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We facilitate and sponsor trainings in the evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment modality EMDR to spread healing to underserved populations.

We facilitate and sponsor trainings in the evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment modality EMDR to spread healing to underserved populations.

EMDR Therapy Training


EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is a leading, evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment modality, which is highly effective in treating the widespread conditions related to trauma. Healing TREE facilitates and sponsors EMDRIA-approved EMDR Therapy Trainings done by an internationally recognized, one-of-a-kind training team in this cutting edge modality. As of 2023, we have sponsored and facilitated trainings for over 340 therapists serving approximately 17,000 youth per year in the foster care, child welfare and juvenile justice systems.


Ways to Join our Trainings

We currently sponsor these trainings for therapists working at social service agencies serving youth in the foster care, child welfare and juvenile justice systems, 95% of whom are below the poverty level. Our self-pay or organization-pay trainings are available for clinicians serving any community, anywhere in the country, with a minimum of 20 trainees per training. Our self or organization-pay option is also available for folks who would like to join an already scheduled training. This may be advantageous for 1) those not wanting to wait until a scholarship slot becomes available given the length of our waitlist 2) those not eligible for our scholarships 3) if an organization is not able to cover the cost of training 20 trainees (the minimum to schedule their own training). Joining a training already scheduled in your city or state, or your organization hosting a training, would save travel and lodging costs generally associated with trainings of this caliber. We currently host our trainings in locations that typically do not have other in-person EMDR Therapy Trainings. Additionally, with enough interest in any location in the country, we can put together a training to meet the 20 trainee minimum. So, we encourage you to join our waitlist no matter what type of training you are interested in! You can also contact us if you are interested.

About EMDR

Discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the most researched and utilized methods in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of human distress connected to trauma. As the American Psychological Association explains EMDR is “a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Unlike other treatments that focus on directly altering the emotions, thoughts and responses resulting from traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.”

Traditional modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), or talk therapy, don’t engage the part of the brain that is injured during trauma. As one of the world’s leading trauma experts, Bessel van der Kolk, MD, says, “Trauma has nothing whatsoever to do with cognition.” Furthermore, the World Health Organization stated in 2013 that trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents, and adults with PTSD. “Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive cognitions related to the traumatic event. Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework.”


Efficacy


EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. EMDR has been shown as superior to Fluoxetine in treating PTSD and depression (Van der Kolk et al., 2007). In a comparison of CBT and EMDR for sexually abused Iranian girls, both EMDR and CBT produced significant reduction in PTSD and behavior problems but EMDR was significantly more efficient, using approximately half the number of sessions to achieve results. (Jaberghaderi, N., et al., 2004). Three 90-minute sessions of EMDR eliminated post-traumatic stress disorder in 90% of rape victims. (Rothbaum, B., 1997.) Two sessions of EMDR reduced psychological distress in traumatized adolescents/ young women and brought scores within one standard deviation of the norm. (Scheck, M., et al., 1998)


News

Why We Need to Train Clinicians in EMDR

Removing Barriers

Despite EMDR’s incredible body of research and efficacy, many clinicians are not trained in it due to it being cost-prohibitive. This is especially true for clinicians outside of private practice who serve under-resourced communities, which leaves the most marginalized populations without this quality of care. This informs our focus on providing training scholarships for clinicians serving the most vulnerable communities and bringing the trainings to locations that don’t typically have them to save travel and lodging costs for clinicians doing self or organization-pay. We believe in equitable access to first-rate treatment and a founding principal of ours is removing barriers for those who have been systemically shut out of this access.

Transforming the lives of youth in the foster care, child welfare and juvenile justice systems

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study shows that childhood trauma is often the root cause of later in life mental and physical illness, addiction, and other leading causes of death and dysfunction. Our sponsorships ensure that youth in the foster care, child welfare and juvenile justice systems have access to this leading, trauma-focused treatment. EMDR goes beyond treating symptoms and addresses the root issue of trauma, which helps clients break cycles of abuse, poverty and poor mental and physical health. This saves and transforms individual lives as well as impacts families and entire communities.

About Our Training Program

Completing our full training approved by EMDRIA is a multi-tiered process, consisting of:

  • Part I Training (3 Days = 21 total hours of Lecture and Practicum; In person): Covers the basics of trauma, the adaptive information processing model, trauma-informed stabilization, and the basic methodology and mechanisms of action used in EMDR Therapy. Therapists will be able to practice EMDR Therapy with certain clients after completion of Part I.
  • Part II Training (3 Days = 21 total hours of Lecture and Practicum; In person): Enhanced practicum content, covering best practices for using EMDR Therapy with special populations and in the complex scenarios of clinical practice; advanced content on ethics and neurobiology is also covered, in addition to working with the art of case conceptualization. 
  • 10 Hours of Consultation (Virtual): Spread out into two segments of 5 hours following each part of the training, working with an EMDRIA-approved consultant (whom trainees can choose based on the population group they treat), which is essential to practical skill building as an EMDR therapist. The trainer will make available an adequate number of video platform based consultation groups with ample time and notice to schedule. Completion of consultation is required before a Certificate of Training in EMDR Therapy may be awarded.
  • Training manuals are included (one for Part I and one for Part II) and are given to trainees the first day of each training.

CERTIFICATION
Successful completion of this program constitutes completion of the foundational training program in EMDR Therapy, and allows one to practice EMDR Therapy within one’s clinical scope of practice. Earning the EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist distinction requires additional training and consultation one may complete with us or another party if they wish to go on for this distinction.

CURRICULUM + TRAINING TEAM
The curriculum has been designed by Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, RMT and trainings are led by Amber Stiles-Bodnar, MSEd, LPCC-S, LCDC III. Dr. Jamie Marich is an internationally renowned clinical trauma specialist, author, and speaker on topics related to EMDR therapy, trauma, addiction and more as well as the founder of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) granted Jamie the 2019 Advocacy in EMDR Award. Amber Stiles-Bodnar, an affiliate of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, specializes in trauma, abuse, codependency, and the intersection between trauma, addiction and high-risk lifestyles. Amber has worked in mental health and chemical dependency treatment providing therapy as a residential, outpatient and dual diagnosis counselor. Amber has a history of working in community mental health as a trauma expert, assisting with special projects, program development, and integrating trauma informed care standards throughout the agencies. As a former Supervisor of Foster Care, she has extensive experience treating and overseeing the treatment of children and families. Our trainers have the only EMDRIA-approved training program that teaches EMDR therapy through the lens of mindfulness. They also uniquely allow trainees to choose consultants that align with the population group they treat (e.g. children, adults, addiction, etc.) This program specifically equips therapists to work with real world clinical presentations from day one, including how to handle complex and developmental trauma, addressing dissociation, and implementing EMDR into their current setting.

COST
The cost for the entire 52 hour training outlined above is $1,950 per clinician (not including travel or lodging). Please see “Ways to Join Our Trainings” near the top of this page to learn about our periodically offered scholarships as well as our self and organization-pay options and training size minimums. Please join our waitlist via the buttons at the top of this page if you are interested. Please note that $1,950 is comparable to the typical all-inclusive (not including travel or lodging) training fee per therapist with trainers, facilitators and consultants of this caliber (please see the “Curriculum + Training Team” section directly above), but the trainers provide a generous discount to Healing TREE/for Community Mental Health providers. This allows Healing TREE to do the work necessary to, whenever possible, secure the funds for the training and to handle the programming, facilitation and administrative tasks for the therapists/agencies, removing the burden from under-resourced systems, without increasing the cost of a typical training of this caliber to have us involved. As this program grows, we are able to provide EMDR Therapy Training to more therapists in under-served communities.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Please note, there is nothing specific trainees must do post completion of their basic training in order to continue to utilize EMDR. There are recommendations, made by state licensing boards, clinicians utilize best practice standards. This is often accomplished through clinicians obtaining continuing education in areas in which they practice. It is suggested clinicians therefore continue their professional development through various forms of continuing education in the area of EMDR.

Forty two CEs are available for Parts I and II.

This course is APPROVED by The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

American Psychological Association
Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting maintains responsibility for this program and its content and is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  

National Board of Certified Counselors
Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting has been approved by National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7170. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting is an approved provider of continuing education by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (OCSWMFT) for counselors, social workers, and marriage/family therapists. Approval Number:  #RCST032001

A General Note About Approvals
Please also note that APA-approved sponsors are accepted by many state boards, such as California BBS and major licensure boards within the state of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. In these cases, separate paperwork does not need to be filled out. Many state boards also accept out-of-state providers, which is why our Ohio approvals appear on every training. For example, Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors accepts other state board approvals.  In some states, pre- or post-program approval forms must be sent, and therapists are responsible for checking into the rules of the licensure board in their state as to what is required.

Eligibility


A Masters or Doctoral Degree
A masters or doctoral degree in a clinical mental health-related field (e.g., counseling, marriage & family therapy, social work, psychology, etc.) is required. Although it is not required, it is strongly preferred that trainee is in active clinical practice and working with clients.


Master’s Level Students
Master’s level students may be permitted to take the course if Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting receives a letter of recommendation from a faculty member ahead of time. Requests and letters of recommendation should be sent to the trainer via Healing TREE.


Medical Professionals
Medical professionals (e.g., nurses and physicians) are also eligible to take the course if they possess a clinical master’s or doctorate degree and if their primary specialty is within mental health.


Chemical Dependency Professionals, Pastoral/Christian Counselors, and Art/Music/Dance Therapists
Chemical dependency professionals with a master’s degree or higher may also be eligible to take the course. Pastoral/Christian counselors, and art/music/dance therapists may also be eligible if they can show sufficient clinical content on their master’s level transcripts. In these three specialty scenarios, prior approval is required from the trainer. In these special circumstances, all cases must be made in writing with supporting documentation to the trainer via Healing TREE.

Get Involved

Sponsor

You can sponsor clinicians on our waitlist to get EMDR Therapy Training. $1,950 covers the 52 hour training for 1 clinician.

Bring EMDR to Your Organization

Contact Healing TREE to discuss training for your organization. We can also provide information to help your organization get funding to bring EMDR Therapy Training to your clinicians.

Testimonials

“I truly had no expectations from this EMDR training. I am an anti-‘woo-woo’ kind of person. After learning about the biology / anatomy behind this therapy, I quickly realized EMDR is a “kill switch” to all those verbal things our clients get hung up on during processing issues/trauma problems. You cannot make progress when the defense mechanisms will not come down.”
~ R.S.

“Before I stared EMDR training I felt like I was at a loss as therapist, I was burnt out and asked myself why do I continue to do therapy and all of my clients are still stuck. Doing this training and getting the opportunity to see a different way to therapy has been life changing for not only myself but for my clients. … EVERY therapist should be trained in EMDR.”
~ Macie G.

“… I was skeptical of EMDR. However, I tried it with clients and was amazed at the process and client feedback. One client shared at the beginning it was as if a tornado was in the back of their head. When they cleared they shared that the tornado was gone. I plan to continue with EMDR and help my clients – one tornado at a time.”
~ Ashley B.

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Share your EMDR Therapy, or EMDR Therapy Training Testimonial with us…

Why our EMDR Therapy Training is so important

See the Difference Your Donation Makes

Our program has seen record breaking results due to our generous donors, grantors and sponsors. We have currently provided an estimated 14,500 youth per year in the foster care, child welfare and juvenile justice systems access to EMDR therapy. There has been a reduction in their hospital bills, need for medication and self-injurious behavior and, because of this, some do not even qualify for their same level of care anymore. Your gift will have a similar impact on individuals needing trauma focused therapy, transforming their lives, families, communities, and ultimately, our society.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Giving Levels

Healing TREE works closely with businesses, charitable trusts, public bodies and individuals to form mutually beneficial partnerships that have a real impact. Your support, no matter the size, is important in sustaining our life saving programs. In appreciation of your gift, you will receive a comprehensive collection of carefully selected benefits designed and easily customizable depending on your needs. If you have any questions about donor benefits, please contact us at [email protected] or (502) 743-2733.

PLATINUM $10,000
BENEFITS OF DONATING AT THE PLATINUM LEVEL

  • Content creation by Healing TREE for sponsor’s website (i.e. a unique video by Healing TREE Founder and Executive + Artistic Director Marissa Ghavami talking about Healing TREE’s life-saving work and your integral support)
  • Optional Speaking opportunity / Advertisement via video (or in person if in same city) at the EMDR Therapy Training sponsored.
  • 2 min Video / Advertisement and Extra-large logo placement on EMDR Therapy Training page.
  • 5 posts on any of our social media platforms – dedicated to your company only.
  • Sponsor name will be a part of training session, “XXX presents”.
  • On-site product sampling opportunities.
  • An annual impact report along with a charitable tax receipt.

GOLD $6,000
BENEFITS OF DONATING AT THE GOLD LEVEL

  • Content creation by Healing TREE for sponsor’s website (i.e. a unique video by Healing TREE Founder and Executive + Artistic Director Marissa Ghavami talking about Healing TREE’s life-saving work and your integral support)
  • Large logo placement on EMDR Therapy Training page.
  • 5 posts on any of our social media platforms – dedicated to your company only.
  • Logo on material for EMDR Therapy Training.
  • On-site product sampling opportunities.
  • Annual impact report along with a charitable tax receipt.

SILVER $3,000
BENEFITS OF DONATING AT THE SILVER LEVEL

  • On-site product sampling opportunities.
  • Medium logo placement on EMDR Therapy Training page.
  • 3 posts on any of our social media platforms – dedicated to your company only.
  • Annual impact report along with a charitable tax receipt.

BRONZE $1,500
BENEFITS OF DONATING AT THE BRONZE LEVEL

  • On-site product sampling opportunities.
  • Small logo placement on EMDR Therapy Training page.
  • 3 posts on any of our social media platforms – dedicated to your company only.
  • Annual impact report along with a charitable tax receipt.

FRIENDS $750
BENEFITS OF DONATING AT THE FRIENDS LEVEL

  • Extra small logo / name placement on EMDR Therapy Training page.
  • 1 post on any of our social media platforms – this will be shared with other level sponsors.
  • Annual impact report along with a charitable tax receipt.

Looking for an affordable and convenient way to support Healing TREE? Simply arrange a monthly gift. Recurring donations are vital to sustaining all of Healing TREE’s programming. All monthly donors will be recognized at the level associated with their annual donation total.