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This is a live in-person training conducted over two weekends in El Paso, Texas

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Weekend 1: The Fundamentals of EMDR TherapyΒ 

  • Identify the history, foundational research, and myths surrounding EMDR therapy.
  • Explain the EMDR model, methodology, and mechanisms of action, including their relevance to trauma recovery.
  • Explore the principles of traumatology, neurobiology, and memory as they relate to EMDR therapy.
  • Describe the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and its evolution from EMD to EMDR.
  • Develop skills to properly assess and prepare clients for trauma-focused treatment using EMDR.
  • Learn to identify negative and positive cognitions relevant to a client’s trauma.
  • Develop skills for organizing a target sequence plan and setting up appropriate targets for EMDR processing.
  • Understand how to implement EMDR Phases 1–7.
  • Identify common challenges that arise during reprocessing and strategies for addressing them effectively.
  • Understand how to identify and manage abreactions and blocked processing effectively.
  • Apply skills for teaching clients Safe/Calm Place and Containment techniques to promote emotional regulation.

Weekend 2: Beyond the Fundamentals of EMDR Therapy

  • Deepen understanding of resourcing techniques for client stabilization and preparation in Phase 2.
  • Explore how cultural diversity impacts trauma experiences and EMDR target selection.
  • Develop skills for re-accessing trauma memories and reassessing progress within the EMDR protocol.
  • Understand how to identify and address incomplete or blocked processing.
  • Understand how to implement the Future Template as part of the EMDR protocol.
  • Learn how to effectively use cognitive interweaves to address blocked processing and enhance reprocessing.
  • Discuss ethical considerations in EMDR therapy, including informed consent and scope of practice.
  • Review legal responsibilities, including documentation and confidentiality.
  • Learn techniques for adapting EMDR for children and adolescents.
  • Explore adaptations of EMDR for special populations, such as individuals with complex trauma, medical issues, or developmental disabilities.
  • Understand the unique challenges of working with combat trauma and clients experiencing dissociation.
  • Learn techniques to address avoidance and foster client engagement during processing.
  • Practice using the 3-Pronged Approach to target past, present, and future aspects of trauma.
  • Enhance skills in prioritizing targets and guiding clients through processing.

Here’s the complete breakdown of each day for Weekend 1:

Introduction, Phases 1–2, Case Conceptualization

Time Session
8:00–9:30 Purpose of EMDR, history, AIP model
9:30–9:45 Break
9:45–11:15 Neurobiology, memory, trauma, and case conceptualization
11:15–12:30 Phase 1: Trauma-informed history taking & target planning
12:30–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:00 Phase 2: Preparation phase, resourcing, window of tolerance
3:00–3:15 Break
3:15–5:00 Practicum 1: Phase 1 & 2 – History-taking, affect tolerance, safe place

Targeting, Phases 3–8, Full Protocol

Time Session
8:00–9:30 Cognitions, target sequencing, setup, case conceptualization
9:30–9:45 Break
9:45–11:15 EMDR Phases 3–8 overview
11:15–12:30 Common challenges in reprocessing, blocked processing
12:30–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:00 Practicum 2 (Part 1): Full EMDR Protocol Practice
3:00–3:15 Break
3:15–5:00 Practicum 2 (Part 2): Switch roles, continue full EMDR protocol

Integration, Review, & Applied Case Work

Time Session
8:00–9:30 Clarifications, Q&A, advanced case conceptualization
9:30–9:45 Break
9:45–11:15 Phases 1–8 Review with applied case examples
11:15–12:30 Practicum 3 (Part 1): Facilitate full EMDR protocol
12:30–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:00 Practicum 3 (Part 2): Switch roles, continue full EMDR protocol
3:00–3:15 Break
3:15–5:00 Case reflection, debriefing, integration, and Q&A

Here’s the complete breakdown of each day for Weekend 2:

Resourcing & Multicultural Considerations

Time Session
8:00–9:30 Debrief & facilitation of advanced resourcing
9:30–9:45 Break
9:45–11:15 Case conceptualization with a multicultural lens
11:15–12:30 Target selection & special populations
12:30–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:00 Practicum 4 (Part 1): Resourcing in practice
3:00–3:15 Break
3:15–5:00 Practicum 4 (Part 2): Advanced Preparation & Re-Accessing

Future Template & Cognitive Interweaves

Time Session
8:00–9:30 Future Template & Demonstration
9:30–9:45 Break
9:45–11:15 Cognitive Interweaves & Application
11:15–12:30 Legal, Ethical Issues & Case Application
12:30–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:00 Practicum 5 (Part 1): Interweaves with EMDR Protocol
3:00–3:15 Break
3:15–5:00 Practicum 5 (Part 2): EMDR Future Template

Special Populations & Final Integration

Time Session
8:00–9:30 EMDR with Children, Combat Trauma, Avoidance, Dissociation
9:30–9:45 Break
9:45–11:15 Review of the 3-Pronged Protocol for Complex Cases
11:15–12:30 Practicum 6 (Part 1): Readdressing 3-Pronged Approach
12:30–1:30 Lunch
1:30–3:00 Practicum 6 (Part 2): Switch Roles, Continued 3-Pronged Approach
3:00–3:15 Break
3:15–5:00 Final Case Integration, Next Steps, and Debrief

Consultation: Turn Theory into Confident Practice

One of the most powerful components of this EMDR Basic Training is consultation where everything you’re learning comes to life with your own clients. These 10 hours of required consultation are included in your training and are led by Dr. Cervantes or one of her expert facilitators in a small group format.

You’ll complete:

  • 5 hours between Weekend 1 and Weekend 2
  • 5 hours after Weekend 2

(All hours must be completed within one year of starting the training to be considered fully EMDR trained.)

During consultation, you’ll present real cases using our EMDR Case Consultation Form and receive guidance tailored to your clients and your questions. This is where you learn to think like an EMDR therapist...and where it all starts to click.

Important Note:

Consultation time is intentionally built into this program to help you succeed. While your 10 hours are included, they do have real costs for our team. You’ll be offered multiple group times to fit your schedule, and we ask that you commit to attending them. If you miss a scheduled session and need individual consultation to make up hours that cannot be scheduled with another group, this will be billed separately at $185/hour.

This isn’t just extra support; it’s the bridge between learning EMDR and confidently using it in your sessions.