There are certain seasons in our professional lives that give us a chance to pause and recognize just how much we have grown.
This summer has been one of those seasons for me.
Between coaching at EMDR trainings in Toronto and Halifax, continuing my work as an EMDR consultant, and reflecting on how I want to grow as an educator, I have found myself thinking a lot about what it means to keep learning, even when we are the ones standing at the front of the room.
Two Trainings, Two Cities, and Lots of Learning
This summer, I had the privilege of coaching at two EMDR trainings: one in Toronto and one in Halifax.
Every training brings something new. Even when the material is familiar, the people, questions, conversations, and clinical perspectives make each experience different.
It is always wonderful to learn from Roy Kissling, an incredibly experienced and respected EMDR trainer. Watching an experienced trainer facilitate a training is a reminder that teaching is much more than knowing the material. It is also about presence, timing, communication, flexibility, and creating an environment where people feel supported in learning.
This time, I also had the opportunity to witness Kyle Poon stepping into his role as a trainer.
Look out for Kyle. I predict he is going to do some amazing things in the years ahead.
Watching someone step into a new professional role also made me reflect on my own journey.
What I Have Learned as an EMDR Consultant
Over the past year, I have learned so much through my work as an EMDR consultant.
Consulting has helped me appreciate that therapists come to EMDR with different experiences, learning styles, strengths, questions, and areas where they may need additional support.
It has also made me think more carefully about how I teach.
Knowing something and explaining something are two very different skills.
As I continue developing my skills as a consultant and educator, I want to become better at taking complex concepts and making them understandable, practical, and useful for therapists.
That is part of the reason I have decided to offer a series of free EMDR learning modules this fall.
An Invitation to Learn, and Give Me Feedback
I will be offering several free online modules covering EMDR principles and Phase 3.
These sessions are intended for EMDR therapists who would like a brief refresher, as well as therapists who are curious about EMDR and are considering taking formal EMDR training in the future.
But there is another purpose behind these sessions.
I want to practice.
I want to learn what works in my presentations, what could be clearer, and how I can become a stronger educator. In exchange for providing these modules at no cost, I am asking participants to provide honest feedback about my presentation and teaching skills.
Sometimes growth requires being willing to put yourself out there and ask people to tell you what you could do better.
That is what I am hoping to do.
Fall EMDR Sessions
October 8, 2026 – 12:30 p.m. EST
60 minutes
EMDR Principles Overview
October 19, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. EST
75 minutes
Phase 3
November 2, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. EST
75 minutes
Phase 3 – Part 2
Please note that these sessions are not recognized by EMDRIA and do not count toward EMDRIA credits, EMDRIA-approved training hours, or EMDR consulting hours.
The purpose is educational: to offer a basic overview or refresher for therapists who have already completed EMDR training, while also giving therapists who are considering training an opportunity to become more familiar with some foundational EMDR concepts.
And for me, it is an opportunity to grow.
Monthly Group Consultation Is Returning
I am also very happy to share that I am restarting my monthly group consultations.
The consultations will take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. EST.
I have always valued the opportunity to learn collectively. Group consultation creates space for therapists to bring questions, explore clinical experiences, hear different perspectives, and continue developing their skills alongside colleagues.
Whether you have participated in one of my consultation groups before or are considering joining for the first time, I look forward to reconnecting and building this space again.
For inquiries about the monthly group consultations, please email:
info@ancestralmemorytherapy.com
Continuing the Journey
One of the things I appreciate most about this stage of my career is that learning does not have a finish line.
There is always another question to explore, another therapist to learn from, another perspective to consider, and another skill to develop.
This summer reminded me of that.
From Toronto to Halifax, from coaching to consulting, and now to developing my own presentations, I feel grateful for the opportunities that continue to challenge me.
I am looking forward to sharing what I know, learning from your feedback, and continuing this journey together.
Melissa Taylor, MSW, RSW
EMDR Consultant
Ancestral Memory Therapy