Helping EMDR Consultants Grow into Inspiring Educators
Becoming a Facilitator is one of the most rewarding steps in your professional EMDR journey. Our Head Start to Facilitator Programme offers EMDR Europe-accredited Consultants an opportunity to develop advanced teaching, supervision and leadership skills while playing a key role in training the next generation of EMDR therapists.
This programme sits within the Dr Button EMDR Training Community Pathway, supporting clinicians from their first EMDR training through to Accredited Practitioner, Consultant, Facilitator and ultimately, Trainer.
What Is an EMDR Training Facilitator?
An EMDR Europe Training Facilitator supports EMDR Europe Accredited Trainers in delivering approved EMDR training courses.
Facilitators guide small groups during treatment practicums, helping training delegates integrate EMDR principles into real-world clinical practice. They model good clinical practice, demonstrate empathy, and encourage reflective discussion and peer learning.
In short: the facilitator bridges the gap between theory and clinical application – combining clinical excellence with teaching skill and human connection.
Core Responsibilities
- Support and guide small trainee groups during EMDR practicums (max. 12 trainees per facilitator).
- Provide constructive feedback and support during practice sessions.
- Encourage reflective learning and maintain EMDR fidelity.
- Uphold EMDR Europe and EMDR UK training standards.
- Work collaboratively within the training team under the supervision of an EMDR Europe Accredited Trainer.
What Is a Facilitator-in-Training (FiT)?
A Facilitator-in-Training is an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant who has been accepted into our structured developmental programme to become an EMDR Europe Facilitator.
The FiT pathway allows experienced clinicians to transition from clinical application to professional teaching — learning from expert Trainers while contributing directly to EMDR training delivery.
The Developmental Journey
Our programme follows the EMDR Europe standards and comprises three key phases:
Phase 1 – Observational Phase
Attend a full 3-part EMDR training as an observer.
- Experience the full training structure.
- Understand facilitator roles and participant needs.
- No clinical or supervisory responsibilities.
Phase 2 – Supervised Practice
Participate in an active facilitation role under direct supervision of the Trainer and other qualified Facilitators.
- Support trainees in small groups.
- Receive live feedback and mentorship from the supervising Trainer.
- Begin reflective practice documentation.
Phase 3 – Assessed Practice
Deliver facilitation across multiple training parts until competency is reached.
- Independently manage a small group within a training.
- Undergo a final assessment by the supervising Trainer.
- Complete reflective reports and professional development discussions.
On successful completion based on the Trainer deeming you to have met the competencies to become a qualified Facilitator, you will be endorsed by us as an EMDR Europe Facilitator – a recognised step toward becoming an EMDR Trainer.
Benefits of Becoming a Facilitator
Becoming a Facilitator doesn’t just open doors – it transforms the way you think about EMDR.
Professional Growth
- Gain advanced teaching and supervision experience.
- Deepen your mastery of EMDR methodology through observation, teaching, and feedback.
- Expand your professional identity as a leader within the EMDR community.
Personal Enrichment
- Join a supportive community of like-minded professionals.
- Contribute meaningfully to the development of future EMDR clinicians.
- Experience the satisfaction of mentoring and inspiring others.
Career Progression
- Formal recognition as an EMDR Europe Facilitator.
- A clear pathway toward EMDR Trainer status.
- Opportunities for ongoing collaboration, supervision, and mentorship.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Be an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant (minimum of two years post-accreditation).
- Have documented teaching experience.
- Hold Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance (£5,000,000 per occurrence).
- Maintain current professional registration and DBS certification.
- Provide two professional references (at least one EMDR Consultant).
The Head Start Advantage
The Head Start Facilitator Programme is more than a training track — it’s a mentoring network.
Participants benefit from:
- Direct supervision and feedback from Dr Alexandra Button and the training team.
- Inclusion in a collaborative network of EMDR professionals across the UK and Europe.
- Access to reflective learning tools and structured development reviews.
- Optional funded FiT placements (subject to availability).
- A balance between professional rigour and genuine community connection.
Be Part of a Growing Community
Our vision is to create an EMDR development ecosystem — a connected pathway supporting clinicians from their first training right through to accreditation and beyond:
EMDR Journey Framework:
➡️ Newly Trained Therapist ➡️ Accredited Practitioner ➡️ Accredited Consultant ➡️ Facilitator ➡️ Accredited Trainer
Facilitators are at the heart of this journey — empowering others, upholding EMDR Europe standards, and helping to shape the future of trauma therapy.
Join the Programme
If you meet the eligibility standards and are ready to take the next step in your EMDR career, please contact us expressing your interest via the ‘Sign Up’ button.
Once you have expressed an interest, we will screen your eligibility and will contact you with an application form to complete.