How to Choose Between Group and Individual EMDR Consultation

If you’re a therapist in Vancouver (or anywhere in BC) working toward EMDRIA certification, you know that consultation is a key part of the journey. But one common question I hear from therapists is:

“Should I do group consultation or individual consultation?”

The truth is, both options can be valuable, but the best choice depends on your learning style, goals, and professional needs. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.

What Is EMDR Consultation?

EMDR consultation is professional support from an EMDRIA-approved consultant that helps you strengthen your skills, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure you’re practicing EMDR therapy in a safe, ethical, and effective way.

Consultation is not supervision, and it’s not therapy — it’s about developing your clinical skills so you can help your clients more effectively.

Group EMDR Consultation

How it works:
You meet with other EMDR-trained therapists in a group format, usually via Zoom or in person, led by an EMDRIA-approved consultant.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective: Group rates are usually lower than one-on-one sessions.
• Peer learning: You hear questions and cases (generalized, non-identifying) from other therapists, which can expand your perspective.
• Community building: Networking with other EMDR clinicians can lead to referrals and ongoing support.

Potential drawbacks:

• Less time focused solely on your work.
• May move too quickly if you’re still building confidence.
• Schedule flexibility is limited to group meeting times.
• You may not get your questions answered.

Individual EMDR Consultation

How it works:
You meet privately with a consultant, focusing entirely on your professional needs.

Benefits:

• Personalized guidance: Every minute is about your questions, your cases, and your growth.
• Flexible scheduling: Easier to fit into a busy practice.
• Deeper skill-building: Ideal for refining advanced techniques or addressing complex clinical challenges.

Potential drawbacks:

• More expensive per hour.
• No peer feedback or shared learning from other therapists’ experiences.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing

1. What’s my budget?
   • If you need to stretch your dollars, group consultation might make more sense.
2. What’s my learning style?
   • Do you thrive in a collaborative environment, or do you prefer focused, private guidance?
3. Where am I in my EMDR journey?
   • Newer therapists often benefit from starting with individual sessions, then moving into group as confidence grows.
4. What are my certification requirements?
   • EMDRIA allows you to count both group and individual hours, but check the breakdown needed for your specific path.

My Recommendation for Vancouver Therapists

For many therapists I work with, a blended approach works best — start with individual consultation to build a strong foundation, then move into group sessions to broaden your skills and connect with peers.

If you’re still unsure, consider booking one individual session first. After that, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether group work will meet your needs.

Need EMDR Consultation in Vancouver or BC?
I offer both individual and small group EMDR consultation for therapists, with a focus on practical skill-building, ethical guidance, and supportive learning. Whether you’re brand new to EMDR or looking to refine your expertise, we can create a plan that fits your goals. Click here for more info and booking

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