When to Take Part 2 of Basic EMDR Training: A Guide for Practitioners

by EMDR Australia

Are you wondering if you can take Part 2 of the Basic EMDR Training with the EMDR Institute, even if you completed Part 1 with a different trainer? The good news is that if you have completed Part 1 with any EMDRAA-accredited program and have also fulfilled the requirement of 5 hours of case consultation, you’re eligible to join Part 2 with us.

Many of us remember the feeling after completing Part 1 of Basic Training—it’s a lot to take in! The initial learning phase can be overwhelming, and starting to practice EMDR might feel daunting, especially if you’re looking to apply it to complex cases. Some practitioners dive right in, while others may feel unsure about where to begin.

In my own experience, Part 1 was just the beginning. Practicing with simpler cases helped me get comfortable with the protocol, but I quickly realised there was so much more to learn. The more I practiced, the more I recognised the gaps in my knowledge—gaps that Part 2 could fill.

If you’re like many of us, your caseload might not include straightforward single-trauma cases, making it even more challenging to practice the techniques you’ve learned. It’s normal to feel like you’re on a steep learning curve. The discomfort is part of the process, and it often means you’re right where you need to be.

Part 2 of the training is designed to deepen your understanding and answer the questions that naturally arise as you continue practicing. It’s a great next step if you’re looking to refine your skills and gain confidence in all 8 phases of EMDR.

And if you’ve already completed the basic training but feel like you could use a refresher, joining a Part 2 session could be exactly what you need to boost your practice. Remember, learning is an ongoing journey, and each step forward brings new insights and understanding.

EMDR training can be undertaken by a range of clinical disciplines. I invite you to join us in learning EMDR. Course details and eligibility can be found on our EMDR training page.

Have more questions about EMDR?  Read some of our previous blog posts or head over to our page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)!

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EMDR Australia offer accredited training in the use of EMDR therapy, from foundational skills to advanced techniques.