For clinicians

EMDR Refresher

Back to EMDR after a break? Here's the fastest way to get current — free protocol review, cheat sheets, and short EMDRIA-approved refreshers.

  • Free 8-phase protocol refresh
  • Downloadable EMDR cheat sheet
  • Short EMDRIA-approved refresher trainings
  • What's changed in EMDR since 2020
  • In-app tools for guided session support

No credit card required • 14-day free trial

EMDR refresher clinical resources

Start free — 30-minute self-refresh

You don't need a paid course to get back in. Read our free EMDR guide and download the 8-phase cheat sheet — that covers the whole standard protocol in about 30 minutes of review.

Reviewed by the EMDR Assist Clinical Team, EMDR-trained clinicians.

Educational reference material for EMDR-trained clinicians. It does not replace EMDRIA-approved Basic Training, consultation, supervision, or clinical judgement, and it is not medical advice.

What's changed since 2020

  • EMDR 2.0 — de Jongh & Matthijssen's working-memory-taxation approach is now widely taught.
  • Telehealth EMDR — became mainstream during COVID; EMDRIA now has explicit remote-BLS guidance.
  • Consultation cap update — EMDRIA's 10-hour group cap tightened enforcement in 2024.
  • Complex trauma emphasis — more mainstream integration of structural dissociation screening pre-Phase 4.

Short EMDRIA-approved refresher trainings

Many EMDRIA-approved training providers now offer 6–12 hour refresher tracks specifically for clinicians returning after a break. Filter EMDRIA's approved trainings directory by "advanced/specialty."

Use EMDR Assist for your first sessions back

The guided EMDR session tool walks you through each of the 8 phases in real time — scripts, BLS controls, and SUD/VOC prompts — so you don't need to hold everything from memory.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an EMDR refresher course?

Yes — many EMDRIA-approved training providers offer 6–12 hour refresher tracks. You can also self-refresh using EMDR Assist's free guide and 8-phase cheat sheet.

Do I need to retake EMDR basic training after a long break?

No, your basic training doesn't expire. EMDRIA-approved refresher trainings or a self-guided review of the 8-phase protocol is enough for most clinicians.

What's the best free EMDR refresher?

EMDR Assist's free 8-phase guide plus the downloadable cheat sheet covers the full standard protocol in about 30 minutes.

Try EMDR Assist with your next session

14-day free trial. No credit card. Built by clinicians, for clinicians.