Stop wasting time on the wrong fit. Learn exactly what to look for in an EMDR consultant so you can confidently grow your clinical skills and practice.
Finding the right EMDR consultant can significantly influence a clinician’s growth, confidence, and longterm success with EMDR. While many clinicians begin searching for consultation to meet EMDRIA certification requirements, the selection process should involve much more than simply fulfilling a credentialing requirement.
A consultant can help shape clinical decision-making, strengthen case conceptualization skills, and provide guidance for complex client presentations. Whether a clinician is newly trained in EMDR therapy or looking to advance a specialized EMDR practice, choosing the right consultant is an important professional decision.
What Is an EMDR Consultant?
An EMDRIA-approved consultant is an experienced EMDR professional who provides consultation to clinicians seeking to improve their skills or pursue advanced credentials. Consultation differs from supervision because it focuses specifically on EMDR implementation, protocol fidelity, and clinical application.
Many therapists seek consultation after completing EMDR therapy training to gain confidence in applying EMDR with diverse populations. A qualified consultant may also support clinicians pursuing an advanced certificate, a professional certificate, or additional specialization in trauma treatment.
Why the Right Consultant Matters
Not all consultants are the same. Some focus on general trauma work, while others specialize in areas such as OCD, ADHD, attachment wounds, dissociation, or complex trauma.
The most effective consultation relationship often includes:
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Clinical guidance tailored to the clinician’s goals
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Constructive feedback on case conceptualization
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Support with challenging client situations
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Ongoing professional development
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Ethical and practice-related consultation
For many clinicians, finding the right match is less about credentials alone and more about compatibility, communication style, and expertise.
How to Find an EMDR Consultant
When exploring how to find an EMDR consultant, clinicians should start by identifying their professional objectives
1 Questions to consider include:
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Is consultation needed for certification?
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Is the goal to improve confidence in clinical work?
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Is there a desire to specialize in a particular treatment area?
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Is consultation needed for agency or private practice work?
Clarifying these goals can make the search process significantly easier
Use the EMDR Therapist™ Directory
One of the most reliable resources is the EMDR Therapist™ Directory, which allows clinicians to identify approved consultants and verify credentials. Many professionals also use EMDR resources provided through professional organizations to locate consultants who match their interests.
The directory can help clinicians find an EMDR professional who aligns with their specialty area and consultation preferences. Information about credentials, consultation formats, and areas of expertise is often included.
Explore EMDRIA Resources
Many clinicians begin their search through EMDRIA because it maintains standards for consultation and certification pathways. Resources available to EMDRIA™ members often include consultation opportunities, networking options, and educational events.
Professionals pursuing certification may benefit from consultants familiar with current requirements and consultation hours expectations. Recent EMDRIA standards continue to emphasize structured consultation and professional development.
Ask Within the EMDR Community
The EMDR community can be a valuable source of referrals. Experienced clinicians frequently share recommendations based on their own consultation experiences.
Professional networking groups, training cohorts, and consultation groups may provide introductions to right EMDR consultants whose expertise aligns with a clinician’s needs.
Evaluating Consultant Credentials
Credentials matter, but they should not be the only factor considered.
Some consultants hold advanced academic qualifications such as a PhD, while others may be licensed as an LCSW, MSW, or LICDC professional. Educational background can provide useful context, but clinical expertise and consultation quality are equally important.
Clinicians should review:
- Professional credentials
- Years of EMDR experience
- Consultation approach
- Areas of specialization
- Availability for support
Many clinicians report that ongoing consultation remains valuable even after certification because it encourages continued growth and skill development. Community discussions often emphasize the importance of finding consultants who have experience with presentations similar to those of a clinician’s clients.
Areas of Specialization to Consider
Different consultants bring different strengths to consultation.
Attachment-Focused Work
Some consultants specialize in attachment-focused EMDR, helping clinicians work with developmental trauma, relational injuries, and attachment disruptions.
Somatic Approaches
Others incorporate somatic EMDR techniques that emphasize nervous system regulation and body-based processing.
Intensive Treatment Models
Clinicians interested in EMDR therapy intensives may seek consultants with experience delivering concentrated treatment formats.
Online Practice
As virtual services continue to expand, some consultants specialize in online EMDR therapy and telehealth adaptations.
Consultation Formats
Consultation may be available through:
- Individual consultation
- Group consultation
- Hybrid consultation models
Some clinicians prefer individual meetings for personalized feedback, while others benefit from peer learning opportunities available in group settings.
Consultation can also support broader professional management goals, including case planning, documentation practices, and service development.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Consultant
Before committing to a consultation relationship, clinicians should consider asking:
- What populations do you primarily work with?
- How do you structure consultation sessions?
- Do you work with certification candidates?
- What is your experience with complex trauma?
- How do you approach challenging cases?
- What expectations do you have for consultees?
These questions can help determine whether the consultant’s style aligns with the clinician’s professional needs.
Supporting Career Development
Consultation may also support broader career objectives.
Some professionals pursue specialized training, research involvement, or academic opportunities such as postdoctoral fellowships. Others may participate in EMDR research, contribute to the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, or seek leadership roles within the field.
Consultants can often provide guidance regarding these professional pathways.
Special Considerations for Trainees
Many trainees and EMDR therapy trainees seek consultation early in their development. Working with an experienced consultant can help bridge the gap between training and real-world clinical practice.
Some clinicians may work with a consultant-in-training, while others prefer established consultants or faculty consultants affiliated with training programs.
In certain situations, clinicians may need to contact consultants directly or use trainer networks to facilitate introductions. Some training programs also provide opportunities to contact facilitators/consultants during or after training.
Certification and Advanced Growth
For clinicians pursuing certification, consultation remains a central component of professional development.
Requirements often include documented consultation, continuing education, and demonstration of clinical competence. EMDRIA outlines consultant and certification standards for clinicians seeking advanced recognition.
Professionals interested in advanced development may also explore:
- EMDRIA credit workshops
- Specialized trauma trainings
- Certification pathways
- Leadership opportunities
- Advanced consultation programs
Some clinicians eventually pursue the EMDR-CIT pathway and later become consultants themselves. Current EMDRIA standards describe the process for becoming a Consultant-in-Training and working toward consultant status.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to find an EMDR consultant involves more than reviewing a list of names. The strongest consultation relationships are built on trust, expertise, communication, and shared professional goals.
Whether a clinician works in an agency, private practice, hospital setting, or community clinic, consultation can provide valuable support for treating clients effectively. By carefully evaluating experience, specialization, credentials, and consultation style, clinicians can identify the consultant who best fits their unique professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions​
Arizona Trauma Therapists connects clinicians with experienced EMDR consultants who offer guidance based on your professional goals, clinical experience, and areas of specialization. Whether you’re working toward certification or expanding your trauma practice, the right consultant can support your development.
Yes. Completing EMDR training is only the beginning. Arizona Trauma Therapists recommends working with an EMDR consultant to strengthen your clinical skills, improve case conceptualization, receive feedback on challenging cases, and build confidence in applying EMDR therapy.
When selecting an EMDR consultant through Arizona Trauma Therapists, consider their clinical experience, specialties, consultation style, availability, and familiarity with EMDR certification requirements. Finding a consultant whose expertise aligns with your goals can make your consultation experience more valuable.
Arizona Trauma Therapists helps clinicians connect with qualified EMDR consultants who support certification pathways, ongoing professional development, and advanced clinical growth. Consultation can also provide valuable guidance for complex trauma cases and specialized EMDR practice.
