Postgraduate Study in EMDR Therapy
EMDR training designed to meet the needs of New Zealand's mental health practitioners
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychological therapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders.
It is one of only two therapeutic interventions recommended by the World Health Organisation for the treatment of PTSD, alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). EMDR therapy is increasingly also used for the treatment of other anxiety-based disorders.
Why study EMDR Therapy?
Our EMDR training is designed to meet the needs of New Zealand's mental health practitioners. It is aligned with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tailored to New Zealand's unique culture and environment.
The teaching is delivered by EMDR staff from the Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington. It includes practical applications to enable practitioners from a range of health disciplines to achieve more meaningful clinical outcomes for users of mental health services in our society.
The comprehensive EMDR training will carry the strength of a university-accredited programme, including an assessed measure of competence through practical assignments, block course attendance, supervision, and passing of an examination.
We are proud to be offering Aotearoa New Zealand's first University-based postgraduate training in EMDR.
This training is taught by one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading EMDR educators, MaryAnn Stevens.
In her practice, MaryAnn Stevens uses EMDR therapy widely, with clients presenting with a variety of mental health conditions in which trauma is a component. MaryAnn's knowledge of EMDR as a powerful therapy, with applications in so many different areas, is a gift she is keen to share with as many clinicians as possible.
The teaching team will also include Clinical Psychologists and Psychotherapists who have considerable experience with EMDR.
How is it taught?
Our Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences endorsed in EMDR consists of two 30-point papers. Each paper is run over one academic year.
- First year: PSME 455 Foundational Clinical Practice in EMDR Therapy (2025)
- Second year: PSME 456 Advanced Clinical Practice in EMDR Therapy (2026)
Applicants can only register for one paper each year and must complete that paper in the same year.
Our EMDR PSME 455 and PSME 456 papers are both clinical-based training courses: Attendance is compulsory for all online lectures, in-person block course teaching, the online supervision sessions, and the final exam.
Over the duration of the academic year:
- Students are required to complete 80 hours of logged EMDR therapy practice with clients
- Prior to Block 1, the first of 2 (5-week) series of weekly online lectures will commence; lecture recordings will be available in Moodle
- 2 in-person teaching blocks of 2 1/2 days are held at the Wellington campus
- 10 hours of online supervision sessions will be provided over various dates
- There are 4 assignment assessments
- Plus the online final viva exam at the end of the course
Who can apply?
This course is open to registered mental health practitioners including:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Psychotherapists
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Counsellors
- Art Therapists
EMDR is a complex, structured therapy. The training is intensive, and for acceptance into this programme you may be asked to provide a CV and transcripts of your relevant academic study.
Please check the paper pages for full eligibility criteria.
What does it cost?
2025 domestic tuition fees are set at $2,704.75.
This cost includes 30 hours of lectures, 2 block courses of 2 1/2 days, 10 hours of supervision and the final exam.
How to apply
Apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in EMDR Therapy.
- As you go through the application process you will also need to upload a copy of your current CV, proof of registration, and copies of your official academic transcripts relating to any qualifications you have noted in the University portal
- The Admissions team in Dunedin then check your eligibility to ensure your application meets postgraduate study level; please respond to any emails they may send you
- Important: Please email emdr.uow@otago.ac.nz to confirm that you have submitted your application, and advise us of your student ID number
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Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
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Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
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Programme details
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Contacts
Email emdr.uow@otago.ac.nz
EMDR Course Director
MaryAnn Stevens
Department of Psychological Medicine
University of Otago, Wellington
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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