Finding an EMDR Therapist in Los Angeles: Ask the Right Questions

Author: Lisa Saviñon, EMDR Consultant

While Los Angeles may seem to have an abundance of EMDR therapists, finding the right one isn’t always as easy as it seems. With countless listings to sort through, it can be challenging to identify your perfect fit without knowing what to look for or ask. As an EMDR certified therapist and consultant, I know a great deal about the intricacies of the “EMDR world,” and in this blog, I share all the things I wish I knew when searching for my own EMDR therapist. 

Finding an EMDR Therapist in Los Angeles can be challenging! Here are the top 5 questions to ask.

The 5 Most Important Questions for Your EMDR Therapist

Before starting with a therapist, it’s important to gather some basic information to see if they’re a good fit for you. These are the five questions I would ask to find the right EMDR therapist in Los Angeles.

Question 1:  What kind of EMDR training have you received?

The term “EMDR trained” has many meanings in the therapy world. There are several ways to get EMDR training, but they are not all created equal. The fastest way to get the information you need is by asking if the therapist completed an EMDRIA approved (EMDR International Association) basic training. EMDRIA approved basic training requires a 40 hour live workshop with supervised practice and 10 hours of consultation. If I were searching for an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles, EMDRIA approved basic training would be a requirement.

Question 2: Are you EMDR certified, and how did you earn that title?

Just as with EMDR basic training, there are multiple ways to attain certification, and also similar to basic training, all certification routes are not created equal. Of course, when conducting your own search for an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles, you may not have time to learn all of the ins and outs of EMDR training and certification. So, in the interest of saving time, there is a shortcut version of this question as well. You can get the information you need by asking if the therapist is certified through EMDRIA. You can also check the EMDRIA website, as many EMDR certified therapists are listed there; however, if you prefer more details, you can ask about the therapist’s specific certification process. For EMDRIA certification, requirements include 20 hours of EMDR consultation, advanced EMDR training, and the completion of at least 50 EMDR sessions.

Question 3: What is your area of specialization?

While EMDR is a specialized therapy on its own, many therapists focus further on specific areas within EMDR practice, such as particular diagnoses, populations, or symptoms. A specialized EMDR therapist will not only have additional training and relevant experience but also an in depth understanding of how EMDR intersects with their specialty, including any necessary modifications or differences.

Question 4: How do you stay current in your specialty and EMDR

Mental health, and the practice of EMDR, are always evolving. Unlike being EMDR trained, maintaining EMDR certification or consultant status requires ongoing education. Advanced EMDR training is necessary to both hold and keep these titles, and specializing in EMDR often involves gaining advanced skills, knowledge, and experience.

Question 5: What is a typical EMDR session like, and how do you manage difficult ones?

This question is particularly important because it not only offers a clear description of what happens during an EMDR session but also fills you in on what to expect. A well trained EMDR therapist should be able to explain the process in detail, including how distress is managed during session. Before memory work ever begins, EMDR therapists teach clients a variety of coping skills (A.K.A. resourcing). Most of these skills are unique to EMDR and are designed to both manage distress in session and close each session out smoothly.

Differences between EMDR trained therapist, EMDR certified therapist, and EMDR consultant

As you search for your EMDR therapist in Los Angeles, you will most likely encounter lots of EMDR titles and designations.

Given that I have referred to myself as both EMDR certified and as an EMDR consultant throughout this post, I want to quickly touch on what that means. EMDR consultant is a title that you may see less frequently; however, it can be helpful to understand what this term means.

With EMDR basic training, therapists often refer to themselves as EMDR trained. This is the initial training that allows therapists to provide EMDR therapy. With the completion of additional requirements, therapists can become EMDR certified, and for those therapists that wish to specialize further, becoming an EMDR consultant is another option. To become an EMDR consultant, therapists must first be EMDR trained and certified through EMDRIA. Then, they work as a consultant in training for at least one year while providing consultation to other EMDR trained therapists. With the completion of three years post EMDR basic training, 300 EMDR sessions, 20 consultation hours, and additional advanced EMDR training, becoming an EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant is an option. Because this is a time consuming process, not all therapists choose to take this route; however, this is another title you may come across during your search for an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles. 

The Right EMDR Therapist in Los Angeles Is Ready For You

EMDR has helped so many of my clients; however, it can be very difficult to take the first step. Although interviewing potential therapists may feel like an intimidating process, most providers appreciate and welcome these questions. As an EMDR certified therapist and EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant, I consider this time well spent. Both you and your therapist want a good fit, and we don’t expect to be right for everyone. Interviewing your therapist helps you narrow your options and find someone with the appropriate training and specialization for your needs. After all, this is a big decision- you’ll be working closely together, so you want to feel confident that you’ve found the right therapist for you.

About The Author - Lisa Saviñon, EMDR Consultant

This blog post was written by Lisa Saviñon. Lisa is both EMDR certified and an EMDRIA approved EMDR consultant; she is also a psychological associate here at Thrive and Feel. Lisa specializes in working with survivors of chronic trauma in both childhood and adulthood, and she enjoys working with clients that feel frequently triggered and emotionally reactive. Lisa is also passionate about working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

If you are interested in scheduling with Lisa, you can schedule a free 20 minute consult or reach out by email at lisa@thriveandfeelpsychology.com.