Considerations When Choosing an EMDR Therapist (or Any Therapist)

Choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting therapy. Decades of research show that the therapist-client relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy.

But what exactly does a “good fit” mean—and how do you know when you’ve found it?

In this post, I’ll walk you through that question through the lens of finding an EMDR therapist, though the process can be applied to choosing a therapist in any area of specialization.

Why does this matter? Because therapy works best when you feel seen, safe, and supported by the person you’re working with. Choosing the right therapist—someone whose approach and personality align with your needs—creates the foundation for meaningful healing and change.

What Does “A Good Fit” Really Mean?

Let’s break it down into three key areas:

✅ Approach
✅ Personality
✅ Logistics

Approach

You might seek out a clinician based on a particular specialty—for example, a certain problem they treat or an approach they offer.

Clients often come to me specifically because I am EMDR certified. Others are drawn to the populations I serve and are open to learning more about my approach.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of therapy acronyms: EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, EFT, and so on. Unless you’ve been referred to a specific approach or have already done some research, I usually recommend starting by looking for a therapist who specializes in the area you are struggling with.

What does it mean to "specialize"? It means the clinician has pursued advanced education, training, experience, or certification beyond what is typically covered in graduate school.

If You’re Looking for EMDR

If you’re specifically seeking EMDR therapy, look for a therapist who lists either basic training or certification on their website:

• Basic trained means the therapist has completed both Part 1 and Part 2 of EMDR training, which includes coursework, practicum, and consultation hours.

• Certified means the therapist has pursued further consultation with an EMDR-approved consultant and demonstrated fidelity to the EMDR model. Certification also requires professional recommendations.

If this language isn’t clear on their website, it’s perfectly fine to ask during a consultation.

Personality

This is one of the most important—and most personal—factors to consider when choosing a therapist.

The clinician’s personality can shape your entire therapy experience, and it can be hard to assess just from a website. However, many therapists include blogs or social media content that can give you a sense of their tone, energy, and style.

Most clinicians also offer a free consultation call. This is an excellent opportunity to feel out whether their energy is a good match for yours.

For example:

• Do you need someone upbeat but grounded?

• Do you appreciate a therapist who uses humor or one who holds a more steady, calm presence?

• Are they able to explain concepts in a way that resonates with you?

Often, you'll get an intuitive sense on a consultation call, but attending an initial full session (online or in person) can give you even more clarity. You want to assess not just whether they specialize in your concerns, but whether their personality and approach feel safe and supportive to you.

Logistics

This may seem more straightforward, but it’s just as important to consider when choosing a therapist:

• Do your schedules align?

• Do they take your insurance (if you are hoping to use it)?

• Is their office conveniently located?

• If they offer telehealth, do you have a quiet, private space with reliable internet?

Therapy only works if it is accessible and sustainable for you logistically.

Interview and Explore!

Most clinicians offer a free consultation. This is a two-way conversation—not just for the therapist to learn about you, but for you to assess whether they are the right fit.

Here are some questions you might ask when choosing a therapist:

• “I’m struggling with ______. What is your experience in working with this?”

• “How do you typically approach this issue in therapy?”

• “What additional training or experience do you have in this area?”

Remember—you are interviewing them as much as they are assessing whether they can help. A good therapist will welcome your questions and appreciate your thoughtful approach to finding the right fit.

Final Thought

Whether you're seeking EMDR therapy or any other type of support, choosing a therapist who feels like a good match can make all the difference. It’s worth taking the time to explore, ask questions, and trust your instincts.

If you’d like to learn more about EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety, burnout, or reproductive challenges, you can explore my offerings here.