Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™
(KA-EMDR) Training
Start Your Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ Training Journey
STEP 2:
Live Experiential Training
Practice Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ in practicum groups on Zoom.
STEP 3:
Consultation
Receive guidance while applying Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ with your clients.
Get Listed on Our Therapist Directory After Completing These 3 Steps
Step 1: On-Demand KA-EMDR Introductory Course
Course Title: Introduction to Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR): Enhancing Trauma Treatment with Low Dose Ketamine
Prerequisite: Completion of EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Basic Training. No previous ketamine training required.
Introductory Course Information
Course Description
Learn the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR) method with Danielle Ciccone & Michele Topel, on demand at your own pace. This homestudy webinar course will introduce learners to the novel method of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ - combining low-dose psycholytic ketamine (self-administered sublingually with troches) with EMDR therapy reprocessing.
In light of the prevalence and impact of trauma, new and effective treatments for trauma-related disorders is critical. Research has shown that both EMDR therapy and ketamine treatment are helpful interventions for PTSD, but the potentially synergistic combination of the two approaches had not been previously adequately studied or developed to date. In a pilot research study published by Michele Topel and Danielle Ciccone in 2025, it was found that KA-EMDR led to a statistically and clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and functional impairment. Clients subjectively reported that during KA-EMDR reprocessing sessions, they could process their traumatic memories with less fear, in a more relaxed and peaceful state. Clients expressed feeling more connected to their emotions with less resistance to difficult material.
Due to the safety profile as well as the neurological, subjective, and therapeutic effects of ketamine, it is a useful complement to EMDR therapy reprocessing. This approach can enhance memory reconsolidation and adaptive resolution of traumatic material.
This course will include lectures and video demonstrations of the KA-EMDR method, both in person and virtually.
This self-paced homestudy webinar provides a comprehensive overview of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ (KA-EMDR)—a structured, evidence-informed model that integrates low-dose (psycholytic) sublingual ketamine with standard EMDR therapy to enhance trauma memory reprocessing. Participants will explore reasons why ketamine may be a valuable addition to EMDR therapy, including its potential to increase neuroplasticity, expand the window of tolerance, and support the reconsolidation of traumatic memories. The training highlights the advantages of the psycholytic approach—such as preserving client engagement and emotional access—over higher-dose psychedelic methods. By the end of the training, participants will be able to list key preparatory tasks necessary for assessing appropriateness and ensuring client readiness for KA-EMDR. The course also introduces learners to the full 8-phase EMDR protocol as adapted for ketamine integration, with emphasis on unique and specific steps within the reprocessing phases. Learning is supported by lecture accompanied by detailed slides, video demonstrations, clinical case material, and findings from the instructors’ recent pilot study showing reductions in PTSD symptom severity and functional impairment. The course is focused on adult clients. (Advanced Level)
Learning Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Name 3 or more reasons why ketamine may be a useful addition to EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma.
- Identify 3 or more possible advantages to using the psycholytic approach as compared to the psychedelic approach when integrating ketamine with EMDR therapy.
- List 3 or more important tasks to complete when assessing appropriateness and preparing clients for Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™.
- Describe at least 2 unique and specific steps of the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ memory reprocessing protocol.
CE Credits
Six (6) hours of APA CE credit are available for attendees who are present for the entire program, co-sponsed by Precision EMDR Academy. Precision EMDR Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Precision EMDR Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
APA credits are accepted by most doctoral and masters-level licensing boards. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences recognizes the American Psychological Association as an approval agency for CE providers: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html You are responsible to verify with your state licensing board regarding qualifying continuing education credits.
Six (6) EMDRIA Credits are available for attendees who are present for the entire program. Eligibility for EMDRIA Credits is restricted to those who have completed an EMDRIA-Approved Basic EMDR Training. This program is consistent with the EMDRIA Definition of EMDR. The Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute, Danielle Ciccone, LPCC, and Michele Topel, LPC maintain responsibility for this program and its contents in accordance with EMDRIA requirements. EMDRIA Credit Provider #24073 / EC Program Approval No. 24073-DL03.
Attendance & Refund Policy
Full attendance of the training is required to receive Continuing Education Credit. Participants are required to pass a post-test to evaluate learning of the program material. The post-test includes 6-8 multiple choice questions per hour/CE credit. A minimum of 75% correct answers, within 3 attempts, is required to pass. At the end of the post-test, participants are required to attest to having attended the training in full and that they are the person who completed the post-test, as well as to identify words embedded throughout the program. Login data on the course site is used to verify completion of all program modules.
As all course materials become immediately available once registration is complete, refunds for the course will generally not be issued. If you have a grievance and/or believe your concern should be considered as an exception to this refund policy, please follow the below instructions for submitting a grievance.
Accommodations
All trainings by Precision EMDR Academy and Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute are held in facilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special accommodations are required for any reason, please notify us 30 days in advance at [email protected]. It is important to us that we are able to team with you in making adequate preparations to meet your needs.
Qualifications for Attending
Course Outline
Research Basis
Grievance Policy
Equal Opportunity
Conflicts of Interest
"This training impressed me"
“This training impressed me with the depth of thought and nuance of application integrated in each step of the protocol...The protocol and its psycholytic dosing is far more accessible and realistic for application in a traditional private practice setting than other methodologies.”
- LMFT in CA
"I felt completely blown away"
“I didn't have any specific expectations for this training but I felt completely blown away by all of the content! I appreciated all of the research that was done and presented to us…This training was truly a gift. I plan to attend more of your trainings as they become available. ”
- LCSW in TX
"This is a brilliant protocol"
“The knowledge and the material not only exceeded my expectations, it also inspired me to take a second look at complex clients who struggle staying engaged in their trauma recovery. This is a brilliant protocol that may be more effective, more affordable and more financially accessible
- LCSW in CO
Step 2: Live Virtual KA-EMDR Experiential Training
Prerequisites:
Experiential Training Information
Who is Eligible to Participate?
Students who have completed our on-demand course Introduction to Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™: Enhancing Trauma Treatment with Low Dose Ketamine are invited to participate in this virtual experiential training to practice applying the Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ method in practicum groups.
You may enroll in the on-demand introductory course and this experiential training at the same time, but you must complete the on-demand course before the experiential training date.
It is not required to register for the live virtual experiential training at the time of registering for the on-demand introductory course. However, you will receive 10% off both trainings if you purchase both together.
Completing the experiential training is one of the required steps of our training program in order to be listed on our Therapist Directory.
Experiential Training Schedule
These trainings are offered 1-2 times per month, typically on a Monday or Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time. We open registration for one training date at a time. If you can’t attend the training date that is open for registration above, we’d be happy to note your interest in a future date and email you as soon as registration opens—just email us at [email protected].
What is the Experiential Training Like?
This experiential training is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience and skills in administering and receiving Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™. The training includes two practice experiential reprocessing sessions, and the opportunity to engage in both the "client" and "therapist" roles. During this training, participants may choose to self-administer a low dose of sublingual ketamine, that was prescribed to them by a licensed medical professional in their own jurisdictions, while in the role of "client." Students will also participate in group debriefs and discussions to enhance learning and integration.
Ketamine Self-Administration
Ketamine self-administration is not required to participate in this training. However, for participants who are interested in self-administering low dose sublingual ketamine during their client role, a medical evaluation and prescription must be obtained prior to participating in the training. We refer to collaborating medical providers who can provide the medical evaluation and prescription for participants who are deemed eligible. The cost of the medical evaluation and ketamine prescription is paid directly to the medical provider and pharmacy, and is not included in the cost of the training itself.
If a participant chooses not to self-administer ketamine during the experiential training for any reason, or is deemed ineligible for a prescription by the evaluating medical provider, the participant shall inform the training organization as soon as possible so that an alternative procedure may be employed. In these cases, the training organization will solicit a volunteer to attend the training, who will act in the "client" role during one of the practice experiential reprocessing sessions. This volunteer will be a person with a valid prescription to self-administer ketamine. During this practice experiential reprocessing session, the participant who is not self-administering ketamine will act as "observer" and be able to learn from observing the session. This procedure is employed so that all paying participants in the training have the opportunity to practice in the "therapist" role with a "client" who is self-administering ketamine.
Please be advised that certain medical and psychological contraindications would very likely disqualify you from receiving a ketamine prescription, including, but not limited to: cardiac conditions included uncontrolled hypertension, ketamine allergy, pregnancy/nursing, severe breathing problems, dissociative disorders, psychotic disorders, Bipolar 1 disorder (mania), and unstable substance use disorders. The decision about eligibility for a ketamine prescription for the training is ultimately up to the medical provider, so there may be other reasons why you are deemed ineligible. If a participant is deemed ineligible for a ketamine prescription after their medical evaluation, they are welcome to join the training without self-administering ketamine.
Please also be advised that if you live outside of the United States, or if you reside in one of these states - Arkansas, Hawaii, Missouri, Rhode Island - we do not currently have any collaborating medical providers who can provide the medical evaluation and ketamine prescription, so you will be responsible for locating a medical provider who can provide this service before the training if you want to self-administer ketamine during your practice session, otherwise you can participate in the training without self-administering ketamine.
Experiential Training Refund Policy
Due to the extensive planning required to coordinate this type of training, no refunds will be given within 21 full days of the training date, for any reason. Registrants canceling up to 21 full days before the training will receive a refund less a $25.00 administrative fee.
CE Credits
There are no CE credits available for this training.
Accommodations
All trainings by Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute are held in facilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special accommodations are required for any reason, please notify us 30 days in advance at [email protected]. It is important to us that we are able to team with you in making adequate preparations to meet your needs.
Revolutionize Your EMDR Practice with the Power of Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™
Unlock deeper healing and accelerate transformation by learning how to integrate legally prescribed low dose ketamine with EMDR therapy. Our specialized training empowers EMDR clinicians to safely and ethically incorporate this cutting-edge approach—opening new pathways for clients stuck in traditional treatment.
