The Austin Police Department (APD) Victim Services Unit is pleased to offer free training to counselors in the Austin area. APD has $50,000 available for training local counselors within the non-profit and private sectors to provide counseling to trauma survivors. This project aims to train selected counselors in utilizing a form of therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in exchange for pro bono counseling for trauma survivors, as referred by APD.

EMDR focuses on the disturbing emotions and symptoms resulting from a traumatic event and assists the brain’s information processing system in moving organically toward natural healing and positive mental health. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma.

Fees for this training typically range from $2,000-$4,000. Selected participants will receive this training free of charge in exchange for an agreement to partner with APD Victim Services and provide survivors of trauma with 50 pro bono sessions within the next three years. The clients will be referred to the counselors by APD Victim Services staff after the counselor completes the training. Also, an added benefit for the selected counselors is lifelong access to the trainers and staff for EMDR consultation. Please note that the cost of textbooks is NOT included in this project, and participants will be required to purchase textbooks with their funds.

EMDR training consists of 2 weekends of in-person training and a series of consultation sessions after each weekend. Participants will be expected to participate in all of the required consultations.

**The application deadline is Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.**

 
Training provided by:
 
Rick Levinson, LCSW   http://www.ricklevinson.com
 
Dr. Christie Sprowls, PsyD   https://www.drchristiesprowls.com
 
 
Training dates:
 
Rick Levinson, LCSW   (Virtual) September 9, and 15 - 17  -  (Virtual) December 2, and 8 - 10
 
Dr. Christie Sprowls, PsyD   (In-person) July 28-30  -  (In-person) September 29 - October 1

**Location will be provided later to the selected counselors**

 
 
APD EMDR Project 2023- Application Information

REQUIREMENTS

• Licensed as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PsyD (or pursuing licensure)
• 3 years of experience working with survivors of trauma (preferred)
• Commitment of 50 sessions pro bono within the next 3 calendar years
• Letter of commitment to waive waitlists and session limits for clients referred by the project from your agency (if not in private practice)

PROCESS

1. Submit the following items to APDemdr@gmail.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. When possible, please submit all items together.

• Letter of interest detailing
  • How you meet the requirements
  • Which training(s) you are available to attend
  • Where you will provide the pro bono sessions (address)
  • Contact information
• Resume
  • Highlight areas of expertise, languages spoken, and other relevant skills
  • Include your license number
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your capacity to work with survivors of trauma (include at least one past or present supervisor)
• NOTE: All applications must include information about where you will provide the pro bono sessions. APD does not have the capacity to provide space.
• If you are in private practice, please note the location of the office where you will see clients
• If you work for an agency/non-profit/government please note the location of the office where you will see clients. If this location is at your place of work, you MUST include a Letter of Agreement & Commitment from the agency stating that you are allowed to use the space, that all waitlists, fees, and session limits will be waived, and any limitations or guidelines that will exist for your use of the space.

Questions? Contact APD Victim Services:
Email: APDEMDR@gmail.com                 Phone: 512-974-5037
If selected for the project, you will be contacted by someone from APD Victim Services.