EMDRIA: what it is and why it matters

EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association, is the nonprofit professional association that sets training, certification, and research standards for EMDR therapy. Founded in 1995 and based in Austin, Texas, it approves EMDR training programs, certifies therapists who log supervised experience beyond a basic training, and publishes EMDR research. It matters because “EMDR trained” and “EMDRIA certified” are not the same credential.

What does EMDRIA stand for?

EMDRIA stands for EMDR International Association (you’ll also see it spelled out as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association). It’s a member-supported nonprofit, not a government body or a therapy provider itself, founded in 1995 (EMDRIA). By its own count, it now has more than 20,000 members trained to deliver EMDR therapy (EMDRIA).

What does EMDRIA actually do?

Four things, mainly:

  • Approves training programs. An EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training must include at least 20 hours of instruction, 20 hours of supervised practicum, and 10 hours of consultation covering the 8 phases of the method (EMDRIA).
  • Certifies individual therapists. Finishing a basic training only makes someone “EMDR trained.” Becoming an EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ is a separate, optional step requiring at least 50 EMDR sessions with 25 or more clients, 20 hours of consultation, and 12 continuing-education hours (EMDRIA).
  • Publishes research. EMDRIA has put out the peer-reviewed Journal of EMDR Practice and Research since 2007 (EMDRIA).
  • Runs a therapist directory. Its Find an EMDR Therapist tool lists full members by location, though EMDRIA states plainly that it doesn’t vouch for any individual therapist’s skill (EMDRIA).

Why does “EMDR trained” vs. “EMDRIA certified” matter?

Anyone who finishes that basic training can legally call themselves EMDR trained. Certification is the marker of extra, supervised hands-on hours logged afterward (EMDR Institute). Neither is legally required to practice EMDR, so the distinction is really about how much verified experience backs the person doing your therapy. If you’re looking for an EMDR therapist, asking about EMDRIA credentials tells you more than a training certificate on the wall.

Where does EmEase fit in?

EMDRIA’s standards apply to therapy delivered by a credentialed therapist. EmEase, a self-guided EMDR app, is different: a wellness practice inspired by EMDR therapy for practicing bilateral stimulation on your own time, not a stand-in for an EMDRIA-credentialed therapist. If you’re dealing with something serious enough to need full EMDR therapy, start with can you do EMDR on yourself and the research on whether EMDR is evidence-based.

Frequently asked questions

What does EMDRIA stand for?

EMDRIA stands for EMDR International Association, sometimes written out as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association. It's the nonprofit professional association that sets training, certification, and research standards for EMDR therapy, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Is EMDRIA the same thing as EMDR?

No. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is the therapy itself. EMDRIA is the separate nonprofit organization that approves EMDR training programs, certifies therapists beyond basic training, and publishes EMDR research.

What's the difference between EMDR trained and EMDRIA certified?

EMDR trained means someone completed a basic training. EMDRIA certified is a separate, optional credential requiring at least 50 EMDR sessions with 25 or more clients, 20 hours of consultation, and 12 hours of continuing education on top of that training.

Does EMDRIA provide therapy or see clients?

No. EMDRIA doesn't deliver therapy or see clients itself. It approves training programs, certifies individual therapists, publishes a peer-reviewed research journal, and runs a directory of member therapists who do see clients.

Can EMDRIA help me find a therapist?

Yes. EMDRIA's Find an EMDR Therapist directory lists full members by location. EMDRIA states plainly that it doesn't vouch for any individual therapist's competence, so use it as a research starting point, not a guarantee.

Do you need an EMDRIA-certified therapist to do EMDR?

No. Basic training alone is enough to legally practice EMDR; certification is an optional extra credential. Checking it just tells you how much supervised experience backs the therapist you're considering.

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