Our Commitment
The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA™) is committed to maintaining a professional, ethical, and inclusive environment for all conference and program activities. All participants are required to adhere to the ethical standards of their respective clinical disciplines and to conduct themselves with professionalism, respect, and nondiscriminatory behavior throughout EMDRIA‑sponsored events.
When no applicable professional code exists, or when guidance is insufficient, the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017) may serve as the reference standard for expected conduct.
Concerns regarding conduct that may not align with these standards may be submitted through EMDRIA’s formal grievance procedures for review at events@emdria.org.
Purpose of This Procedure
While EMDRIA makes every effort to ensure fair treatment and to anticipate and resolve concerns proactively, issues may occasionally arise that require intervention by conference staff or EMDRIA leadership. This procedure provides a clear and consistent process for addressing such grievances.
Submission of Grievances
Participants who have a grievance are encouraged to submit their concern in writing. Grievances should include a description of the issue and, if applicable, the desired resolution.
Grievances may be submitted to:
Viviana Urdaneta Melo, LCSW
Deputy Executive Director
Email: info@emdria.org
Anonymous grievances will be accepted; however, EMDRIA’s ability to respond may be limited without sufficient detail.
Review and Resolution Process
1. Grievances Related to a Speaker or Educational Content
- The grievance will be reviewed by EMDRIA.
- Feedback may be shared with the speaker for educational and quality improvement purposes.
- The identity of the participant will be kept confidential to the extent possible.
2. Grievances Related to Workshops, Sessions, or Facilities
- The grievance will be reviewed and addressed by EMDRIA.
- When appropriate, EMDRIA may take corrective action, which may include:
- Reassignment to another session (if available)
- Credit toward a future educational activity
- Partial or full refund of the registration fee
Requests for credits or refunds require written documentation of the grievance for record-keeping purposes.
Response Timeline
EMDRIA will make reasonable efforts to acknowledge receipt of a grievance within 5 business days and to provide a resolution or update within 10 business days. Some matters may require additional time depending on their complexity.
Confidentiality
All grievances will be handled in a confidential and professional manner. Information will be shared only as necessary to review and resolve the concern.
Non-Retaliation
EMDRIA prohibits retaliation against any individual who submits a grievance in good faith.
Record Keeping
Grievances and their resolutions will be documented and maintained in accordance with EMDRIA’s record-keeping policies for continuing education activities.
Limitations
This grievance procedure is intended to address concerns related to EMDRIA educational programs. EMDRIA does not adjudicate matters related to professional licensure, clinical disputes, or legal claims.
Last Updated: April 1, 2026