Karl Speirs, LMFT
“I work efficiently and effectively using a warm and supportive, yet semi-structured and intentional approach.”
I grew up, and studied Clinical Psychology, in South Africa before moving to the United States to further my studies in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Connecticut. I have worked in outpatient community mental health in New Haven CT, in Private Practice, and as the Clinical Director of Education and Training at EMDR HAP, before moving to Vermont in 2017.
EMDRIA Certified and Approved Consultant in EMDR Therapy
Former Clinical Director: Trauma Recovery EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (EMDRHAP.org)
Co-coordinator: EMDR Northern Vermont Network
Coordinator: Trauma Recovery Network of Vermont
EMDRIA Credit Provider
EMDR Trainer (ClearPath Training Center)
Education
M.A. University of Connecticut, 2006
M.S. University of Natal, 2000
B.A. Hons in Clinical Psychology, University of South Africa, 2000
B.Com. University of Natal, 1994
Professional Memberships
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) - since 06/16/2011
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) - since 8/1/2012
Presenting and Consulting Experience
ClearPath Healing Center, NY
Trainer for EMDR Basic Training, since 2023
EMDR Institute, CA
Facilitator for EMDR Therapy training program, 2018-2023
Trauma Recovery, EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs, CT
Volunteer Facilitator for EMDR Therapy training program, 2016-2023
Provide Consultation to various levels of EMDR therapists, internationally
As an EMDRIA approved Consultant, since 2015
Specialty consulting on using EMDR therapy with children and adolescents, CT
Consult to EMDR trained therapists on using EMDR Therapy with children, adolescents and
families, since 2012.
Annual Conference, Connecticut Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, CT
Presented on “Integrating EMDR and Family Therapy”, April 2014
Diocese of Alexandria Catholic Schools Conference, LA
Presented to school district on “Moving Toward a Trauma-Informed School System”, January 2014
Healing the Generations Conference, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Clifford Beers Clinic, CT
Presented on using EMDR therapy with children, adolescents and their families 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.
Shoreline Child Study Group, Guilford CT
Presented “EMDR with children: Beyond Trauma”, 2013
EMDR International Association regional meetings, CT and VT
Multiple presentations since 2008, including EMDR and Family Therapy, EMDR & Attachment work with children, and EMDR therapy with children.
Africa Centre, Hlabisa, South Africa
Presented seminar to professionals and local rural community leaders entitled, “Characteristics of healthy family systems – Theories and realities”, 2004