This information on spiritual trauma should be required learning for all therapists in their diversity trainings. I love how Mark blended in EMDR Therapy and the AIP Model. It felt very organic. Thank you, Mark. - Susan Arland, MA, LMHC, EMDRIA, Approved Consultant, Des Moines, Iowa

...Mark's style, knowledge and wisdom made this seminar a "Pearl of EMDR training.” I am looking forward to more of his teachings. - Elena Coello-Jemmali, Psy.D. (Miami, FL)

I found this seminar to be very helpful. In a time where spirituality is seen as a taboo subject, Mark presented and shared how beneficial and healing ones faith can be. - Jennifer Knapp, LPCC - Perrysburg, OH

Licensing Board Approvals

This course is NOT available for APA or NBCC credit.

This training does not offer ASWB ACE credit to social workers.

The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #852 BAP-Expires 3/31/2025

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS, recognizes relevant course work/training that has been approved by nationally recognized certifying bodies, such as APA, to satisfy renewal requirements.

California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-12-174-0225 Expires 2-2025

The Texas Board of Social Work Examiners – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education

The Texas Board of Professional Counselors – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education

Massachusetts Authorization Number: 1443

Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board – Approval from a state licensing board for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists is accepted by the OH CSWMFTB.

New York Social Work Board – Ce-Classes.com is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0120.

The Florida Board of Nursing (CE Provider #: 50-4896) Expires 10/31/2024 Do not send certificates to the 

Florida Board of Nursing. You must keep this certificate for 4 years.

The California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2024.

* Licensed Professionals should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval.

What People are Saying about the Course

Bilateral Innovations - "Connecting the Head and the Heart"

Spiritual Trauma & EMDR Therapy 7 Steps to Help Clients Heal

Course Description

In April of 2016, a unique course on EMDR and Spiritual Trauma made its debut, and the response was overwhelming! With now over 500 course registrations to date, therapists from multiple countries, and almost every U.S. state and Canadian province have now taken this highly-reviewed training. A distance-learning course, it is approved by both EMDRIA and CE-Classes.com for 6.0 credits. After purchasing the training, you should be automatically redirected to the "Spiritual Trauma Purchase Confirmation" page. Here you can watch it on your own time at your own pace, and can download the course either in its entirety, or as 11 separate modules. Scroll down to learn more about the training and read what people are saying, or simply click the "Buy Course Now" button below to get started!

CE-Classes.com is the CE provider of this course. *Certificates are awarded online after completion of the workshop. Participants print their own certificate after registering at ce-classes.com, entering a keycode, and completing an evaluation form.

This online training is available for all Fully-Trained EMDR therapists, and can be virtually-attended from the comfort of your own computer!  To sign up, click the “Purchase Course Now” button above. Immediately after purchasing, you will be automatically redirected to a purchase confirmation page, where you can download the entire course (please bookmark this page so you can come back to it later). Unlike a live-streamed event, this distance-learning format will allow you to watch the course on your own time.

About the Presenter

Mark Odland is an EMDR therapist, consultant, and educator. He is a Certified Therapist, Approved Consultant, and Approved CE Provider with the EMDR International Association, and an Approved Consultant and Basic Training Facilitator with EMDR HAP (Trauma Recovery). Mark owns a group private practice near Minneapolis, MN, where he practices as a License Marriage and Family Therapist. 

In this course, Mark draws on his years of seminary education, experiences as an ordained minister, and years of practicing EMDR therapy primarily with clients seeking to integrate their Christian spirituality into the healing process.

In addition to this course, Mark is also the author of the EMDR Coloring Book series, and creator of the EMDRIA-Approved distance-learning course, The Artistic Flow Approach to EMDR Therapy.

Mark Odland

MA, LMFT, MDIV

Spiritual Trauma & EMDR Therapy - 7 Steps to Help Clients Heal, is self-paced, distance-learning course, and is approved for 6 CEs through EMDRIA and 6 professional credits through CE-Classes.com.  In this advanced EMDR training, Mark Odland - MA, LMFT, MDIV, will teach you 7 steps, or principles, to help your clients heal from spiritual trauma.  In its broadest sense, all trauma might be considered spiritual, because it forces us to confront those deeper questions of meaning and purpose in our lives. However, due to the constraints of time, this course will provide a particular focus on working with those who have experienced trauma within organized religion.  Often, Mark’s clients come to him full of shame, longing to heal, and hoping to reclaim the best parts of their spirituality in a way that makes sense for them. 

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The content of this training took years to develop, and reflects the sum-total of Mark’s education and experience as a college religion major, 4-year seminary graduate, ordained pastor, LMFT, EMDRIA-Certified therapist, EMDRIA and HAP-Approved Consultant, and HAP Approved Facilitator. Because of Mark’s background as a pastor, many of his clients seek him out in order to explore their Christian faith as part of therapy.  As a result, the majority of Mark’s stories, metaphors, and case examples will draw largely from his experiences working primarily with Christian clients.  While this focus might may not be broad enough for some therapists, Mark believes that his concepts could be applied to clients from a variety of backgrounds.

This course was important for me as a therapist - it validated the process of integrating spirituality into therapy in a systems based structure. The use of EMDR was validated and specific tools highlighted within a 7 step process that was highly consistent with how I work after more than 35 years of treatment experience. The focus on exploring the client's spirituality within a framework of neutrality, tolerance, and positive regard is consistent with the highest standards of our profession. Recognition of how our own experience with religion and spirituality can interact with the client's lived experience was validated. Mark proposes a process approach where by we as therapists validate the client's anger, pain, and shame without placing them in the bind of having to (or failing to provide) forgiveness in a time sensitive process. I highly recommend this course to therapists of whatever religious stripe. It encourages our own growth and challenges us to find our biases.

- Mike Buckley, PhD psych, MA coun, RCT - Nova Scotia

Mark's course is a timely and valuable contribution to the EMDR literature. His cognitive interweaves for resourcing clients' spiritual beliefs beautifully demonstrate how the EMDR protocol brings to our clients an opportunity for powerful healing experiences at the point where science and spirit meet. Thank you, Mark!

- Debora Ross, MA, LMFT- Eugene, Oregon

Mark did a wonderful job of interweaving the tensions of dealing with Spiritual Trauma - wow are there a lot. When exclusively intellectual or emotional answers just don't satisfy you, your supervisees, or your clients, this is a great course.

- Eric Bruemmer MS, LCPC

I found Mark and his Spiritual Trauma and EMDR course enjoyable, helpful and congruent with my own view and philosophy around spirituality and objectivity. Thank you Mark for making the course assessable, easy to follow and lovingly presented.

- Carmel Clark Certified EMDR Trauma Therapist, Intergrative Counsellor and Coach.

This course was full of insightful information with relevant examples. I feel much more prepared to help clients navigate their spiritual trauma. Mark's insight and experience is invaluable. I highly recommend this course to every EMDR therapist. 

- Annie Tam, M.Ed., LPC - Dallas, TX

Excellent course! Client's faith / spirituality is often shaken to the core after a trauma and many client's will want to address this in therapy. Should be a required course if you are going to deal with trauma.

- Amy Hill, MA, LPC - Richardson, TX

I found this course thought provoking. I look forward to using Pastor Odland's techniques of being open and being a curious observer while I'm learning about my clients' histories. Thank you so much for such a calming and refreshing way to practice EMDR.

- Joy Butler, LCSW

Teaching skills to integrate spirituality with EMDR in this manner gave me some breakthrough ideas to reach clients with complex PTSD. I have learned to listen and know that God speaks to me in many ways. The simplicity of this God-engineered class brought up specific ideas in an unhampered way so that even my husband healing from a broken neck and back in the next room overheard some inspirations that have eluded him until now.

- Shawn Sorensen, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist

I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I am new to EMDR and not only did I learn about working with clients who have spiritual trauma, but I learned more about EMDR. It was so helpful and I know I will be able to put what I learned into my practice with all types of client: secular and spiritual. I am going to be less timid about asking all my clients about their spiritual background and I have tools now to help them with any incongruence they have regarding spiritual matters.

- Charlotte Sue Dolifka, Med, LPC Harker Heights, TX

This spiritual trauma course was quite encouraging because it validated some of what I already do, but also provided enhancements to my practice. The example scenarios were relevant and practical for learning. Thank you Mark for taking the time to develop this webinar.

- M.A. Steyn, CCPA, Whitehorse, Yukon

As an EMDR trained therapist and a Christian I found this course a blessing to me. It is the first course that met my needs as a faith based therapist and answered some of my questions regarding doing faith based EMDR therapy. Just what I needed at this time when I am trying to transition into private practice after working for non-profit agencies all of my career. Thank you Mark for a very necessary and informative course. 

- Jessica Whitaker, LCSW, Richmond, CA

An excellent mix for therapists of spiritual guidance, ethics and EMDR, all most rightly directed for the ultimate benefit of my clients. Thank you, Mark, for your efforts in putting this together. 

- Chris Teipel LPC, LAT/ Cheyenne, WY & Buena Vista, CO.

I found this course helpful, as spirituality is so important to so many clients. For example, the question of "how could God let this [trauma] happen" comes up so often, and the techniques suggested here will come in handy. 

- Rebecca Pittenger, Ph.D., Pasadena, CA

In my practice, I see clients with a variety of faith backgrounds. This webinar provided specific enough information to be helpful while being broad enough to be applicable with clients from all kinds of backgrounds. He suggested interweaves that I believe will even help my clients who aren't dealing with spiritual trauma. 

- Julie Kramer, MS, LMFT - CA

This webinar was great. I am in the process of starting private practice (Christian based) and the information and concepts of applying EMDR within spiritual trauma will be of great benefit. I look forward to Mark being a source for needed information.

- Queenie Lathan, MA, LPCC-S - Warren, OH

Mark is so right that there is a spiritual component to almost everyone's traumatic experience. Thank you for some VERY useful tools that I will begin to use Monday morning! 

- Janice Harris Lord, LCSW, ACSW/LPC - Arlington, Texas

Mark's presents his knowledge of the Christian Faith and EMDR in a clear and concise manner. The study materials are very useful and were in keeping with his presentation. The technical aspects of the webinar were seamless. Thank you.

- (June 2017 Attendee)

This information on spiritual trauma should be required learning for all therapists in their diversity trainings. I love how Mark blended in EMDR Therapy and the AIP Model. It felt very organic. Thank you, Mark. 

- Susan Arland, MA, LMHC, EMDRIA, Approved Consultant, Des Moines, Iowa

This training was absolutely exceptional, I really enjoyed it and felt relaxed and present after it ended.

- Miriam Rivas de Madrid, LPCC, LPC-S

I have been hugely blessed by this webinar. I loved the way that Mark presented in such a real and practical manner with examples that really helped bring the concepts home. I definitely have learnt much that I can use in my counseling practice. Thanks again.

- Preethi Jacob, India

The course was was very well done and helpful for increasing my understanding of how to incorporate spirituality in my treatment with clients. I look forward to future presentations by Mark. 

- Linda Richnofsky, LMFT, White Bear Lake, MN

Thank you, Mark, for the time and effort you put into developing this training. I have been very aware of how trauma can shake spirituality and relationships to the core. I also know that healing is available and that there is always hope. This training gives words and understanding to the dynamics of spiritual trauma and helps to shed light on the possibility of freedom and overcoming. Your training has been a blessing to me and gives me tools to add to my practice, including assessments and resources as well as things to think about and ways to develop curiosity with clients in their therapy process. I believe this will help to continue to shape our ability to be genuine and compassionate with others both in and out of our offices. 

- Shelly Teske-Hulan, Registered Psychologist (Alberta, Canada)

Informative and valuable to anyone interested in dealing with spiritual matters. Mark kept my interest throughout the entire online course. Thank you. 

- Andy Cassell, LCSW

I found this course extremely helpful in offering validation to clients struggling with trauma associated with spiritual experiences of shame and unworthiness. It gave me increased confidence to pursue these issues in the future. The tools and strategies were interesting and helpful.

- Linda Newbill, LCSW, PIP

Mark offers deep insight into the effective and ethically grounded exploration of meaningful spiritual concepts and questions with trauma clients. He demonstrates a soft but poignant use of EMDR resources and techniques to strengthen and free up clients who experience blocks while processing spiritual trauma. His systemic approach to healing is both organic and scientifically informed and his course is useful on many levels.

- October 2016 Attendee

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and expertise. Very refreshing webinar! I have some more tools in my toolkit and have learned how to use the ones I already had in new ways.

- Maureen Martens, MA, CPC, ICADC, CSAT

As I registered for this course and saw the course duration was wondering how i would be able to sit through these seven hours of the course. The content has been greatly helpful in not only learning new things to use in my therapy but also helped me rethink about myself. The section on not being able to set boundaries with some people because of the fear of losing relationships sounded so true about myself, the course helped me understand more of this and the need to set boundaries as it is better than the situation that it was during the conflict phase. My setting boundaries had created an unrest as people did not expect me to put my foot down or speak up. Felt guilty at times of doing it, but this course reassured the need for doing it. Thank you so much. The content and method of neutral validation and expressing genuine curiosity was also very beneficial to me. Thanks for the learning

- Elizabeth

Great webinar that incorporates strategies to use with EMDR and working with spiritual trauma. 7 steps will be easy to incorporate into my private practice. Thank you.

- October 2016 Attendee

This was not only a very innovative type of webinar but also allowed for an in depth learning about trauma, spirituality and EMDR. Mark's style, knowledge and wisdom made this seminar a "Pearl of EMDR training.” I am looking forward to more of his teachings.

- Elena Coello-Jemmali, Psy.D. (Miami, FL)

I found this seminar to be very helpful. In a time where spirituality is seen as a taboo subject, Mark presented and shared how beneficial and healing ones faith can be.

- Jennifer Knapp, LPCC - Perrysburg, OH

In my own private practice as an EMDR therapist I frequently observe clients struggling with the impact of trauma on their belief system. While some of my clients come to see me because of our common beliefs and values, other clients have been afraid at first to share personal spiritual experiences or beliefs because of fear of being judged as "crazy." I have tried to work with each of them in exploring and healing their heart wounds. Much to my chagrin, in peer supervision I have been told more than once that "religion is the problem" and encouraged to suggest to my clients that they "let go of their religious traditions." For me, suggesting that a client relinquish their faith or belief system is a violation of my code of ethics. I find Mark's course so helpful because it provides a framework and interventions that help a therapist set clear boundaries around their own biases while supporting clients in examining their existential questions. Mark's training and perspective can help any therapist to examine their own beliefs and honor the beliefs of others. I think any therapist can benefit from this webinar and highly recommend it.

- Terry L. Chapman, MSW, LICSW (Fairmont, WV)

This course provided practical ways to address spiritual trauma, which is often overlooked, in an engaging and meaningful way.

- Deborah Moyer, MA, LMFT (San Diego, CA)

Mark presented this course with a strong knowledge base on both EMDR therapy and spirituality. His examples for Cognitive Interweaves were excellent and very useful. He integrated new concepts with already established beliefs about religion and spirituality that caused you to rethink these concepts. Truly a valuable and enjoyable experience!

 - Wanda K. Holloway, PsyD, LPC, LCSW (Springfield, MO)

Mr. Odland's presentation gave testimony to the importance of including the client's own spiritual background as an important tool in the overall healing process and providing the tools to make such an intervention accessible even for the layperson. I believe this can be a very valuable addition to my therapeutic arsenal.

- Sandra Lowen, PhD, LCSW - (Graham, WA)

This seminar provided me with the knowledge, insight, and tools to effectively incorporate spirituality as a healing modality into EMDR treatment. Thank you!

- Lorena Abarr, LMHC, CADC (Amherst, MA)

An important and well organized introduction to a deep and possibly under assessed area of trauma.

- Wendy Krauss MS, LMHC, CAS (Leesburg, FL)

What a fair and sensitive presentation of this important subject!

- Michael Govan, MA LLP, LPC (Troy, MI)

Mark’s presentation answered many questions for me as to how to proceed with my EMDR clients who have suffered through and with spiritual trauma. I feel armed with the expertise he offered and more ready to serve those clients. I really appreciate Mark sharing. I intend to take more of his webinars and fully use his approach in my practice. Thanks again for your service as a minister and as an EMDR therapist. EMDR rocks, it changed my life and I know it will help countless others.

- Jonnie Mae MiddletonLotte, MS., PPS., EMDR., LPC. (Springfield, MO, USA - And a Happy Face!)

Thank you! I definitely feel more comfortable in exploring and addressing my clients' spiritual trauma. I feel freer to help my clients to work through this area. I think our general training to be neutral actually results in us avoiding this area due to lack of comfort...I love the connection made between EMDR and healing spiritual trauma. I appreciate you investing so much to help so many of us all across the country grow in this needed area and equip ourselves. Our clients will certainly benefit!

- April 2016 attendee

I very much admire Mr. Odland's comfort with spiritual topics. He has pulled together thoughts about the spiritual in a very unique and useful way. 

- April 2016 attendee

This was an informative and thoughtful webinar that addresses spirituality and its role in EMDR processing and in the therapeutic relationship. Mark is an engaging presenter who is highly qualified in this topic area. 

- April 2016 attendee

Spiritual Trauma & EMDR Therapy - 7 Steps to Help Clients Heal provided interesting new and powerful ways to address the spiritual and moral injuries that occur too often to our clients. I'm looking forward to using them soon. 

- Colleen Timpe, LCSW LAC

I thought this was a wonderful course that will help me bring greater ability to hold space for spiritual trauma and bring greater healing through the therapeutic relationship and EMDR into my practice. Mark is a warm, caring, and knowledgeable presenter.

- February 2017 attendee

Very informative! Thank you for a great presentation! I know that I will use this knowledge in my practice. 

- Karen Oliphant, LPC, Killeen, TX

Most skillfully presented. Excellent balance of content. I now believe the positive reviews previously written were actually genuine & unfiltered! I hope for many clients sake that many EMDRers will study this. Thank you loads Mark.

- February 2017 attendee

I absolutely loved this course. As a Christian Counselor, this course offered so many practical examples and resources that are applicable to my practice. The reflection times were very helpful and I gained some meaningful insight into my own belief systems! I would highly recommend this course for EMDR therapists practicing with Christian clients! 

- Leslie Taylor, MA, LPC-College Station, TX

Not only was the content of this course extremely beneficial to my practice, but the organization, timing, presentation and materials were impeccably professional and engaging. 

- Debra A. Dykes, MA, LPC, LAC, EMDR Certified

I found this webinar to be insightful and informative. I have several EMDR clients that have this internal struggle and it prevents them from healing fully. With this knowledge and the worksheets provided I can now help them to resolve this struggle. 

- Mary Fierst, LPC Fort Worth, Texas

I found this webinar extremely helpful, both personally and professionally. As a reasonably new therapist, I am working with many clients whose stories do involve some degree of spiritual trauma. This course has given me some specific things that I think will help both me and my clients. One of those key things is confidence - a new confidence to go there. Thanks. 

- February 2017 attendee (LMFT)

This is a topic that is especially relevant to the trauma field. Mark does a great job of articulating what is needed to be a spiritually competent therapist when working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma & grief. 

- Holly L. Shilling LCPC, NCC, EMDR Certified

EMDRIA and CE-Classes . com Approved for 6 Distance-Learning Credits