Day 1 at EMDRIA 2026. I'm a walking contradiction.

My blue badge ribbon suggests expertise. The orange, an enthusiastic newbie.

Here's the story, I completed EMDR basic training in 2019, with no idea of the series of collective traumas ahead.

Clients and peers pulled on that training, and that pulled me deeper into the theory and practice of EMDR.

So I sought the credentials that matched the sheer portion of my week, every week, where I was applying, considering, and seeking supervision in EMDR.

And like we all did, I pieced together a small but mighty virtual circle of mentors, peers and friends. My little supportive (and challenging) corner of the Internet.

But gatherings like this were not an option for me. Pandemic, family stuff...bereavements, retirements, moving, childbirth. The kind of stuff that can't wait.

I'm glad I'm here now, with 1000+ people who have incredible stories to tell and visions to achieve.

And like a newbie, yes, I have already asked for directions to the room that was literally right behind me.