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EMDR Basic Training in Ohio & Online | EMDR Cleveland

Deepen your clinical skills and expand your ability to help clients heal from trauma with EMDR Foundational Basic Training Part I & II. Designed for mental health professionals, this comprehensive training provides the knowledge, practical skills, and clinical foundation needed to confidently integrate EMDR therapy into your practice.

Facilitated through EMDR Cleveland, an EMDRIA-approved training center owned by Thomas Zimmerman, an internationally recognized EMDRIA-Approved Trainer and creator of Predictive Flash, this training combines expert instruction with a structured, supportive, and engaging learning experience.

Led by Derrick Martin, EMDRIA-Approved Trainer, the program equips clinicians with the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to apply EMDR therapy effectively in their clinical work.

Whether you choose to attend in person at the EMDR Cleveland Training Center or participate virtually, you’ll receive comprehensive EMDR training designed to support your professional growth and help you make a meaningful, lasting difference in your clients’ lives.

Learn a Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing

aEMDR therapy is more than a technique—it’s a trauma-informed, client-centered approach that helps individuals process distressing experiences and move toward lasting healing.

Through EMDR Foundational Basic Training, clinicians gain a deeper understanding of how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system, along with the skills to guide clients through the healing process with confidence and care.

Grounded in the standard EMDR protocol developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, this EMDR training combines foundational principles with practical clinical applications. Participants learn how to approach each client with intention, compassion, and an understanding of the importance of safety, preparation, and individualized care.

Throughout the training, clinicians develop the skills to:

  • Recognize and assess trauma: Understand the different ways trauma can affect clients and identify experiences that may be appropriate for EMDR therapy.

  • Support stabilization and readiness: Help clients develop the resources and emotional stability needed before beginning trauma processing.

  • Apply EMDR with clinical intention: Use the standard protocol while prioritizing client safety, appropriate pacing, and therapeutic attunement.

  • Build confidence with diverse clinical presentations: Develop a foundation for working with both straightforward and more complex trauma-related cases.

EMDR Foundational Basic Training Part I & II is EMDRIA-approved and designed to meet applicable EMDRIA training standards, providing clinicians with a structured foundation for integrating EMDR therapy into their clinical work.

A Training Experience Designed for Real-World Clinical Practice

EMDR Basic Training is comprehensive and in-depth, but learning EMDR doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our training is designed to make complex concepts clear, engaging, and practical, helping clinicians build the knowledge and skills they need to integrate EMDR therapy into their everyday practice.

With over 20 years of combined teaching experience across clinical mental health and public safety settings, Derrick Martin brings a practical, experience-driven approach to EMDR instruction. His teaching goes beyond theory and memorization, focusing on helping clinicians understand the principles behind EMDR and apply them thoughtfully in real clinical situations.

Throughout EMDR Foundational Basic Training Part I & II, participants can expect:

  • Structured, comprehensive instruction: Follow an organized learning experience that builds knowledge and skills progressively across all training days.

  • Clear, accessible explanations: Understand complex EMDR concepts through engaging instruction and practical examples.

  • Real-world clinical applications: Explore clinical scenarios and examples that connect EMDR theory to everyday practice.

  • Guided practice and skill development: Strengthen your understanding through hands-on learning and opportunities to practice EMDR techniques.

  • A supportive learning environment: Ask questions, exchange insights, and develop your skills in an encouraging, collaborative setting.

Our goal is to offer more than just EMDR certification training. We want you to leave feeling knowledgeable, prepared, and confident in applying EMDR therapy while continuing to grow as a clinician.

EMDR Basic Training Options

Whether you prefer an in-person learning environment, the flexibility of virtual training, or a customized experience for your organization, EMDR Foundational Basic Training offers options to fit your professional and educational needs.

In-Person EMDR Training in Cleveland, Ohio

Experience EMDR training in a collaborative, hands-on learning environment at the EMDR Cleveland Training Center. In-person training combines structured instruction, guided practice, and consultation to help you build confidence in applying EMDR therapy.

Virtual EMDR Basic Training

Participate in live, interactive EMDR training from the convenience of your own location. Virtual training includes guided practicum experiences, instructor feedback, and consultation, with opportunities to develop skills for both in-person and telehealth practice.

EMDR Training for Agencies and Organizations

Bring EMDR Basic Training directly to your organization with customized training opportunities for agencies, clinical teams, and groups of mental health professionals. In-person and virtual options are available, with training arrangements tailored to your organization’s needs.

Why Choose Our EMDR Basic Training?

Learn from Experience. Train with Confidence.

EMDR therapy offers clinicians a powerful, research-supported approach to helping clients process trauma and move beyond experiences that may feel difficult to resolve through traditional therapy alone.

For many clinicians, learning EMDR represents more than adding another therapeutic modality. It creates an opportunity to deepen their understanding of trauma, expand their clinical perspective, and discover new possibilities for healing.

At EMDR Cleveland, we believe the quality of your training experience matters. Our approach combines experienced instruction, practical clinical applications, and ongoing support to help you build the knowledge and confidence to integrate EMDR into your work.

A Unique Perspective on Trauma and Healing

Before becoming a therapist, Derrick Martin spent more than 12 years in public safety as an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, and police officer. These experiences gave him firsthand insight into repeated trauma exposure, cumulative stress, moral injury, and the unique challenges faced by those in service professions.

His transition into psychotherapy was also deeply personal. Through his own experience with complex PTSD and EMDR therapy, he came to understand the challenges of trauma recovery and the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment where meaningful healing can take place.

Today, these personal and professional experiences inform his clinical work, particularly with first responders, military personnel, and individuals navigating complex trauma. They also shape how he teaches and supports clinicians working with challenging cases and emotionally demanding clinical material.

A Training Experience Built Around Your Success

We believe effective EMDR training should be comprehensive without feeling overwhelming. Our goal is to make learning clear, practical, and supportive so you can focus on developing the skills that matter most.

When you train with us, you can expect:

  • Clear, structured instruction: Complex EMDR concepts are broken into manageable learning segments, with step-by-step guidance throughout the training.
  • Experienced, knowledgeable trainers: Learn from Derrick Martin and the EMDR Cleveland training team, bringing experience across diverse clinical and professional settings.
  • Practical, real-world learning: Connect theory to clinical practice through relevant examples, guided skill development, and thoughtful discussions.
  • A supportive learning environment: Ask questions, practice new skills, and develop confidence in an environment that values respect, collaboration, and professional growth.
  • Ongoing guidance and consultation: Receive support as you build your EMDR skills and begin integrating the approach into your clinical work.

Expand Your Clinical Perspective and Make a Meaningful Difference

Through EMDR Foundational Basic Training Part I & II, clinicians develop a deeper understanding of how trauma affects their clients and learn new ways to approach cases that may feel challenging or difficult to move forward.

With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, structured learning, and built-in consultation, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to:

  • Better understand the impact of trauma on the brain, body, and nervous system.
  • Explore new approaches for clients who feel stuck in traditional therapy.
  • Develop greater confidence in working with a range of trauma-related presentations.
  • Make thoughtful, ethical clinical decisions while prioritizing client safety and readiness.
  • Expand your therapeutic skills and discover new possibilities for meaningful clinical growth.

Our goal is to help you leave training feeling prepared to begin applying EMDR thoughtfully and effectively, with continued consultation and professional development supporting your growth beyond the classroom.

Invest in Your Growth as a Clinician

Choosing EMDR Basic Training is an investment in your professional development and in the care you provide to your clients.

Whether you’re looking for EMDR training in Cleveland or a flexible virtual training option, EMDR Cleveland offers a supportive, engaging learning experience grounded in established EMDR training standards and practical clinical application.

Take the next step in your professional growth and discover how EMDR can expand the way you help clients heal.

FAQ's

Our EMDR Training in Ohio is designed for licensed mental health professionals, including:

  • Professional Counselors (LPC, LPCC)
  • Social Workers (LSW, LISW)
  • Psychologists
  • Other qualified mental health clinicians

If you are unsure whether you meet eligibility requirements, we encourage you to reach out—we’re happy to help clarify your qualifications.

No prior EMDR experience is required.

This training is designed to meet you where you are—whether you are newer to trauma work or already experienced. We provide:

  • Foundational knowledge of trauma and EMDR
  • Step-by-step instruction in the EMDR standard protocol
  • Guidance on working with a range of client complexities

Our EMDRIA-approved training is comprehensive and includes:

  • Two 3-day training sessions (Part 1 & Part 2)
  • 20 hours of didactic instruction
  • 20 hours of practicum (hands-on practice)
  • 10 hours of consultation with approved consultants
  • 40 Continuing Education (CE) credits

You’ll also receive a 300+ page training manual and access to supplemental online resources.

Both formats provide the same EMDRIA-approved curriculum and outcomes.

In-Person Training:

  • Face-to-face interaction
  • Immediate feedback during practice
  • Highly immersive learning environment

Virtual Training:

  • Live, interactive sessions via Zoom
  • Breakout rooms for practicum practice
  • Flexibility to attend from anywhere

Both options include full support, consultation, and access to all training materials.

Yes—with appropriate client selection and preparation.

By the end of the training, you will:

  • Understand the full EMDR standard protocol
  • Be able to begin using EMDR with suitable clients
  • Have consultation support to guide your early cases

We emphasize safe, ethical implementation, so you feel confident applying what you’ve learned.

Yes. Consultation is built into the training package.

You’ll receive:

  • 10 hours of required consultation
  • Guidance from experienced EMDR consultants
  • Support as you begin applying EMDR in your practice

This is a critical component in helping you transition from learning to real-world application.

EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) sets the gold standard for EMDR training.

Choosing an EMDRIA-approved training ensures:

  • You are learning the evidence-based, original EMDR model
  • Your training meets recognized professional standards
  • You are eligible to pursue EMDR certification if desired

Our partnership with EMDR Cleveland ensures your training meets these high standards.

The training is completed in two parts:

  • Part 1: 3 days
  • Part 2: 3 days
  • Plus 10 hours of consultation (scheduled separately)

Most clinicians complete the full training process over several weeks to a few months, depending on scheduling.

es. We provide EMDR training for agencies in Ohio and nationwide.

We can:

  • Train groups of 10–99 clinicians
  • Deliver training in-person (within 120 miles of Cleveland, Ohio) or virtually
  • Customize logistics for your organization

This is a cost-effective way to expand trauma-informed care across your team.

Agency training pricing is based on group size:

All pricing includes full training and required consultation, with no additional fees.

For more information on training and consultation opportunities, please fill out the form below.