Choosing an EMDR clinical supervisor

When choosing an EMDR Child supervisor, consider the following key factors:

1. Accreditation status
   Ensure they are an EMDR Europe–accredited Child & Adolescent Consultant (or Consultant in Training), so supervision meets recognised standards.

2. Child-specific EMDR expertise
   Look for substantial experience delivering EMDR with children and young people across developmental stages.

3. Knowledge of accreditation pathways
   They should be familiar with EMDR UK / EMDR Europe child accreditation requirements and able to support your progression.

4. Safeguarding competence
   The supervisor should be confident supervising risk, child protection, and ethical dilemmas.

5. Experience with complex presentations
   Consider their experience with developmental trauma, attachment difficulties, neurodiversity, and comorbidity.

6. Protocol range and flexibility
   They should competently supervise a range of child-adapted EMDR protocols, in addition to adult models.

7. Systemic and family awareness
   Effective child supervision includes understanding family, school, and multi-agency contexts.

8. Supervision style and fit
   Reflect on whether their approach is supportive, appropriately challenging, and aligns with your learning needs.

9. Structure and reliability
   Regular, well-structured supervision with clear boundaries and documentation is essential.

10. Ethical alignment and professionalism
    Choose a supervisor who models ethical, reflective, and child-centred EMDR practice.