Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy

Understand the Foundations of EMDR

You’ll start by exploring what Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy means and how it differs from traditional talk therapies like CBT. You’ll learn about the pioneering work of Dr Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR, and how her discoveries transformed approaches to emotional processing and memory.

The course also introduces key theoretical models that inform EMDR, including the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, Working Memory Theory, and the REM Sleep Hypothesis, helping you appreciate the neurological ideas behind this evidence-based method.

Explore How EMDR Works in Practice

Through a step-by-step breakdown of the eight-phase protocol, you’ll see how trained professionals use EMDR to guide clients through history-taking, preparation, desensitisation, installation, and re-evaluation. You’ll also learn about the three-pronged approach, which focuses on past memories, present triggers, and future responses, giving you a full picture of how EMDR is structured in clinical settings.

Discover EMDR-Informed Techniques

Although this is not a practitioner training course, it includes an educational look at the practical elements that shape EMDR sessions. You’ll explore:

• The concept of bilateral stimulation, including eye movements, tapping (EFT), and sound.

• How EMDR-informed grounding and self-soothing techniques support emotional regulation.

• The language and structure commonly used in EMDR-based interventions.

You’ll also reflect on how elements of EMDR can inspire self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional resilience in everyday life.

The Wider Context of EMDR

As you progress, you’ll explore how EMDR fits within the broader field of trauma-informed practice and mental wellbeing. You’ll learn how qualified professionals may use EMDR in supporting people with post-traumatic stress, phobias, and anxiety, while also recognising the limitations and scope of this approach. Real-world case studies and reflective exercises help bring the theory to life.

Earn Your Certification

This course provides a thorough introduction to one of today’s most respected therapeutic approaches. By the end, you’ll understand its history, process, and evidence base, giving you a strong foundation for personal growth or further professional study. When you finish the course, you’ll receive a certification that recognises your learning in trauma awareness and psychological wellbeing.

Please note: This is an educational course that does not provide certification to practise EMDR therapy. It is intended to deepen your understanding of the method and its role in trauma-informed care, as well as to inform further training decisions.

The Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy Diploma Course is aimed at those looking to understand what EMDR is, how it is usually administered, its benefits, and how it is typically used in relation to stress, anxiety, and depression. It's ideal for:

• Coaches, counsellors, and wellness practitioners who want to build a broader theoretical understanding of EMDR principles.

• Students of psychology, counselling, or social care interested in how memory and trauma are processed.

• Healthcare and support professionals seeking CPD-level insight into EMDR’s structure and research.

• Anyone curious about trauma-informed care and how awareness of EMDR can enhance empathy and understanding.