How to choose the right EMDR therapist for you
Starting therapy can feel daunting; especially when you're looking for someone to help you work through trauma. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, research-backed approach to trauma healing, but not every therapist is trained or experienced in it.
So how do you find the right EMDR therapist—someone you can trust with your unique needs and healing process?
While it's important to see that a therapist is EMDR trained or EMDR certified, those labels may not tell the whole story. What truly matters is how often they actually use EMDR in their day-to-day work. Some therapists may have completed basic training years ago but rarely integrate it into their sessions. When you're looking for someone to guide you through trauma work, you want a therapist who actively uses EMDR with clients on a regular basis—not just someone who lists it on their profile. Don’t hesitate to ask, “How often do you use EMDR in your practice?” or “How many clients are you currently working with using EMDR?” These questions can give you a better sense of their experience, confidence, and commitment to the modality.
While a therapist’s experience with EMDR is important, it’s just one part of what makes therapy effective. The person behind the credentials matters just as much—if not more. Healing from trauma requires vulnerability, and that only happens when you feel truly safe. Look for a therapist who feels grounded, present, and genuinely caring. Pay attention to your gut during a consultation: Do you feel seen? Do you sense warmth and non-judgment? The right therapist will create a space where you don’t have to perform or protect yourself—just be human. EMDR is a powerful tool, but it's the relationship that helps it work effectively.
It’s not a bad idea to talk to a few different therapists before choosing one. Many offer free consultations or phone calls to help you get a feel for their style, energy, and approach. Finding the right fit is worth the time. If your symptoms are manageable, it can be more helpful in the long run to wait 6–8 weeks for a therapist with a waitlist who feels like the right match, rather than jumping into sessions tomorrow with someone you don’t quite connect with. Advocating for yourself in this process isn’t being picky—it’s honoring what you need.
If you’re in the South Jordan area and looking for a trauma therapist, I’d be honored to support you. I also have some great therapy friends in surrounding areas I can recommend as well. I use EMDR daily in my work with clients from seeing the difference it makes in accelerated healing. Whether you’re ready to start therapy or just exploring your options, I offer free consultations so you can ask questions and get a feel for whether we’re the right fit. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
