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, brain-body focused treatment modality, which is highly effective in treating the widespread conditions related to trauma. Healing TREE facilitates and sponsors EMDRIA-approved, 52 hour trainings (including 10 hours of consultation) done by an internationally recognized, one-of-a-kind training team in this modality. We currently provide 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 trainings are available for clinicians serving any community, anywhere in the country, with groups as small as 12. 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.
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
Traditional modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), or talk therapy, don’t engage the part of the brain that is injured during trauma. 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.” However, many clinicians are not trained in EMDR therapy due to it being cost prohibitive. This is especially true for clinicians outside of private practice who serve those in great need which leaves the most marginalized populations without this quality of care.
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 trauma-focused treatment – going beyond treating just the symptoms and addressing the root issue of their trauma – which helps them break cycles of abuse, poverty and poor mental and physical health.
About Our Training Program
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. 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
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, an affiliate of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. 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 52 hour training outlined above is $1,950 per clinician, all inclusive. Please note that the cost of the training does not include travel or lodging. A minimum of 12 clinicians must be trained at a time; adjustments may potentially be made to accommodate smaller groups. Healing TREE is periodically able to offer scholarships to eligible clinicians as well as self-pay slots to join already scheduled trainings (avoiding the need for your organization to reach a minimum of 12 trainees.) Please join our waitlist at the top of this page if you are interested.
Please note that $1,950 is comparable to the typical all-inclusive training fee per therapist with trainers, facilitators and consultants of this caliber, 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 without increasing the cost of a typical training of this caliber to have us involved. Healing TREE also works with local communities to ensure a proper location for the training is secured, which includes trainer’s needed technology and trainees’ amenities as well as adequate space for breakouts and practicum work. 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.
Click the images to enlarge
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.