The Austin Police Department Victim Services Division is offering an opportunity to train counselors within the non-profit and private sectors in a psychotherapeutic treatment known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

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

Selected participants will receive this highly sought-after training FREE OF CHARGE in exchange for a partnership with APD Victim Services and the provision of 50 pro bono sessions (within three calendar years following completion of said training) to survivors of trauma as referred by APD.

APD EMDR Project 2024 Application Information

The deadline to apply is May 3, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Requirements

  • Licensed as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PsyD (or pursuing licensure)
  • 3 years of experience working with survivors of trauma (preferred)
  • Familiarity working with at-risk populations (preferred)
  • Commitment of 50 sessions pro bono within the next 3 calendar years
  • Commitment to regularly work with at least one referred victim of crime once training is completed until the end of the required 50 sessions pro bono (exceptions for unforeseen circumstances can be made in writing once training is complete)
  • Letter of commitment to waive waitlists and session limits for clients referred by the project from your agency or yourself if in private practice

How to Apply

  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)
    • Please indicate if you will provide a mix of telehealth and in-person sessions
    • If you conduct therapy exclusively by telehealth, please provide information on the platform you use
    • 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/etc., please note the office location where you will see clients. If this location is at your place of work (including during work hours via telehealth), 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 or time.

Dates and Training Provided by

  • Dr. Christie Sprowls, PsyD; https://www.drchristiesprowls.com 
    • June 21-23, 2024 and September 27-29, 2024

  • Rick Levinson, LCSW; http://www.ricklevinson.com 

    • Dates:

      Weekend 1

      August 3, 2024

      August 9th-11th, 2024

                      Weekend 2

                     November 2nd, 2024

                     November 8th-10th, 2024

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.