Unfortunately, we don’t make specific recommendations for individual clinicians. Please check our website for available therapists in your area, you might also find if they are registered with ACC in their profile.

EMDRNZ is an association that clinicians trained in EMDR can join, but we also require all clinicians to be full members of their professional body, depending whether they are a counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist etc. (e.g. NZAC, NZPB, Psychotherapists Board).

As we are just a small, voluntary organisation we refer any concerns about a clinician’s practice to these body, as they have well established pathways to address concerns and complaints.

Our suggestion would be to take up your concerns directly with the therapist and to contact their professional registration body (e.g. if they are a psychologist, the NZ Psychologists Board) if you can’t resolve the matter with your therapist directly.

While EMDR has been recognised by the WHO as gold standard treatment for PTSD, there is also research that shows it to be very effective with other problems or disorders. Any difficulties linked to a disturbing life experience (other than physical consequences), can be something EMDR is effective for.

No. While all EMDR therapists must attend the Basic Training in EMDR to begin using the therapy, there are different levels of training and experience. Some EMDR therapists may still be in the process of going through the Basic Training phases, others may be newly trained, while others still have gone on to complete further advanced training and formal accreditation, and some clinicians may call themselves an EMDR therapist and may not also be a member of EMDRNZ. These levels reflect EMDR therapists’ competency, experience and demonstrated competence in delivering EMDR therapy effectively.

An Accredited EMDR Practitioner with the EMDR-NZ Association has completed Basic Training in EMDR, gained at least one year of clinical EMDR experience, and has demonstrated competence through additional supervision and evaluation. This accreditation is awarded by the EMDR-NZ Association and confirms that the therapist meets high standards of practice.

Accredited EMDR therapists have undertaken additional training, supervision, and formal assessment to ensure they are delivering EMDR therapy safely and effectively. While many therapists offer EMDR, choosing someone who is accredited provides reassurance that they have a proven level of skill and experience beyond initial training. Accreditation through EMDRNZ is voluntary but represents a recognised benchmark of quality and professional development.

It's completely appropriate, and encouraged, to ask a therapist about their EMDR training and accreditation status. Accredited therapists will hold a certificate of accreditation from the EMDR-NZ Association. You can also contact the EMDR-NZ to confirm their accreditation or to find an Accredited EMDR Practitioner in your area.

If you’re unsure about a therapist’s experience with EMDR, you can:

·  Ask your therapist directly about their training and whether they are accredited by EMDR-NZ.

·  Request to see their accreditation certificate or link to EMDR-NZ directory.

·  Contact the EMDR-NZ Association to check their status or to find an accredited clinician.

It’s important to feel confident in your therapist’s qualifications, asking questions is a good step in finding the right support and entirely appropriate.

EMDR-NZ carefully accredits trainers and training programmes that meet rigorous clinical, ethical and educational standards, ensuring you receive high-quality, comprehensive EMDR training aligned with international best practice in EMDR Education. This ensures that your training is both evidence-based and clinically sound.

By completing an EMDR-NZ accredited training, you will be eligible for EMDR-NZ membership and to pursue EMDR practitioner accreditation, supporting your professional development and recognition.

We strongly recommend verifying that your chosen trainer and training course appears on the EMDR-NZ accredited training directory. Training with a non-accredited provider may not meet EMDR-NZ’s standards for membership or accreditation.

Choosing an accredited EMDR-NZ pathway is a valuable step toward building confidence, credibility, and an investment in competence and community while grounded in the principles that underpin effective EMDR therapy and client wellbeing.