory reprocessing.
It is not until the second weekend that we cover the standard EMDR PTSD protocol and standard EMDR procedural steps. Most clinicians in our previous trainings have found at least some of their clients meet readiness criteria for the standard EMDR procedural steps early in treatment or quickly achieve readiness using the stabilization methods we cover.
In addition, at SonomaPTI you learn
The integrated approach to treatment planning and target sequencing taught in the SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR strengthens your ability to organize your work with your clients whether they are ready for EMDR reprocessing or not.
In the second and third weekends you will learn and practice basic and intermediate procedures for EMDR reprocessing suitable for cases of PTSD, partial PTSD and related conditions.
During the fourth weekend you will be introduced to a number of advanced EMDR treatment approaches suitable for complex and co-occurring conditions including:
The SonomaPTI "EMDR Training for Clinicians" builds the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to integrate EMDR into your actual day-to-day clinical practice with real world, complex cases.
In fact, many of our participants work in county or federally funded mental health care systems, prisons and non-profit agencies with highly challenging cases.
Therefore, from the beginning, the first weekend of the SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR focuses on the use of methods of stabilization and assessing readiness for EMDR memory reprocessing.
It is not until the second weekend that we cover the standard EMDR PTSD protocol and standard EMDR procedural steps. Most clinicians in our previous trainings have found at least some of their clients meet readiness criteria for the standard EMDR procedural steps early in treatment or quickly achieve readiness using the stabilization methods we cover.
In addition, at SonomaPTI you learn
- Francine Shapiro's Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model,
- an attachment based approach to case conceptualization as well as
- specific strategies for screening for disorders of structural dissociation.
The integrated approach to treatment planning and target sequencing taught in the SonomaPTI basic training in EMDR strengthens your ability to organize your work with your clients whether they are ready for EMDR reprocessing or not.
In the second and third weekends you will learn and practice basic and intermediate procedures for EMDR reprocessing suitable for cases of PTSD, partial PTSD and related conditions.
During the fourth weekend you will be introduced to a number of advanced EMDR treatment approaches suitable for complex and co-occurring conditions including:
- Treating somatic disorders and chronic pain with EMDR
• Treating traumatic and complex grief with EMDR
• Treating Specific Phobias with EMDR
• Treating panic attacks with and without agoraphobia
• The DeTUR protocol for substance abuse and compulsive behaviors - Working with survivors of incest, sexual abuse and early neglect.
• Issues in working with severe DDNOS and DID
The SonomaPTI "EMDR Training for Clinicians" builds the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to integrate EMDR into your actual day-to-day clinical practice with real world, complex cases.