EMDR Consultation Pathways
Support that meets you exactly where you are in your EMDR Therapy Journey.
Clinicians fresh out of basic training, overwhelmed with how to begin.
What you’ll get:
Safe space for growth: start with real client scenarios
Clear guidance on protocol phases, three-pronged approach, and case setup
Support navigating imposter syndrome and burnout
Clinicians pursuing EMDRIA certification and need structured, intentional support.
What you’ll get:
Feedback on real cases and protocol application
Insight on EMDRIA requirements, case conceptualization, and prepardness
Practical tools: scripts for popular protocols, client preparation skills, certification roadmap
Therapists aiming to become EMDRIA-approved Consultants.
What you’ll get:
Cohort-based learning: strategy, consultation model development, practice teaching
Guidance through consultant competencies and building your brand
Community of peers navigating the CIT journey alongside you
“When we recognize that we are being held back in life, the question for each of us is “What do I do about it?”― Francine Shapiro
Melissa Foster, LISW-S
EMDRIA Approved Consultant & Certified Therapist
Learning a new skill or therapy modality can feel downright intimidating — I get it. My goal is to make the consultation process feel approachable, collaborative, and practical. Together, we’ll review cases, strengthen your EMDR skills, and create space for your questions so you can feel more confident and effective with your clients.
I’m an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Certified Therapist, and a faculty member with Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting, where I’m also training under Amber as I work toward becoming a trainer myself. My consultation style emphasizes case conceptualization — helping therapists map out a clear, strategic approach that leads to better outcomes.
I specialize in trauma-focused and relational EMDR, with a passion for supporting both clients healing from complex trauma and attachment wounds, and clinicians as they deepen their expertise. I offer consultation options for every stage of the EMDR journey — whether you’re just starting after Foundational Training, working toward Certification, or diving into special topics.
As an EMDRIA Approved Consultant, I can provide hours toward Certification. You can also learn more about our training program with Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting or visit EMDRIA’s website for details on the certification process.
FAQs
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All consultation offered beyond EMDR Basic Training is certification-eligible.
The difference between options is the structure of consultation, not whether hours count. -
Both options are certification-eligible and clinically grounded.
Studio Hours are drop-in, flexible group consultations. You can attend as needed without a long-term commitment.
The EMDR Consultation Circle is a consistent small group that meets together over several months, allowing for deeper case follow-through and continuity. Offers you the 10 hours needed for a letter and a ton of resources.
Some clinicians prefer flexibility; others benefit from consistency. Both are valid ways to complete certification hours.
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Basic Training: Group size varies depending on registration.
Studio Hours: Group size varies depending on registration.
Consultation Circle: Intentionally small and consistent to support depth, trust, and follow-through.
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That depends on where you are in your EMDR journey. If you’re fresh out of Basic/Foundational Training (or between part 1 and part 2), your hours are going toward the training requirements (usually 10 hours). If you’ve completed that and have your basic certificate and are ready to deepen your skills, consultation can count toward EMDRIA Certification (20 hours). If you have a questions of what to schedule reach out here.
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Pretty much anything EMDR Therapy-related. Stuck points in sessions, treatment planning, interweaves, complex cases, ethical gray areas, or even the “oh no, what do I do when a client dissociates?” moments. Consultation is your chance to bring the messy, real stuff of EMDR Therapy work and get guidance, confidence, and support. You can check out this to help guide you.
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For Basic/Foundational training: 10 hours of consultation are typically required. I am allowed to provide your basic training hours if you train under Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting.
For Certification: EMDRIA requires 20 hours, split between group and individual.
We can map out exactly what you need depending on your goals.
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Group consultation is great for learning from others, we will just recognize that in a basic training consultation there are folks coming right out of weekend 1 which might mean their questions are different from yours.
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Not yet. I’m not a trainer, just a consultant. If you’re interested in when I will be present at trainings Amber has scheduled, just let me know! You’ll need to pick an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training provider. Once you’re enrolled and need consultation, that’s where I come in.
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A Consultant in Training (CIT) is someone working under an Approved Consultant’s guidance while they build hours toward becoming approved themselves. An Approved Consultant (that’s me) has already completed all the requirements and can independently provide consultation for both Basic Training (in some cases) and Certification. A CIT can provide 15 out of the needed 20 hours for certification.
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For Basic/Foundational Training, your hours need to be completed within 12 months of starting the training (unless your trainer sets a different window). For Certification, hours don’t “expire,” but EMDRIA requires that you’ve completed them within the past 5 years when you apply.
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Lucky you! As long as you remind me when you sign up for consultation so I can make note of it, I will submit the invoice to the appropriate place.
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My rates are $100/hr individual and $80/ 2 hour group. I keep it transparent and simple—no surprise fees.
*CIT Cohort pricing to come soon!
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Yep. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, I do charge a cancellation fee. Life happens, but I also hold that time for you.
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I require at least 10 of your Certification hours with me any mix of individual or group), then yes—I can write your recommendation (assuming we both agree you are ready for certification).
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Absolutely. Certification shows you’ve gone beyond the basics and are committed to EMDR Therapy best practice. It can boost your confidence, credibility, and visibility (especially on directories and referrals). It’s also a great way to stay connected to the EMDR community.
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I’m an affiliated EMDRIA-Approved Consultant under Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting, so my consultation hours “count” toward those Basic/Foundational Training requirements and any EMDRIA approved training for Certification (meaning it doesn’t matter where you trained)