Elevate Your Practice: Expert EMDR and Expressive Arts Consultation and Tools for Your EMDR practice
Step into a space of creative, confident EMDR. Competently and compassionately support your complex trauma and neurodivergent clients.
Looking for tools to support your EMDR work?
I created The Guided Studio — a platform of clinical tools designed specifically for EMDR and parts-based therapists working with complex trauma and neurodivergent clients.
BLS Arcade is a browser-based bilateral stimulation tool built for telehealth, with sensory-sensitive modes, adjustable speed and intensity, and support for clients who struggle with traditional light bars. It is designed with ND-affirming and dissociation-aware practice in mind.
Parts Mapping Tool is a free interactive canvas for mapping parts, protectors, and the Self — useful for IFS-informed EMDR preparation and between-session client work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
EMDR Consultation & Expressive Arts Supervision with Sam Bergstein
General & Contact Information
Who provides these services?
All EMDR consultation and expressive arts supervision services are provided by Sam (Samantha) Bergstein, MA, MSW, LISW-S, LCSW, REAT, through Mantra Mental Health, LLC.
How can I contact you?
Email is the required and preferred method of contact for all consultation-related questions.
sbergstein@mantramentalhealthllc.com
Phone calls are not used for consultation coordination.
Nature of Consultation & Supervision
Is EMDR consultation or expressive arts supervision therapy?
No. These services are not therapy and do not create a therapeutic relationship. They are professional, educational, and consultative services intended to support clinical learning and skill development.
Does consultation or supervision count toward licensure supervision?
No. EMDR consultation and expressive arts supervision do not count toward licensure-based clinical supervision, and I do not provide supervision for state licensure purposes.
What are these services intended for?
They are designed to support:
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EMDR basic training completion
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EMDRIA certification
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Consultant-in-Training (CIT) development
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Expressive arts therapy training, certificate, and REAT credentialing
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Professional development and skill refinement
EMDR Consultation
What is EMDR consultation?
EMDR consultation is a collaborative, consultee-centered process focused on developing proficiency and fidelity to standard EMDR therapy (eight phases, three-pronged approach).
Who can receive EMDR basic training consultation with you?
I can only provide basic training consultation for clinicians who completed their EMDR training through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness (ICM) or an ICM-affiliated trainer.
Does basic training consultation count toward certification?
No. Basic training consultation hours are separate from and do not count toward EMDRIA certification.
Can you be my primary consultant for certification?
Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. Becoming your primary consultant requires:
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A minimum of 10 individual certification-level consultation hours with me
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Ongoing engagement (at least one individual consultation every two months)
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Demonstrated EMDR competency
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Mutual agreement that we are a good fit
Purchasing a bundle or scheduling sessions does not automatically establish me as your primary consultant.
Do consultation hours guarantee certification or readiness?
No. Completing required hours does not guarantee certification readiness or recommendation. Additional consultation or training may be required if competency gaps are identified.
Consultant in Training (CIT)
Do you offer consultation-of-consultation for CITs?
Yes. I provide consultation-of-consultation for EMDRIA Consultants in Training, including skill development, evaluation, and readiness assessment.
Can you be my primary CIT consultant?
Possibly. This requires regular meetings, sufficient individual hours with me, and the ability to meet CIT requirements. I reserve the right to refer you to additional or alternative consultants if needed.
Does shadowing or co-leading count as consultation-of-consultation?
No. While valuable, shadowing and co-leading do not count toward consultation-of-consultation hours
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Expressive Arts Supervision
What is expressive arts supervision?
Expressive arts supervision focuses on integrating expressive arts therapy into clinical practice and professional development, aligned with IEATA standards and scope of practice.
Does expressive arts supervision count toward licensure supervision?
No. Expressive arts supervision is not licensure supervision and does not meet state licensure supervision requirements.
Can supervision hours count toward certificate or REAT requirements?
Yes, if completed in alignment with your certificate program + IEATA standards.
What are the hour-counting rules?
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1 individual hour = 1 supervision hour
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2 group hours = 1 supervision hour
Can I do dual EMDR consultation and expressive arts supervision?
Sam doesn't currently offer this option.
Scheduling, Payment & Attendance
When is payment required?
Payment is required at the time of scheduling or within 24 hours of invoicing to hold your spot.
How do I know if a group is full?
If a date/time is not available on the scheduling portal, it is likely full. I do not do waitlists but you're welcome to check back. You may email me regarding individual consultation availability.
What time zone are consultations held in?
I am in Eastern Time. The scheduling system should adjust for your time zone, but please email if you are unsure.
Are cameras required?
Yes. Cameras must be on for all or most of the consultation, especially for group sessions, except for brief breaks.
Can I attend while driving?
No. If you are driving and cannot safely park, the session will need to be rescheduled and may be subject to late cancellation policies.
Documentation, Letters & Hours
Will I receive confirmation of my hours?
Yes. You will receive a follow-up email confirming your hours. This email serves as official documentation—please save it.
Do you track my hours for me?
I document our consultation and it is available upon request, but you are responsible for tracking and maintaining your own records. It is your responsibility to know how many consultations you've had, how many you have left, and if using a bundle, how many bundle credits you have left.
How much notice is required for recommendation letters?
I require 30 days’ notice for certification or consultant recommendation letters.
Materials, Privacy & Liability
Can I share or sell materials provided in consultation?
No. Materials are copyrighted and may not be duplicated, distributed, or sold without written permission. You may adapt them for your own professional use.
Are you responsible for my clinical decisions or client outcomes?
No. You retain full responsibility for your clinical work, ethical practice, and compliance with laws and licensing requirements.
Policies & Agreement
Which document governs these services?
This Terms, Policies, and Conditions document is the master governing document and supersedes all other service-specific materials.
What policies apply in addition to this FAQ?
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Privacy Policy
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Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Refund Policy
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Bundle Policy
What does scheduling a session mean legally?
By scheduling or purchasing services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and policies. This serves as your informed consent and service agreement.