In the field of psychotherapy, professional growth is a journey marked by curiosity, continuous learning, and ethical responsibility. For EMDR therapists, this journey often includes a pivotal step: EMDR consultation. Whether you’re just starting your EMDR journey or are an experienced clinician seeking advanced strategies, engaging in consultation can profoundly boost your confidence, clinical outcomes, and career trajectory. It has for me!
As an EMDRIA-Certified, Consultant-in-Training (I will be a full EMDRIA consultant in early 2025) and a seasoned practitioner with thousands of client hours specifically with EMDR therapy, I have witnessed the transformative power of consultation—not just for the client’s benefit but for the clinician’s professional development. Let’s explore how EMDR consultation can empower you and why it’s an essential part of ethical practice. I know first hand because I have offered consultation and actively receive consultation.
Confidence Through Competence
One of the most frequent concerns among EMDR therapists is the question, “Am I doing this right?” Despite rigorous training, applying EMDR to complex cases can feel daunting, especially when trauma presentations deviate from textbook examples. This is where consultation shines.
During EMDR consultation, you gain clarity on protocol fidelity while learning how to adapt your approach to diverse clinical presentations. Whether you’re refining your use of bilateral stimulation or addressing stuck processing, consultation provides a collaborative space to troubleshoot challenges, deepen your understanding, and enhance your skills.
I’ve had the privilege of coaching therapists as they master advanced EMDR techniques, integrate Ego-State Therapy, or explore the intersections of EMDR with other modalities like CBT, exposure therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and more. These moments not only fortify their clinical expertise but also bolster their confidence—a quality that clients intuitively recognize and appreciate.
An Ethical Imperative
The American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) emphasize the ethical responsibility of clinicians to seek supervision and consultation. NASW’s Code of Ethics (2021 Revision) states:
“Social workers who provide supervision or consultation are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.” (NASW, 3.01)
Similarly, the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct underscores that:
“Psychologists undertake ongoing efforts to develop and maintain their competence.” (APA, 2.03)
These guidelines remind us that supervision and consultation are not optional luxuries but integral components of ethical practice. For EMDR therapists, regular consultation is especially critical as we work with vulnerable populations navigating profound trauma.
Enhancing Your Career and Expanding Opportunities
EMDR consultation is not merely about improving clinical skills; it’s an investment in your career. Achieving EMDRIA Certification elevates your professional credibility, making you a sought-after specialist in trauma therapy. Additionally, consultation equips you with advanced tools to work with challenging cases, leading to better client outcomes and a reputation for excellence.
Through my EMDR consulting services, I’ve had the honor of guiding clinicians toward these milestones. With years of experience and a deep commitment to collaborative learning, I provide a supportive environment where therapists can refine their techniques, address concerns, and confidently step into leadership roles in their practices and communities. See more about these services by clicking here.
Why Work With Me?
With thousands and thousands of hours of direct clinical social work and trauma therapy (most with EMDR), I bring a wealth of experience to every consultation session. My approach integrates EMDRIA’s gold standards with insights from real-world practice, including advanced trauma interventions. I am eclectic in my approach and think outside the box, the only true way to help trauma survivors heal and thrive.
I understand the unique challenges trauma therapists face, whether you’re navigating the complexities of working with chronic PTSD or exploring the generational impact of trauma in a client’s life. Together, we’ll tackle those challenges, helping you grow not just as a clinician but as a confident leader in the field.
Take the Next Step in Your Professional Journey
If you’re ready to elevate your EMDR practice, I invite you to explore the transformative potential of consultation. Whether you’re pursuing certification, seeking advanced training, or simply wanting to refine your skills, I’m here to partner with you.
Invest in yourself and your career. Your clients—and your future self—will thank you. Mine have and my practice thrives as a result.
Let’s connect and start building your confidence today.
Bibliography
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
EMDR International Association. (n.d.). Standards for EMDR Training and Practice. Retrieved from https://www.emdria.org/
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