Kara Niccum, M.S., LMFT, LADC is an EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Approved Trainer and an Institute for Creative Mindfulness (ICM) Faculty Licensee. ICM’s EMDRIA approved curriculum is designed by master EMDR clinician and author Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, RMT.
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Per EMDRIA standards, EMDR therapy basic training requires the following within a 12 month time frame:
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20 hours of lecture and 20 hours of practicum (Part I and Part II trainings)
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10 hours of supplemental consultation (not included in the price of training)
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Required reading and an open-book learner assessment
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Thank you for considering training with Kara Niccum, a fellow Oklahoman who is embedded within the Oklahoma EMDR landscape and knows and loves Oklahoma! Out-of-state trainees are always welcome! Public and private/agency training options available. Public trainings are offered each January (Part I) and April (Part II). Complete this form and request to be added to a first-to-know list for future training dates.
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ICM is known for focusing on EMDR standard protocol, as set forth by Francine Shapiro, during basic training. A mindfulness-informed and trauma-focused thread run throughout. Attention is given to dynamics like complex trauma and dissociation, making implementation of EMDR therapy with more complex cases possible from the beginning of your training experience.
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EMDR Therapy Training
Part I-January 24-26, 2025
Part I includes three days of lecture and practicum (21 hours total). It covers the basics of trauma, the Adaptive Information Processing model, trauma-informed stabilization, mechanisms of action in EMDR therapy, and methodology; including the three prongs and eight phases. Following Part I, you will be encouraged to begin using EMDR with select clients.
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Five of your 10 hours of supplemental consultation are recommended between Part I and Part II trainings. Consultation may be done individually or in a group with an ICM approved consultant. Scheduling and paying for consultation is the responsibility of the trainee.
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EMDR Therapy Training
Part II-March 28-30, 2025
Part II includes three days of lecture and practicum (21 hours total). It covers advanced EMDR therapy skills, best practices for working with select populations, and honing the art of case conceptualization. Part II focuses on utilizing EMDR therapy within complex clinical presentations. Ethical considerations will be woven into both Part I and Part II trainings.
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Five of your 10 hours of supplemental consultation are recommended following Part II. Consultation may be done individually or in a group with an ICM approved consultant. Scheduling and paying for consultation is the responsibility of the trainee.
What trainees are saying
"Kara is a top notch facilitator-kind, knowledgeable, and approachable. The training was engaging from beginning to end. This is easily some of the best money I’ve spent on training. Kara did an excellent job building camaraderie amongst our training cohort. I made new friends, built professional connections, and learned a therapy that has been astonishingly impactful. I would highly recommend EMDR training with Kara. I only wish I would have done it earlier in my career!"
Melissa Oliver, M.S., LMFT
"EMDR Therapy Training with Kara Niccum was one of the best trainings I have attended. Not only is Kara excellent in guiding you through all eight phases of EMDR with clarity and precision, her calming presence provides an ideal atmosphere in which to learn. Kara is able to encourage and challenge new learners in a gentle way. I highly recommend Kara as a trainer if you are interested in learning how to incorporate EMDR into your practice."
Jessica Hunt, M.Ed., J.D., LPC
Make the most of your EMDR therapy training!
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As you select an EMDR training, consider how you learn best. Does in-person or virtual learning suit you? Do you learn at a more relaxed or intensive pace? I offer training in-person at a more relaxed pace. This training is split into two three-day segments separated by approximately three months to allow for learning, practice, and integration. Training size is limited to 30 trainees. You are sure to receive plenty of one-on-one attention from a trainer who is committed to the integration of EMDR into your clinical practice.
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Prior to training, survey your case load and identify a client who may benefit from EMDR therapy. The ideal first client has a strong working relationship with you, is well versed at using healthy coping skills, and has a single incident trauma (or as close as you can get to single incident). Let them know you’re attending EMDR therapy training, that it’s a bit different from traditional talk therapy, and could be helpful. Ask them if they’re up for trying something new.
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During training, you will complete practicum where you will be in the role of therapist and client. Give yourself permission to be messy in the role of therapist and to go wherever your brain and body lead in the role of client. As the client, know that you may select a target memory you believe is not super intense, but it may connect to things that are more intense. Remember, it’s all connected! Allow yourself to “go with that” and do as much work as you can. Know though that you can put the brakes on if needed.
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Connect with fellow trainees and other EMDR therapists. Encouraging texts, chats over lunch with local colleagues, and informal consultation groups can provide valuable support.
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During training, keep your evening plans simple. Make this time about your growth; for which self-care is a necessary ingredient! Do your best to minimize stressors. Take the day after training off work if possible. Create a training cocoon of sorts!
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Immediately following Part I, use EMDR therapy with at least one client and schedule your first consultation. Move through phases one and two; begin to conceptualize from an AIP lens (you will learn what this means!). You may need a gentle or more solid nudge to move into phases three through six, but get there. This is the heart of healing in EMDR! The more you don’t do EMDR, the more you don’t do EMDR. Get in there and do the dang thing! Before long, you won't want to stop doing EMDR.
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Consider completing a portion of your 10 consultation hours individually. Though this is a more expensive option than group, it’s well worth it. You’ve already invested in the training; consultation is where EMDR will come alive in your clinical practice.
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Set aside time post-training to read Shapiro's text. It is a treasure trove of information. It will answer many of your questions. Learn standard protocol well before you venture into specialty protocols.
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In order to truly integrate EMDR into your clinical practice, this training requires much of you outside the required training components. Your theory of therapy may be challenged and you may be nudged outside your comfort zone. Make sure you have mental space for learning, change, and growth professionally!
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Remember, you came into EMDR therapy training with a clinical degree, knowledge, and experience. All the things you know about being a good therapist still apply! Over time you will merge the technical aspects of EMDR with who you are as a therapist; this is the art of EMDR therapy.
By registering for this EMDR therapy training, you agree to the following regarding eligibility, fees, attendance, professionalism, cancellation, and informed consent:
Eligibility
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
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Mental health professionals must have a master’s degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline and must be licensed to practice in their state.
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Advanced practice registered nurses must have a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing and must be licensed in their state.
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Oklahoma LADC/MH are eligible as this license allows for a mental health scope of practice. Individuals who only hold a chemical dependency or substance abuse license are not eligible as these licenses generally do not allow for a mental health scope of practice.
Pre-Licensed Mental Health Professionals
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Pre-licensed mental health professionals must have a master's degree in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work) or related mental health discipline.
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Pre-licensed mental health professionals must be actively pursuing a mental health license through their state while working under a licensed supervisor.
Graduate Students
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Graduate students must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in the mental health field (Counseling, Marriage Family Therapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work) or related mental health discipline. Students must have completed the majority of their core graduate academic coursework and must be in the practicum/internship portion of their graduate program.
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Graduate students must be on a licensure track and working under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health clinician.
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Graduate students will need to submit documentation (graduate transcript, practicum/internship details, and a letter of support from their supervisor which includes the supervisor's license information and number) to emdrwithkara@gmail.com prior to or during the training registration process.
Click here for EMRIA's complete list of eligibility requirements.
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Training Components
EMDRIA approved EMDR therapy basic training requires the following within a 12 month time frame:
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Part I and Part II trainings (including 20 hours of lecture and 20 hours of practicum)
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10 hours of supplemental consultation (not included in the price of training)
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Required reading and an open-book learner assessment
Training Fees
Part I and Part II trainings are $650 per part, $1,300 total for both parts. You must commit to both Part I and Part II on the dates offered. As of now, this training is only offered once per year and registration is limited to 30 trainees. Your registration is not complete until payment is received. Purchase of this training can be split into two to three monthly payments. If payments cannot be processed, you will be unenrolled from the course. A light breakfast and snacks are provided. Lunch is on your own.
Consultation Fees
At the level of EMDR therapy basic training, trainees must complete 10 hours of consultation with an ICM and EMDRIA Approved Consultant or Consultant-in-Training. These hours may be completed individually or in a group. Scheduling and paying for consultation is the responsibility of the trainee. Consultation is not included in the price of training. This allows trainees access to all ICM Consultants, not just a limited number of consultants connected to this training. Trainees may select consultants based on area of expertise, geographic location, availability, teleconferencing options, and/or cost. You are welcome to complete consultation with multiple ICM Approved Consultants or Consultants-in-Training. Click here for full list of ICM Approved Consultants. For an idea of cost, if you chose to complete group consultation with Kara Niccum, the cost is $45 per hour for a total of $450 for all 10 hours.
Attendance & Professionalism
To meet EMDRIA standards for EMDR therapy basic training, you must complete 20 hours of lecture and 20 hours of practicum (Part I and Part II trainings). All lecture and practicum sessions must be attended. Partial attendance is not permitted. Trainees must arrive on time and may not leave early. Trainees are expected to be fully present and to conduct themselves in a professional manner. No alcohol or illicit drug use will be permitted. Trainees who observe professionalism concerns with another trainee are expected to notify Kara Niccum or any training staff. Similarly, if training staff observe professionalism concerns, they are expected to consult with Kara Niccum. Staff reserve the right to remove a trainee at any time if trainee creates and unsafe or unprofessional environment at staff’s sole discretion.
Required Reading
Per EMDRIA, the following items are required reading for EMDR therapy training.
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Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures, 3rd ed. New York: The Guilford Press. Available for purchase here and from other sellers.
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Go with That Magazine fall 2020, volume 25, Issue 3, EMDR and Racial Trauma
Cancellation
Training size is limited, and spots generally fill quickly. A 10:1 ratio of participants to trainers is maintained to maximize learning. Payment is required at the time of registration to secure a spot. A wait-list will be available if training is at capacity.
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If cancelling prior to two weeks before a scheduled event, trainees are entitled to a full refund less a 5% processing fee, or the option to apply the dollar amount paid towards a future training with Kara Niccum.
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If cancelling less than two weeks before a scheduled event, trainees are entitled to a 50% refund, or the option to apply the dollar amount paid toward a future training with Kara Niccum.
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In the case of inclement weather, should the training be cancelled, your registration would simply be moved to our reschedule date. If the rescheduled date isn’t available for you, we can offer you another date or issue a refund.
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Attendance at the entire training is required per EMDRIA standards. If you terminate your training or need to leave it early for any reason, you are not eligible for a refund.
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No-shows are not eligible for a refund.
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Only medically documented illness or family deaths are considered possible exceptions to this policy and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Informed Consent & Confidentiality
During practicum, trainees will be in the role of therapist and client. In the role of client, you will be expected to do a piece of your own authentic clinical work. You are responsible for your own grounding and self-care throughout the training. If you are currently under the care of a mental health provider, it is recommended that you alert them to your participation in this training. You acknowledge you are taking part in this training and practicum at your own risk. If a concern arises, you agree to alert staff right away. Most trainees are new to EMDR, therefore a collegial atmosphere that is as safe as possible for everyone is encouraged. In this training setting, confidentiality does not rise to the level present in the therapist-client relationship, but you are expected to respect the confidentiality of trainees.
CE Credit Hours​
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The Institute for Creative Mindfulness is an EMDRIA approved provider of EMDR therapy basic training (approval#10002). Kara Niccum is an EMDRIA approved basic trainer.
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Kara Niccum is an approved CE provider through the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Behavioral Practitioners).
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Kara Niccum is an approved CE provider through the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Social Workers (CEP# 20241100).
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Kara Niccum is an approved CE provider through the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (provider# 20240160).
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No ethics, supervision, or alcohol and drug specific CEs included.
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If misplaced, verification of CE credit hours and replacement certificates of completion are available. A $10 per document administrative fee will be assessed.
Accommodations
The standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are adhered to. If you are in need of any special accommodations that will allow you to attend training, please email emdrwithkara@gmail.com with any requests 30 days before the scheduled training. If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to contact Kara Niccum immediately to discuss the best possible solution.
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EMDR Therapy Training Versus Certification
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Upon successful completion of Part I and Part II trainings, 10 hours of consultation, required reading, and an open-book learner assessment, you will have completed EMDR therapy basic training and are considered EMDR trained. If you desire to further your knowledge, EMDRIA certification may be for you. EMDRIA certification denotes deeper understanding and greater clinical skill. Certification requires additional consultation, continuing education, letters of recommendation, etc. Click here for full list of certification requirements. Click here for information on consultation with Kara Niccum.
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