Continuing Education That Actually Matters: A New Therapist's Strategic Guide

EMDR has become one of the most sought-after specializations in mental health. Clients actively search for EMDR-trained therapists, and the treatment has strong research support for trauma, anxiety, and many other conditions. Full certification requires about 50 hours of training plus 20 hours of consultation.

DBT training is particularly valuable if you work with personality disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or emotion dysregulation. The comprehensive model requires significant training investment but positions you for specialty roles in DBT programs, hospitals, and private practice.

The Gottman name carries significant weight with couples seeking therapy. Clients specifically search for Gottman-trained therapists, making this certification excellent for marketing. The training is also genuinely useful, with practical interventions backed by decades of research.

EFT is an attachment-based approach to couples therapy with strong research support. It is increasingly recognized alongside Gottman as a gold-standard couples treatment. EFT training also applies to individual and family therapy, making it versatile.

If you work with children, the RPT credential signals expertise to parents and schools. The credential requires 150 hours of play therapy instruction and 500 hours of supervised play therapy experience. It is essentially required for serious child therapy specialists.

How many continuing education hours do I need each year?

Requirements vary by state and license type, typically ranging from 20-40 hours per renewal cycle. Most states require renewal every 1-2 years. Check your specific state board requirements, as they also mandate certain categories like ethics, cultural competency, or suicide prevention training.

Is it better to get certified in one modality or take courses in several?

For career advancement, depth typically beats breadth. Being truly certified in one recognized modality like EMDR or DBT is more valuable than taking introductory courses in five different approaches. Complete one certification fully before starting another, and choose specialties that align with your practice goals.

How much should I budget for continuing education annually?

Most therapists spend $500-2,000 annually on CE, but strategic investors may spend more in years when pursuing major certifications. A good rule of thumb is 2-5% of your gross income. Remember that these expenses are tax-deductible, effectively reducing the cost by your marginal tax rate.

Are online CE courses as valuable as in-person training?

It depends on the training. For knowledge-based content like ethics updates or disorder overviews, online is perfectly adequate and more convenient. For skill-based training where you need practice and feedback - like EMDR or couples therapy techniques - in-person or live virtual training with role-play components is significantly more effective.

When should I start pursuing specialty certifications?

Most therapists benefit from 1-2 years of general clinical experience before diving into specialty certification. This gives you a foundation to build on and helps you identify which specialty truly fits your interests. That said, you can start exploring specialties through introductory trainings during your first years while you decide where to focus.

What if my employer provides free CE but it is not what I want to learn?

Use employer-provided CE for required categories and general hours, then invest your own resources in the specialty training that advances your personal career goals. Your employer is meeting their organizational needs - you need to also meet your professional development needs, even if that means paying out of pocket for strategic training.

How do I know if a certification is legitimate?

Check if the certifying body is widely recognized by employers and colleagues in your field. Legitimate certifications come from established organizations with clear standards, require meaningful training hours and supervision, and are referenced in job postings. If you have never heard of the certifying organization outside their marketing, that is a warning sign.

Can CE from one state transfer if I move or get licensed elsewhere?

Generally yes for the training content, but you will need to verify that your CE meets the new state board requirements. Some states have specific approved provider lists or category requirements that differ. Keep detailed records of all your training including syllabi and certificates so you can demonstrate equivalency if needed.