ONLINE EMDRIA-Approved
EMDR Therapy Training with an Expressive Arts Therapy Focus


Part I: February 7-9, 2025

Part II: May 9-11, 2025

(Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
9:00 am-5:30pm (Eastern Time)

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 and adverse life experiences. Whether your goal is to become an EMDR therapist as a specialty, or to integrate EMDR into your existing practice, our mindfulness-infused training program will help you meet your goals. 

Mindful Journey Center's  EMDR Therapy Training Program is offered through a special license from the Institute for Creative Mindfulness with a curriculum designed by Dr. Jamie Marich. The Institute for Creative Mindfulness curriculum equips you to work with real-world clinical presentations from day one, including how to handle complex and developmental trauma, addressing dissociation, and implementing EMDR into your current setting.

This training also has a special focus on Expressive Arts Therapy that is an approach to psychotherapy with roots in indigenous cultures and a rich history of evolution within modalities such as Jungian, person-centered, and Gestalt psychotherapies. Defined by its emphasis on the multi-modal process of healing (exploring many combinations for creativity rather than relying on just one art form), the strategies of expressive arts psychotherapy can prove useful to trauma therapists practicing in a variety of modalities. In this training, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of expressive arts and how to implement expressive arts strategies in EMDR therapy, especially in Phases 2 and 7, focusing on how dual attention stimulus can be used to strengthen the connection to expressive/creative resources. The standard EMDRIA-approved training curriculum is covered in full. We will have the opportunity to discuss and clarify your questions about the applications of EMDR therapy, the role of creativity, and the practice of making art as mechanisms of action in processing traumatic experiences and promoting post-traumatic growth.

This EMDR Therapy Training program curriculum and Mindful Journey Center are approved by the EMDR International Association, the standards of which require that students engage in:

  • 20 hours of lecture
  • 20 hours of supervised practicum
  • 10 hours of consultation
  • Required reading and taking an open-book learner assessment 

Completing our full basic training approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)  is a multi-tiered process of Part I and Part II, and 10 hours of consultations.  

You have ONE YEAR (12 months) from the time that you begin this training to complete all of the requirements, including the 10 hours of supplementary consultation that are required for you to receive your Certificate of Training in EMDR Therapy from Mindful Journey Center in conjunction with The Institute for Creative Mindfulness. 


Scroll down to the bottom of this page for complete CE and approval info.

Course only available as part of a bundle (Part I & Part II - Required Consultation). Please read the Informed Consent prior to registering. After completing this initial registration, you will receive an email from Thinkific to finalize your registration and be given access to preliminary course materials in your personalized dashboard.

Requirements for Eligibility

In order to take an EMDRIA-approved training program, you must meet one of the following requirements for eligibility:

  • 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 you are in active clinical practice and working with clients.

  • Master’s Level Students may be permitted to take the course if Mindful Journey Center receives a letter of recommendation from a faculty member ahead of time. Requests and letters of recommendation can be sent to: [email protected]

  • 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 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 Mindful Journey Center. In cases of these special circumstances, all cases must be made in writing with supporting documentation directly to Mindful Journey Center. You can send your request to: [email protected]

Objectives: Day 1

After attending Day 1 of the training, the participant will be able to...

1. To provide working definitions of trauma from the larger field of psychology/psychiatry and according to the adaptive information processing model

2. To discuss the history of EMDR Therapy

3. To explain EMDR Therapy’s model, methodology, and mechanism(s) within the context of the adaptive information processing model

4. To list the 8 phases of the EMDR standard protocol

5. To identify the 8 phases of the EMDR standard protocol after seeing a live or video demonstration of EMDR Therapy

Objectives: Day 2

After attending Day 2 of the training, the participant will be able to...

1. To explain how the 8 Phases of Shapiro’s Standard EMDR Therapy Protocol correspond to the 3-Stage Consensus Model of trauma treatment originally proposed by Pierre Janet

2. To conduct an EMDR Therapy Phase 1 (Client History) with respect to general, well-established principles for trauma-informed care

3. To define the terms Resource Development and Installation (RDI),  “tapping in,” and frontloading, and explain their role in EMDR Therapy Phase II preparation

4. To develop a comprehensive, holistic set of stabilization/resourcing skills in Phase II of EMDR Therapy

5. To explain the rationale behind speeds of bilateral stimulation/dual attention stimulus

6. To deliver 3-5 stabilization activities with a client in EMDR Therapy preparation, with and without bilateral stimulation

7. To discuss and implement which stabilization activities are most ideal for those clients with dissociation or complex trauma issues

8. To articulate ideas for obtaining even more exercises and activities for trauma-informed stabilization

9. To complete, under supervised practice, EMDR Phases 1 & 2 with a practice partner; this includes being able to explain EMDR Therapy to a potential client/practice partner in relatable language

10. To assess client readiness for moving from Phase 2 of EMDR Therapy into the reprocessing Phases 3-6

11. To discuss the standard targeting sequence offered in the 2001 Shapiro text for reprocessing traumatic memories

Objectives: Day 3

After attending Day 3 of the training, the participant will be able to...

1. To complete, under supervised practice, EMDR Therapy Phases 3-8

2. To define abreaction and discuss its relevance to trauma processing work

3. To list the main suggestions offered by Shapiro and master clinicians in EMDR Therapy for working with blocks in processing and handling abreactions

4. To complete, under supervised practice, a future template targeting sequence

5. To obtain resources for accessing follow-up consultation and support in EMDR Therapy between Part I of the training (Days 1-3) and Part II of the training (Days 4-6)

Objectives: Day 4

After attending Day 3 of the training, the participant will be able to...

1. To discuss, in general, what it means to be an ethical EMDR Therapist and list three safeguards for ensuring safe and ethical practice

2. To explain, in a general sense, the policy of the EMDR International Association condemning the use of EMDR therapy for Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE)

3. To define interweaves and describe at least three situations where using interweaves are useful in EMDR therapy

4. To apply three different styles of interweaves and articulate at least three examples for implementation within these styles

5. To list examples of situations within EMDR therapy where making modifications may be necessary, especially when addressing abreaction and dissociation in the various phases of EMDR therapy

6. To describe the types of modifications that might be necessary and appropriate in addressing dissociation within the clinical setting

7. To execute the EMDR 8-Phase protocol under supervised practice and receive necessary instruction about interweaves and modifications (implementing accordingly)


Objectives: Day 5

1. To list the specific protocols/targeting sequences that Shapiro overviews in her seminal text and be able to set them up (e.g., recent events, anxiety and phobia, illnesses and somatic disorders, grief, self-use)

2. To discuss the best practices for conducting EMDR therapy with the following groups of people/clinical situations: Children, couples and families, addictions, survivors of sexual abuse, complex PTSD and developmental trauma, military and public safety personnel

3. To discuss, in greater detail and clinical competence, best practices for the specific groups of people/clinical situations that participants are likely to see in their clinical settings

4. To explain the meaning of anti-oppression in psychotherapy and discuss the role of the EMDR therapist and EMDR therapy is advancing anti-oppression work

5. To access resources for obtaining specialty resources and “protocols” for these variously noted populations

6. To cultivate the quality of empathy for clients struggling with trauma-related presenting issues as a necessary first skill in building a case conceptualization treatment plan

7. To complete, under supervised practice, a future template targeting sequence

8. To implement Phase 8 Re-Evaluation strategies at both a micro-level and macro-level, including (but not limited to): Future template; rechecking Phase 1 Client History; assessing for blocking beliefs; treatment plan review


Objectives Day 6


1. To discuss the neurobiology of trauma covered on Day 1 of the course in the context of EMDR Therapy and working hypotheses about mechanisms of action

2. To present a clinical case study for the participant’s clinical practice through the EMDR Therapy/AIP framework

3. To complete, under supervised practice, any remaining practice elements that a participant may need to attend to using EMDR therapy

4. To explain EMDR therapy to a client in a general sense and provide clients with adequate informed consent for EMDR therapy

5. To discuss the characteristics of strong EMDR therapists

6. To evaluate any issues that a participant may need to address to better capture these qualities of strong EMDR therapists

7. To develop a plan for continued consultation and formation as an EMDR therapist after the completion of the training course

Acknowledge and Agreement

Training Information & Eligibility: You have read our EMDR Therapy Training information page prior to registering and verify that you meet the eligibility requirements of being a Master’s level behavioral health clinician or are a graduate student with an appropriate recommendation. Mindful Journey Center  is an EMDRIA-approved provider to serve clinicians in the United States and Canada, only with certain limited exceptions. If you are a clinician living outside of the United States or Canada, we suggest that you contact us first or check with your regional organization (e.g., EMDR Europe, EMDR Asia, EMDR Australia). A U.S.-based training may not be accepted for accreditation in your country.


Attendance: Your presence at the entire training is required at all sessions, on video, as an attendance verification. No partial credit can be awarded. You have read our EMDR Therapy Training information page prior to registering. Please also note that by taking the training in this online format, you will be required to pass a quiz following the second part of the training, per EMDRIA guidelines.

Technological Requirements: Attendance at all live sessions on the indicated dates is mandatory for completion of this course. These live lecture and practicum sessions will be hosted by the video conferencing platform Zoom. Links for joining these live sessions via zoom are included in the course portals. These links will prompt you to download the Zoom software if you have not already done so, and will then connect you to the session. Please plan on joining a few minutes early for troubleshooting if you are not already familiar with the platform. For more information on how to join a Zoom meeting, please read through the following article: https://www.howtogeek.com/662339/how-to-join-a-zoom-meeting/. By registering for these trainings, you acknowledge that you meet the technological requirements needed to participate. If you require technical assistance, you are required to reach out to your instructor at least one week prior to the start of training.


Payment: Purchase of this training ($1779.00) can be broken up into one, two, or three payments USD, with the first being due at the time of purchase, the second one month later, and the final payment a month after that. If the second payment cannot be processed due to issues with a credit card, you will be unenrolled from the course bundle. Please notify out office at [email protected] with any changes. Note that requests for refunds are governed by Mindful Journey Center's Policies.

Refund/Cancellation Policy: You have read and agree to Mindful Journey Center's Organizational Policies, which stipulate the terms for refunds, cancellations, and resolving grievances and disputes.

Consultation: In this particular offering of the training, the cost of consultation is included to meet the EMDRIA 10 hour requirement, under certain parameters. Following the conclusion of our online instructional modules, you will be given instructions for signing up for 5 (five), 2-hour groups offered by a variety go our approved consultants. These groups are offered at different times and days of the week over a six month period following the training. If you do not sign up for and complete the required number of groups within this 6-months window, then you will be responsible for booking and paying for your own consultation to finish out the 10 hour requirement.   You have ONE YEAR (12 months) from the time that you begin this training to complete all of the requirements, including the 10 hours of supplementary consultation that are required for you to receive your Certificate of Training in EMDR Therapy from Mindful Journey Center. Exceptions can be granted only in extreme circumstances (e.g., a humanitarian crisis, illness or injury).


Correspondence from Training Organization: Mindful Journey Center regularly sends correspondence about the training, including an email confirmation at registration and several emails leading up to each training. The emails presently come from [email protected]. Additionally, Mindful Journey Center may send out emails from [email protected]. If you are not receiving these emails, you are required to check your Spam folder as correspondence from new organizations often ends up there. Once you receive your first correspondence, please save the email to your address book. If you have not received a confirmation email or other correspondence from the organization within seven days of the event, it is your responsibility to reach out to us by email or phone.

Additional Reading Requirements: Please take note of the EMDR Therapy Training Reading List. EMDRIA requires that you purchase and read Francine Shapiro's Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures, which is available for purchase at Amazon and other retailers.

Professionalism: You will show up on time and be fully present for each session, acting in a professional manner. You will reach out to your faculty member or any assistants if any unexpected problems arise. Staying present for online learning can come with its unique set of challenges, and you agree to take full responsibility for addressing your needs in the area of grounding and self-care during the training. You agree to refrain from all alcohol and illicit drug use during the training and agree to speak with your faculty member or an assistant if you anticipate that your impairment due to prescribed medications might pose a problem during the training. The faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees at any time if the trainee creates an unsafe or unprofessional environment for you or for other trainees, or for any other reason, at their sole discretion.

Confidentiality: There is no client relationship or other privilege that would create a duty rising to the level of clinical confidentiality in this training setting; however, you are expected to respect the confidentiality of other trainees in the group, and your trainer will explain the importance of confidentiality. Trainees who observe a problem with another trainee are expected to bring the problem to the lead trainer or other training staff. Similarly, if a staff member observes an issue with professionalism, they reserve the right to discuss that issue with the lead trainer.

Preparedness for Doing Your Own Work: Throughout the training, you will be expected to participate in a working practicum experience in the role of therapist, client, and observer. This means that you will be expected to do a small piece of your own, authentic clinical work. If you are currently in counseling or being treated for a mental health condition, it is recommended that you speak with your provider, alerting them that you are participating in the training. If you have received a major mental health diagnosis (past or present), you acknowledge that you are taking this training and engaging in this practicum at your own risk, and agree to alert faculty or training staff before or during the training if any complications arise. You acknowledge that everyone taking part in the practicum experience is new to EMDR therapy and agree to keep the space as safe as possible for all involved. If any problems arise, you agree to address them with faculty or staff members.

Email [email protected] with any questions or concerns. After registering for this course you will receive an email from Thinkific which will ask you to complete your registration and give you access to the course portal.

Continue Education

This is live interactive webinar-based training. This is a beginner-level course. Attendance at all live sessions, and course evaluation is required to receive CE Certificate. Course evaluations are made available after all live sessions have been completed within this course portal. Upon completing the evaluation, participants will be able to download their CE certificates.

CE credit hours for this training are offered in conjunction with The Institute for Creative Mindfulness (ICM), who licenses the training curriculum. Please refer to ICM’s organizational policies for any customer service issues pertaining to CE credit hours. 

Each part of this course is approved for 21 CE credit hours by the following approval agencies:

State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
The Institute for Creative Mindfulness is an approved provider of continuing education by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for counselors, social workers, and marriage/family therapists. Approval: #RCS091306

American Psychological Association
The Institute for Creative Mindfulness is approved by American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Creative Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Irene M. Rodriguez / Mindful Journey Center is an approved training provider in EMDR Therapy by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Approval. EMDRIA is not a provider of continuing education, although they do authorize training providers in EMDR therapy after a rigorous approval process. Completion of Part I & Part II constitutes partial training in EMDR Therapy. Completion of required consultation is needed to receive full certificate of training from Mindful Journey Center.

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. In both of 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. In some states, pre- or post-program approval forms must be sent, and you are responsible for checking into the rules of the licensure board in your state as to what is required. Please let your trainer, Irene M. Rodriguez know if you need support documentation in any way for these pre or post-program approval applications.

Instructor(s)

Irene Rodriguez, LMHC, REAT

Irene M. Rodriguez, M.S., LMHC, REAT, is the founder and director of Mindful Journey Center. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Irene is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT), an EMDRIA-approved consultant and trainer. She is also a Certified Laughter Yoga Facilitator and Meditation Facilitator. Irene co-authored a chapter on EMDR Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Jamie Marich in the book EMDR Therapy and Creative Arts. Irene is known for her supportive approach to training, meeting trainees where they are and helping them develop skills with compassion and guidance. Her career began in community mental health, and she has since specialized in areas such as addiction, complex trauma, attachment, dissociation, mindfulness, expressive arts, and compassion fatigue. She creates workshops and trainings that foster a sense of community, fun, and a non-judgmental environment for enhancing learning.

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