How To Pick a GREAT EMDR Therapist

When people come to me curious about EMDR therapy, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I know if I’ve found the right EMDR therapist?”

It’s an important question. EMDR is a powerful approach for healing trauma, anxiety, grief, and other deeply rooted experiences. But like any therapeutic process, your relationship with the person guiding you matters just as much, if not more, than the therapeutic interventions. 

Finding the right EMDR therapist goes beyond credentials and directly into the relationship.  I cannot underscore the importance of connection, trust, and safety enough.   Here are some of my thoughts and recommendations when considering how to select the right EMDR therapist for you.

Training and Certification

EMDR is a specialized therapy. Look for someone who has completed an EMDRIA-approved training (that’s the professional association that oversees EMDR standards. www.EMDRIA.org). Some therapists may also be “Certified” or even “Consultants,” which means they’ve gone through additional advanced training and supervision.  Certification isn’t everything, but it does tell you the therapist has invested deeply in learning the method with integrity and has taken additional training courses beyond that of what is considered “basic” EMDR training and have also worked with advanced practitioners to hone their skills and understanding of the application of EMDR therapy. 

Experience With Your Concerns

Every therapist brings their own background. Some focus more on trauma from childhood, others on recent life events, addictions, eating disorders, anxiety, or grief. When you’re considering a therapist, ask: Have you worked with people who share concerns like mine? What kind of training do you have regarding my concerns and EMDR? The right fit means your therapist not only knows EMDR but also understands the terrain you’re walking through.

Comfort and Safety

Healing requires safety. Pay attention to how you feel in the first interactions with a potential new therapist.  It’s important to feel heard and respected, as well as have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about EMDR therapy.  Considering asking yourself if you feel that the therapist you are interviewing was able to explain EMDR in a way that made sense to you and helped you feel clear about the process, as well as addressing anxiety worry you might have about EMDR therapy.  One of the things I work with my clients around is setting a pace in therapy that supports the work and doesn’t rush through the initial phases of treatment, but also does not hold back clients who are ready to dig in.  Empowering clients to talk about their needs around the pace of treatment is key.  If your nervous system feels tense or unsettled around them, that’s important information.

A Collaborative Spirit

Good EMDR therapy isn’t something that’s “done to you.” It’s a collaborative process where you remain in control of your healing. Notice if the therapist invites your feedback, checks in with your comfort, and explains what’s happening along the way.

You should never feel pressured or pushed faster than you’re ready. A good EMDR therapist respects your pace and your inner wisdom.

Integration Beyond EMDR

EMDR is powerful, but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Many therapists weave EMDR with mindfulness, somatic practices, or talk therapy to help you integrate insights into your daily life.

Ask how they support you in carrying the work outside the therapy room. Integration is what makes the healing lasting.

Trust Your Gut

Perhaps the most important advice I an offer is to trust your instincts. Sometimes you can’t explain why, but you just know whether someone feels right for you. Healing asks for vulnerability, and your intuition is a valuable guide in choosing who to share that space with.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an EMDR therapist is a deeply personal decision. Think of it less like hiring an expert and more like choosing a guide for a sacred journey. This is someone who will hold your story, witness your healing, and walk with you into places of freedom and peace.

Take your time, ask questions, and notice how your body responds. When you find the right person, you’ll feel a sense of grounded safety and that is the soil where healing begins.

With light and love,

Allison