Austin PD Victim Services To Provide Free Training To Counselors

Austin TX

12 April, 2021

4:00 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department's Victim Services Unit will offer free training to counselors in the Austin area, officials said. The department plans to train local counselors within the nonprofit and private sectors to provide counseling to survivors of trauma. Counselors will be trained in utilizing a form of therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which helps those who've experience a traumatic event move towards natural healing and positive mental health. Training is expected to start July 16 – 18, August (dates to be determined) and September 17 – 19. The deadline to apply has been extended to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 18. Selected participants will receive this training free of charge in exchange for an agreement to partner with the department's Victim Services and provide survivors of trauma with 50 pro bono sessions within the next three years. The clients will be referred to the counselors by APD Victim Services staff following the counselor's completion of the training. EMDR training consists of in-person training for two weekends and a series of consultation sessions after each weekend. Participants will be expected to participate in all of the required consultations. The cost of textbooks is not included in this project and participants will be required to purchase textbooks with their own funds, officials said. For more information about this training, contact the Victim Services Unit 512-974-5037 or by email at [email protected]. Here are some requirements to apply for this project: Licensed as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PsyD (or pursuing licensure)3 years of experience working with survivors of trauma (preferred)Commitment of 50 sessions pro bono within the next 3 calendar yearsLetter of commitment to waive waitlists and session limits for clients referred by the project from your agency (if not in private practice)