AEDP® Levels & Pathway to Certification

Becoming an AEDP Certified Therapist is a developmental process that unfolds over time through training, supervision, and clinical integration. Rather than a series of discrete steps, the pathway is best understood as a progression toward clinical readiness, with training courses and supervision serving different roles at different points along the way.

This page explains how the pathway works.
Specific hour requirements and technical criteria are linked where relevant.

🌟 The Big Picture: AEDP Certification Pathway

🌟 The Big Picture: AEDP Certification Pathway

Certification is best understood as a developmental process, rather than a single evaluation point:

Learning the Model
Through core courses (Immersion, ES1, ES2, etc.), therapists build a foundation in AEDP theory, clinical maps, and interventions.

Practicing with Support
Ongoing supervision is essential. It is here that clinicians begin translating theory into real-time, moment-to-moment clinical work.

Internalizing AEDP
Over time, therapists begin to embody the model by developing:

Dyadic affect regulation
Moment-to-moment tracking
An experiential (rather than purely cognitive) approach
The capacity to facilitate transformational processes

Demonstrating Competence
Certification involves demonstrating, typically through recorded sessions and written work, the ability to:

Remain emotionally present and regulated
Facilitate core affect and transformational shifts
Apply interventions with flexibility and attunement
Repair ruptures and deepen the therapeutic process

At its core, certification is not about completing requirements—it is about demonstrating integration, presence, and the capacity to foster meaningful transformation in clinical work.

1️⃣ Complete AEDP Training Levels

Level 1 – Immersion

Supervision recommended

Level 2 – Immersion + Essential Skills

Supervision strongly recommended

Level 3 – Immersion + Essential Skills + one option for required supervision (Once level 3 you are certification ready)

Supervision Options:

Option A: Complete 5 ASMs along with 1 Supervision Option
Option B: Complete 2 Supervision Options (can be a combination of the two, one of each or one option doubled)

If unable to video record your clients, you must formally request an exception from the Certification Committee

💡 FAQ:
Do I need to decide about certification before starting supervision?

No. Many therapists begin supervision early to deepen learning and decide later.

2️⃣ Supervision

Learn All about AEDP Supervision Here

Supervision is essential and supports skill development throughout the pathway. Its focus shifts over time:

Supervision before becoming Level 3 – Learning & Skill Development

Learn AEDP theory
Develop clinical skills
Meet Level 3 requirements

🔗 Supervision Options

15 hours of individual supervision (must show video for 5 of those hours)
30 hours of group supervision (must show video for 5 of those hours)

If unable to video record your clients, you must formally request an exception from theCertification Committee

Supervision after Level 3 – Certification-Focused Supervision

Focus on readiness, certification package development, and endorsement
Includes selection & analysis of clinical video and supervisor assessment

🔗 Certification-Focused Supervision Requirements

Minimum 10 hours working with your Certification Supervisor ( this is just the minimum, most therapist will need more)

Must be with AEDP Faculty, Certified Supervisor or a Supervisor-in-Training (only 10 hours count immediately. Other hours count after their certified)
At least two different supervisors must view your work for at least 10 hours each. If prior supervision was with only one supervisor, the certification-focused supervision must involve a second eligible supervisor

3️⃣ Certification Application

You may apply once you have:

Completed Level 3
Completed certification-focused supervision
Received supervisor endorsement

Next step: Email Carolyn to request the application.

4️⃣ Certification Package

Prepared with your supervisor and reviewed anonymously. Includes:

Proof of licensure
Two video-recorded sessions (different clients)
Transcripts & microanalyses
Client descriptions
Reflective statement

🔗 Certification Package Guidelines

5️⃣ Review & Decision

Certification Supervisor submits formal recommendation
Dropbox link issued to candidate to upload their package and all required documents
Candidate receives an invoice for a $300 Certification Fee
Two Faculty and/or Certified Supervisors review package
Certification decision issued

For any questions email Carolyn Fitzgerald our Certification Coordinator

🔍 Finding a Supervisor

Eligible supervisors:

AEDP Institute Faculty
AEDP Certified Supervisors
Supervisors-in-Training (up to 10 hours count immediately; extra hours count after certification)

How to find a supervisor:

Browse AEDP Faculty page or AEDP Supervisor page
Email findasupervisor@aedpinstitute.org with the following criteria:
- Your supervision needs
- Any preferences or criteria
- A brief description of yourself and your practice

As a courtesy to our supervisors, please respond to all emails you receive from them.

Supervisors who may be a good fit will reach out directly. Please respond promptly. You may also use the AEDP Therapist Directory.

Notes on Supervisors-in-Training:

Can supervise any therapist level
Max 10 hours count immediately toward Level 3
Cannot serve as Certification Supervisors

⚠️ Important: Supervisors are independent. The AEDP Institute does not oversee their clinical practice, supervision methods, fees, communications, or ethics.

📄 Full Certification Guidelines