APD Victim Services to Provide Free EMDR Training to Local Counselors

The Austin Police Department is launching a free program to train local mental health counselors in the trauma therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

The department announced the initiative in a Wednesday press release. According to the notice, the department has $50,000 to put toward this endeavor. The goal is to train selected counselors in utilizing EMDR so that they can better serve trauma survivors.

At the end of the training, the counselors will complete 50 pro bono counseling sessions for survivors of trauma as referred by APD's Victim Services staff.

APD is specifically looking for mental health counselors interested in partnering with the department to serve the greater Austin area community. Counselors who have experience working with a variety of clients and communities are encouraged to apply.

Participating counselors will receive the training for free in exchange for completing the required pro bono sessions within three years. Normally, fees for this training range from between $2,000-$4,000.

As an added benefit, counselors will get lifelong access to the EMDR trainers and staff for the EMDR consultation purposes. The cost of textbooks is not included in the initiative, and participants will have to purchase books to complete the training.

The EMDR training consists of two weekends and a series of consultation sessions after each weekend. Participants should expect to participate in all of the required consultations.

Visit the program's website to learn more about the requirements and how to apply. Submit application materials to APDemdrApplication@gmail.com by April 24 at 5 p.m.