EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner — Competency Based Framework (Algorithm Version)

Consultant / Clinical Supervisor Rating Guideline and Checklist

The purpose of this algorithm version of the EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner Framework is to determine a quantitative instrument in determining competency in clinical practice of EMDR Therapy. It can be used as both a formative and summative assessment tool.

Formative Assessment is an ongoing activity to assist and guide the EMDR Supervisee in their journey towards becoming an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. Summative Assessment evaluates competency prior to submission for EMDR Europe Accreditation.

Rating Instrument

1. Novice2. Intermediate3. Competent4. Advanced
Part A: Theoretical Framework of EMDR Therapy and the Adaptive Information Processing Paradigm
CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Supervisee demonstrates a grounded understanding of the theoretical basis of EMDR Therapy and the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model and is able to convey this effectively to clients in providing a treatment overview [1]
Part B: The Standard Eight-Phase Protocol
CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Phase 1: History Taking

The Supervisee is able to ascertain an appropriate general history from the client incorporating the following elements:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Obtain a history of the origins of the disorder informed by the AIP model including dysfunctional behaviour and symptoms [2]
Determine if the client is appropriate for EMDR Therapy? Identifies 'red flags' including screening for Dissociative Disorders
Is able to identify appropriate safety factors including the utilisation (where appropriate) the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES II), Risk Assessment, Life Constraints, Ego Strength, and the availability of support structures
Demonstrates an ability to conceptualise the case utilising the AIP model
Clarifies the client's desired state following therapeutic intervention
That the client is able to effectively deal with high levels of physical and emotional disturbance
To determine appropriate target selection and target sequence plan considering past, present & future
In cases of multiple targets to utilise either prioritising or clustering
Identify a 'touchstone memory' event that relates to the client's issue
Phase 2: Preparation

The supervisee can establish an effective therapeutic relationship in conformance with National or Professional standards and Code of Conduct. The supervisee is effective in:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Obtaining informed consent from clients
Testing the Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) / & Dual Attention with clients
Teaching and checking the client's ability to self-regulate including the utilisation of the 'Safe/Secure Place' exercise and Resource Installation with clients
Making the client aware of the 'Stop' signal
Demonstrating an effective ability in addressing client's concerns, fears, queries or anxieties
Utilisation of effective metaphors in explaining EMDR Therapy to clients
Phase 3: Assessment

During the 'Assessment Phase' the supervisee determines the components of the target memory and establishes baseline measures for the client's reactions to the process:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Selecting target image and worst aspect
Identifying the Negative & Positive Cognitions
Establishing negative cognitions that are a currently held, negative self-referencing belief, that is irrational, generalisable and has affect resonance that accurately focuses upon the target issue
Ensuring cognitions are within same domain / matched category
When necessary the supervisee effectively assists the client in identifying a pertinent NC & PC
Utilising the Validity of Cognition (VOC) scale at an emotional level and in direct relation to the target
Identifying emotions generated from the target issue or event
Consistently using the Subjective Units of Disturbance [SUD's] scale to evaluate the total disturbance
Identifying body sensations and location
Phase 4: Desensitisation

During the 'Desensitisation Phase' the supervisee processes the dysfunctional material stored in all channels associated with the target event and any ancillary channels:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
By reminding clients to just 'notice' whatever comes up during processing whilst encouraging the client to not discard any information that might be generated
Being aware that changes during processing relate to images, sounds, cognitions, emotions and physical sensations
Demonstrating competency in the provision of Bilateral Stimulation emphasising the importance of eye movements, and when necessary the utilisation other forms of BLS / Dual Attention
Demonstrating post 'Set' interventions, and evidence of 'staying out of the way' as much as possible
Engaging in the use of verbal & non-verbal reassurance to client's during each 'Set'
Maintaining momentum throughout the desensitisation stage with minimalist intervention where possible
Returning to target when appropriate
When processing becomes blocked appropriate interventions are utilised including alteration in the Bilateral Simulation and/or the utilisation of Cognitive Interweaves
Please specify examples of effective cognitive interweaves utilised during the Desensitisation Phase when processing has become blocked
Effectively managing client's heightened levels of affect accelerating and de-accelerating as appropriate
Phase 5: Installation

During the 'Installation Phase' the supervisee concentrates primarily upon the full integration of a positive self-assessment with the targeted information:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
The supervisee enhances the Positive Cognition (PC) linked specifically with the target issue or event
The Positive Cognition is checked for both applicability and current validity, ensuring the PC chosen is the most meaningful to the client
Utilising the Validity of Cognition scale to evaluate the Positive Cognition
Addressing any blocks during the 'Installation Phase'
If new material emerges supervisee effectively returns to the most appropriate phase of the EMDR Protocol or the utilisation of an 'Incomplete Session'
Phase 6: Body Scan

During the 'Body Scan Phase' the supervisee considers the link between the client's original memory/event and the discernible physical resonance that this may generate:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
The supervisee enables clients to hold both the memory/event and the positive cognition in mind, whilst mentally scanning their entire body to identify any lingering tension, tightness or unusual sensation and apply Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)
The supervisee is prepared for further material to surface and to appropriately respond by either returning to the most appropriate phase of the EMDR Protocol or the utilisation of an 'Incomplete Session'
Phase 7: Closure

The Supervisee should consistently close a session with proper instructions leaving the client in a positive frame of mind and to end the session safely:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Allowing time for closure
Utilising the debrief
Effectively utilising the 'Incomplete Session'
Incorporating appropriate containment exercises and safety assessment
Encouraging clients to maintain a log between sessions
Phase 8: Re-evaluation of the Previous Session

During the 'Re-evaluation Phase' the supervisee consistently assesses how well the previously targeted material has been resolved and determines if new processing is necessary. The supervisee actively integrates the targeting session within an overall treatment plan:

CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Returning to previous targets
Identifying client evidence of re-adjustment
Clarifying if the individual target has been resolved
Determining if other material has been activated and that needs addressing
Ensuring all necessary targets have been processed in relation to the past, present and future
Utilising, when necessary, the 'Future / Positive Template'
Determining if the client has readjusted appropriately to their social system
The supervisee effectively terminates therapy
Part C: Additional Competencies
CompetencyNoviceIntermediateCompetentAdvanced
Supervisee demonstrates an understanding of PTSD and traumatology
Supervisee demonstrates an understanding of using EMDR Therapy either as part of a comprehensive therapy intervention or as a means of symptom reduction. Identifying client evidence of re-adjustment
Supervisee demonstrates experience in applying the standard EMDR protocol and procedures to special situations and clinical problems, including recent events, phobias, excessive grief and somatic disorders
Instrument Scoring
Total of Each Column (58 items)X 1X 2x 3X 4
Total Score for each column
Total Score (Columns 1 + 2 + 3 + 4)
Minimum Score Needed174

EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant / Clinical Supervisor

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EMDR All-Ireland - EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner — Competency Based Framework (Algorithm Version)Generated 3 October 2026