EMDRIA- Approved EMDR Basic Training (Virtual)

Part One: August 8-10, 2025; Part Two: October 10-12, 2025 Friday-Sunday

Fridays & Saturdays 9 AM - 6 PM Eastern Time, Sundays 9 AM - 5:15 PM Eastern Time

EMDRIA-Approved Trainer: Bill Brislin

Skill Level: Beginner

Audience: Mental Health Professionals including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, Graduate Students and pre-licensed therapists who are on a track to licensure

About This Course:

Full Training Package Includes:
20 Hours Lecture
20 Hours Small Group Practicum
10 Hours Consultation
40 Optional CEs (see detailed CE information below)

All components of Basic Training must be completed within 12 months of the start of training.

Also Included:

Printed Training Manual (300+ pages) mailed to you prior to the training
Online access to downloadable/printable forms, scripts, and handouts from the manual
Discussion Board for communicating with your training cohort
“Office Hours” for additional Q&A with your trainer each morning prior to the lecture

The need for evidence-based trauma treatment is, unfortunately, growing day by day. To help you meet that need, we’ve translated our traditional, EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training into a live, virtual format that includes lots of interaction, Q&A, and real-time practicum experiences. All through our Zoom platform.

In addition to the core material we’ll share best practices for delivering EMDR Therapy via telehealth with great fidelity to the research validated model for optimal results. If you love the idea of learning from the comfort of your home or office with no additional travel costs, this option might be perfect for you.

Personalized attention, thoughtful feedback, and a warm spirit of hospitality are hallmarks of all Connect trainings, and we are proud and excited to bring those values to the digital realm. Our highly experienced virtual training team provides dynamic energy and strong support throughout the two intensive three-day weekends. We are deeply invested in your growth and can’t wait to welcome you to our vibrant community of effective, trauma-informed therapists!
Spaces are limited to ensure an optimal learning environment for each participant.

Throughout our Basic Training, we emphasize appropriate client selection, preparation, and stabilization for diverse levels of client complexity and clinical expertise. With ongoing Consultation built right into the training package, you will get the guidance you need to start using these new skills safely and effectively right away.

Who is Eligible to Attend?

EMDRIA Sets the Standards for Attendance. Read full eligibility requirements here: https://www.emdria.org/emdr-training/eligibility-requirements-for-emdr-training/

Registered Interns
Social Workers
Mental Health Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Psychiatric ARNPs
Graduate Students in Internship with Active Caseloads

Fees: (Includes 10 hours required Consultation via Zoom)

Payment Plan/Deposit Option: Select this option at Checkout to Pay $550 when you register and the remainder by July 18, 2025.

Nonprofit Clinician: $1,250
For-Profit Clinician: $1,425
Optional CEs: $75 available for purchase at registration (total of 40 CEs for complete course) Please scroll down for full information on CEs and coverage.

*Non-Profit Clinicians are those working 20+ hours a week in a non-profit setting or graduate students in their final internship/practicum with active clinical cases.

*** We have limited spaces for EMDR therapists who have previously completed a training offered by an EMDRIA accredited provider to retake the course at half-price. This does not include the 10 hours of consultation. Please contact Claire at Claire@ConnectEMDR.com to inquire.

Cancellation Policy

Full refund minus credit card processing fees for cancellations prior to 2 weeks before basic training starts.
*in the event of illness, we will make every effort to schedule you into another Basic Training within the calendar year.

We are committed to providing you with a great staff-to-student ratio and consultant-to-consultee ratio, which means confirming our staff at least two weeks in advance based on registrations. That is why we can’t provide refunds for cancellations made within two weeks of the training.

Training Highlights:

Two, Three-Day Training Weekends (Friday - Sunday)

Supervised small group practice on each training day.
The Full Course (20 hrs didactic, 20 hrs practicum, and 10 hrs consultation) included in fee.
EMDRIA-Approved Basic Training setting the stage for EMDRIA Certification
Physiological overview of the information processing system.
Specialized history taking to identify dysfunctional patterns and their causes.
Treatment planning to address past events, current triggers and future needs.
Stabilization techniques across the attachment spectrum.
Reduction of overt symptoms to achieve comprehensive mental health.
Address the full range of trauma and other disturbing life events.
Applications to combat trauma and first responders.
Applications to addictions, grief, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorders.
Applications to natural and man-made disasters.
Applications to family and couples therapy
Applications to trauma caused by racism and social location

Detailed Course Overview & Learning Objectives

20 hours of didactic, 20 hours of supervised practice, 10 hours of Group Consultation. The supervised practice is gently guided by a facilitator who will assist the participants to apply the model and objectives of the morning lecture. All components must be completed within 12 months of the start of training.

Part One Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the history and evolution of EMDR Therapy.
2. Identify the 5 components of a memory.
3. Explain 2 possible mechanisms of action thought to contribute to the efficacy of EMDR.
4. Describe 3 key research findings about EMDR Therapy.
5. List 6 types of client complaints treatable with EMDR therapy.
6. Discuss 5 considerations for appropriate client selection.
7. Describe 3 measures for effective and safe use of EMDR therapy.
8. List 3 techniques for identifying targets during history taking.
9. Explain the therapeutic process using both adult and child-friendly language.
10. Demonstrate how to introduce a state change technique during Preparation Phase.
11. Select an appropriate first target memory for reprocessing.
12. Explain the 2 main goals of the Assessment Phase.
13. Prepare a comprehensive treatment plan using Standard Protocol.
14. List the 8 phases and 3 Prongs of EMDR Therapy.
15. Select appropriate opportunities for using the Recent Event Protocol.
16. Apply Future Templates as part of EMDR Therapy’s 3rd Prong.

Part Two Learning Objectives:

1. Explain key differences between simple and complex case presentations.
2. Describe 3 ways to address the impact of clients’ cultures, roles, and identities within the AIP Model.
3. Describe key differences in treatment planning for clients with developmental trauma.
4. Assess where a client is in relation to their “Window of Tolerance.”
5. List 3 common blocking beliefs that hinder progress in therapy.
6. Identify when to modify EMDR’s Standard Protocol for emergent situations and complex presentations.
7. Demonstrate Preparation Phase interventions for complex cases, including Resource Development and Installation.
8. Identify common signs of dissociation and select appropriate screening tools.
9. List 3 strategies to manage hypoarousal during processing.
10. List 3 strategies to help clients maintain dual attention during intense emotional responses.
11. Distinguish between different types of cognitive interweaves.
12. Apply interweaves as needed to facilitate blocked Processing.
13. Explain when and how to use EMD, rather than EMDR.
14. Prepare treatment plans to address both simple and complex phobias.
15. Prepare specialized treatment plans for at least 3 different populations, such as military, sexual trauma survivors, and clients with substance use disorders.
16. Describe special considerations for working with anxiety, grief, and somatic disorders as an EMDR Therapist.

Schedule for Each Weekend:

All times reflect the Eastern Time Zone as ConnectEMDR is based in Orlando, FL. To convert to your time zone, use the World Clock feature on your iPhone home screen.

Part One:

Friday

9:00am - 9:15am: Sign On/Housekeeping/Tech Check
9:15am - 1:00pm: Lecture with 15 minute break
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm - 6:00pm: Afternoon Practicum

Saturday

9:00am - 9:15am: "Office Hours"
9:15am - 1:00pm: Lecture with 15 minute break
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm - 6:00pm: Afternoon Practicum

Sunday

9:00am - 9:15 am "Office Hours"
9:15am - 12:30pm: Lecture with 15 minute break
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 5:00pm: Afternoon Practicum
5:00pm - 5:15pm: Wrap Up

Part Two

Friday

9:00am - 9:15am: Sign On/Housekeeping/Tech Check
9:15am - 1:00pm: Lecture with 15 minute break
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm - 6:00pm: Afternoon Practicum

Saturday

9:00am - 9:15am: "Office Hours"
9:15am - 1:00pm: Lecture with 15 minute break
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm - 6:00pm: Afternoon Practicum

Sunday

9:00am - 9:15 am "Office Hours"
9:15am - 12:30pm: Lecture with 15 minute break
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 5:00pm: Afternoon Practicum
5:00pm - 5:15pm: Wrap Up

FAQs:

We highly recommend that you visit our Website To learn more about Connect's Basic Training, including important FAQS about the training and consultation process.

Required Reading:

Per the EMDRIA, all trainees are required to read Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, 3rd Ed., by Francine Shapiro. We recommend purchasing this book (online) as soon as you register so that you can read as much as possible prior to the start of your training.

Attendance Policy

Participants must attend all training days in their entirety and actively participate in all supervised practice exercises and group consultation sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion for this training. Those who miss more than 15 minutes of any portion of the training, at any point during the training, may be dismissed from the training at the discretion of the staff and will not receive a certificate of completion, CE credits, or a refund. We understand that emergencies and illnesses sometimes happen during the training. The structure of EMDR Basic Training is such that each afternoon's experiential work draws on what is learned in morning lecture, and each day's activities build on previous days. Practicum is completed in small groups and unfolds over each 3-day training period. For this reason, it is not typically possible to "make-up" missed portions of lecture or practicum at a later date. Instead, we can offer a retake of the entire training weekend at 50% of the regular training price.

About The Presenter

Originally from Pennsylvania, Bill has been a therapist in Orlando, Florida for over thirty years. He is an EMDRIA-Approved Basic Trainer and Consultant as well as an EMDR R-TEP/G-TEP trainer.

Bill provided the Orlando R-TEP/G-TEP training in response to the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Bill has a special interest in complex trauma and dissociation which began during his fifteen years as a therapist in an AIDS support agency. Along with Reg Morrow, he facilitates an advanced complex trauma consultation group which is open to distance learners. He offers advanced trainings in working with Anxiety and with Dissociation as an EMDR Therapist.

Philosophically grounded in the humanistic tradition, Bill utilizes EMDR therapy as his primary modality with great attention to attachment injury and early life trauma.

Statement of Proactive Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

Connect welcomes trainees and consultees from all cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual and gender orientations. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all trainees and consultees, including Black People, People of Color, Indigenous People, and LGBTQ People. We pledge to proactively address issues of cultural competence and culturally-based trauma during every phase of professional development.

ADA Assistance

Our in-person trainings are held in facilities that are in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Please contact Claire at Claire@ConnectEMDR.com or (407) 970-7915 if accommodation is required for this online training.

CEs

CE-Classes.com is approved by:

• The American Psychological Association (APA) CE-Classes.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE-Classes.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

• Florida Certification Board

• The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #852 BAP-Expires 3/31/2025

• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS, recognizes relevant course work/training that has been approved by nationally recognized certifying bodies, such as APA, to satisfy renewal requirements.

• California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-12-174-0225 Expires 02-2025

• The Texas Board of Social Work Examiners – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.

• The Texas Board of Professional Counselors – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.

• The Texas Board of Marriage & Family Therapists – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.

• Massachusetts Authorization Number: (TBD)

• Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board - Approval from a state licensing board for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists is accepted by the OH CSWMFTB.

• New York Social Work Board – CE-Classes.com is recognized by the New York State Education

Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0120.

• New York Mental Health Practitioners Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0260.

• New York Psychology Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0211

• Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (LPCs, LMFTs and LBCs)

• South Carolina - CE-Classes.com is approved by the S.C. Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapist, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (#4696).

• Illinois - CE-Classes.com is a registered social work CE sponsor by the State of Illinois. License 159.001607 Expires 11/30/2025

• The Florida Board of Nursing (CE Provider #: 50-4896) Expires 10/31/2026 Do not send certificates to the Florida Board of Nursing. You must keep this certificate for 4 years.

• The California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2026.

Grievances:

Connect seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to info@ConnectEMDR.com Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.

There is no known conflict of interest nor commercial support for this program.

Connect Virtual EMDR Basic Training August & October 2025