For EMDR therapists: How to build confidence and competence
As an EMDR therapy consultant, I have worked with many therapists who have completed an EMDR therapy basic training course all across the country. One of the common themes that we see from new therapists after completing an EMDRIA-approved basic training course is excitement about the potential of the EMDR therapy model, accompanied with a lack of confidence in their ability to accurately implement the model.
So how can an EMDR therapist build confidence as well as competence in the EMDR therapy model? Here are a few suggestions:
Practice EMDR therapy more:
Practicing EMDR therapy is one of the best ways to build confidence and proficiency in EMDR therapy. As an EMDR therapist, the skill set for EMDR therapy is new, different, and requires practice. The more completed targets that you have, the more variation in the targets that you set up, the more nuances to treatment plans that you made, the more confidence that you will build in our EMDR therapy practice.
Consultation:
Consultation is one of the best ways to learn and grow as an EMDR therapist. Whether you participate in group EMDR consultation or choose to participate in individual EMDR consultation, connecting with a seasoned consultant offering you direct support on your EMDR cases is one of the best ways to grow as an EMDR therapy clinician. Consultation will offer you the opportunity to discuss mistakes, get feedback on areas that you are excelling, and correct any errors in your understanding of the EMDR model. (We all misunderstood something in the EMDR therapy basic training course!) While there is a cost associated with consultation, it is important to see this as a professional investment in refining your skills and abilities in this complex and dynamic therapy model.
EMDRIA-approved advanced training:
The EMDRIA basic training course is truly just the beginning of the training journey for an EMDR therapist. Attending advanced training, refresher courses, or the EMDRIA conference offers the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and integrating EMDR therapy in new and dynamic ways. Choosing to implement EMDRIA Approved CEUs in your license renewal requirements is a great way to build your confidence and your competence as an EMDR therapist and advance your EMDR therapy practice.
Peer support groups:
Peer support groups are not available in all areas, but many areas of the country actually have regional peer support groups. These groups offer the opportunity to network with other EMDR therapists, ask questions about challenging cases, learn about new training opportunities, and even at times practice EMDR therapy skills with other EMDR therapists. If there is an EMDR peer support group in your area, it could be a great option to check it out and see if this may be a part of building your EMDR therapy network, and develop confidence in your own EMDR therapy skills.
