What to look for in an EMDR therapist.
So you have heard of EMDR therapy, you have done the research to decide it just may be the right treatment for you, and now it’s time to select and EMDR therapist to begin your EMDR journey. It should be as simple as a google search right? While google is a great place to start we think there may be just a few more things to consider in finding the right EMDR therapist for you.
So here are 5 things to consider when selecting an EMDR therapist for your EMDR treatment journey.
Completion of an EMDRIA approved basic training. This is the most basic and most important qualification for any EMDR therapy services that you may receive. EMDRIA upholds a set of guidelines required for all EMDR trainings. EMDR therapist trained in and EMDRIA approved training program will have the tools to practice EMDR therapy in accordance with the standards required for the validity and research supporting EMDR as an effective treatment option. There are those that are either trained in alternative programs or may have completed independent study, but without the approved basic training the quality of care cannot be guaranteed.
2. EMDRIA certification. This is the next step after completing EMDR basic training that therapist will pursue when they are serious about refining their skills and proficiency in EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy certification means that therapist have completed a significant number of sessions, received additional consultation from EMDR consultants, and have been evaluated by their peers to be competent in completing EMDR therapy. If a therapist is certified or is on the process of completing certification, you can have an additional level of confidence in the quality of the services you will receive.
3. Areas of specialization or special training. Areas of specific EMDR therapy training is not something that everyone will need to consider, but it is important to know that some EMDR therapist will choose to pursue even more specific training in areas of specialization like complex trauma, dissociation disorders, OCD, chronic pain, early trauma/ preverbal trauma/ attachment trauma, addiction, or eating disorders. If you have a highly specific need that you are hoping to address with EMDR therapy, like those listed hear, it may be worth asking or searching for a therapist with supplemental training in those areas.
4. In person versus online therapy availability. During the 2020-2021 pandemic season, almost every profession was forced to learn how to operate in a remote fashion. EMDR therapy is no exception. And the EMDR therapist community is happy to report that we have made that adaptation for online therapy while maintaining the rates of success and symptom resolution that were achieved through in person EMDR therapy options. There are a few things to consider when deciding between in person EMDR therapy and online therapy options. The first and most significant is personal preference. Your comfort in the EMDR therapy process is very important. Some do find their home environment to be an ideal safe location the process, and others report challenge and difficulty in focusing, feeling safe, and effectively completing EMDR therapy in their homes. Take some time to think about what setting may be best for you. There are also some individuals with higher levels of dissociation (a trauma response associated with the feeling of disconnecting from the present moment, loosing orientation to time, or feeling sucked back into a past memory) that do appear to be processed best with a trained professional in the room to offer tangible support. If dissociation is something that you struggle with, talk with your EMDR therapist about what options may be available for you.
5. Personality, rapport, and connection. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest predictors of positive therapy outcomes. EMDR therapy is no different. Aside from the training and credentials of the therapist, it is okay to be selevtive based off of the qualities of the therapist that you may feel most comfortable with. Things like gender, age, energy levels, directness of communication, and more may have an impact on your ability to form a safe supportive relationship with an EMDR therapist, especially when trauma is involved. So take the time to find an EMDR therapists with qualities that you think you will be able to connect with.
If you are ready for the next step in your EMDR therapy journey, contact us to learn more about the EMDR therapy services we provide. In person therapy options are offered in our Arlington, tx based therapy office, and online therapy options are available for all residents of Texas. Let our team join your team in treating trauma, addiction and more.
