On-Demand CE Training
ODL 380: EMDR Essentials: An Introductory Overview for Helping Professionals
Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.
2 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:
Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 2 Clinical Continuing Education credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 2 Contact hours
Psychologists
APA – 2 CE credits
Counselors 2 Contact hours
NBCC ACEP – 2 Contact hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 2 Contact hours
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – This course is not approved for NAADAC Contact hours
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 2 Contact hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 2 Contact hours- expires 1/9/27
Created On: 1/20/26
(Attention Case Managers ONLY: CCMC expires on this course on 1/9/27 and will not be renewed. Please complete before this date.)
Target Audience:
This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.
Overview:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy approach used to help clients process distressing memories and reduce associated symptoms. This 2-hour introductory training is designed for social workers, counselors, nurses, case managers, psychologists, and other helping professionals who want a clear, accessible overview of EMDR.
Participants will explore the basic theory behind EMDR, including the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, key terminology, and the structure of the standard eight-phase protocol. Through lecture, case examples, and guided discussion, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of when and why EMDR may be indicated, what it looks like in practice, and how it fits within a broader trauma-informed treatment plan.
This session is intended as a “taste” of EMDR and does not provide the level of training required to independently practice EMDR. Participants will, however, leave with a clearer sense of whether they wish to pursue more in-depth education through an EMDR basic training.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
- Describe the basic principles of EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model in relation to trauma and memory.
- Identify at least two proposed mechanisms of action underlying EMDR therapy.
- Outline the eight standard phases of EMDR treatment and the general flow of an EMDR session.
- Differentiate EMDR from at least one other trauma-focused intervention.
Presenter:
Crystal Whitlow, LCSW, and Certified EMDR Therapist, Consultant, and Trainer
Crystal Whitlow is a licensed clinical social worker with a private practice called Open Mind, LLC, in South Bend, Indiana. Since 2015, she has been a trainer with EMDR Consulting, LLC, where she teaches EMDR to clinicians and offers advanced workshops and consultation. Crystal is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and teaches the integration of IFS and EMDR through the Syzygy Institute. She is also certified in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.