Part 2: How to Find and Choose an EMDR Intensive Therapist
This is Part 2 of the EMDR intensive therapy series. In Part 1, we explored what EMDR intensives are and whether you might be ready for one. Now that you've decided "I think I'm ready to do an EMDR intensive," we'll tackle what's often the most challenging part: finding the right clinician to guide your healing journey.
Finding and choosing an EMDR intensive therapist can feel overwhelming—and that's completely normal. This process carries weight because you're looking for someone to walk alongside you through some of your most vulnerable moments. The good news? While it requires some effort and a leap of faith, finding the right fit is absolutely possible. This guide will help you navigate the search process step by step, making it feel more manageable and less intimidating.
Where to Start Your Search
Unless you have a trusted therapist, friend, or healthcare provider who can recommend an EMDR intensive clinician, most people begin with online searches. Here are the best places to start:
Professional Directories
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) therapist directory: This is the gold standard for finding properly trained EMDR clinicians
Search Engine Queries
If you're using Google or another search engine, try these search terms:
"EMDR intensive therapist near me"
"EMDR therapy intensive [your city/state]"
"EMDR intensive for [your specific concern—anxiety, trauma, infidelity, etc.]"
AI-Assisted Search
For those who prefer a more conversational approach, AI platforms like ChatGPT or Claude can help generate personalized results. AI tends to ask clarifying questions about your location, specific needs, and preferences, which can help narrow down options more effectively.
Choosing Who Feels Right: A Heart-Centered Approach
Finding the right EMDR intensive therapist is less about checking boxes and more about paying attention to how you feel when you encounter their work. While there are some basic qualifications to verify, the most important factor is whether this person feels like someone you could trust with your healing journey.
Start with Your Gut: What Does Your Body Tell You?
When you land on a therapist's website, pause and notice what happens in your body. This isn't about overthinking—it's about tuning into your instincts.
Notice what draws you in:
Does something about their presence (through their words, photos, or website) make you feel a little calmer?
Do you find yourself breathing easier as you read about their approach?
Does their way of describing healing feel gentle rather than clinical or overwhelming?
Do you feel seen in how they talk about the people they work with?
Pay attention to what feels off:
Does anything make you feel more anxious or unsettled?
Does their language feel too clinical, too casual, or just not quite right for you?
Do you feel judged or misunderstood by how they describe certain issues?
Does something about their approach make you want to close the browser tab?
The Practical Basics (But Keep It Simple)
Once someone passes the "gut check," consider these practical essentials:
Training and experience: Do they mention EMDR training and experience with intensive formats? You don't need to become an expert on credentials—just look for clear evidence they're trained in what you're seeking.
Location and logistics: Can you access their services? This includes whether they offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid options, and whether their fees feel manageable for you.
Your specific needs: If you're dealing with a particular type of trauma or have specific preferences (like wanting a therapist who incorporates other healing modalities), do they seem to understand and work with those needs?
Trust the Process of Not Knowing
Remember, you're not choosing your lifelong therapist at this stage—you're simply identifying 2-3 people who feel worth a conversation. It's okay to feel uncertain. It's okay to be drawn to someone for reasons you can't fully articulate. Sometimes the right therapeutic relationship begins with nothing more than "something about them feels safe" or "I liked how they talked about healing."
When You're Ready to Reach Out
Choose at least 2-3 clinicians who passed your initial gut check and seem practically feasible. Reaching out via email is usually the most efficient way to connect, and most intensive therapists offer free consultation calls where you can get a better sense of whether you're a good fit.
This is where the real evaluation happens—not in analyzing websites, but in actual conversation where you can feel how they listen, respond, and hold space for your concerns.
Looking Ahead
Choosing an EMDR intensive therapist requires a balance of research and intuition, practicality and trust. While the process can feel daunting, remember that you're taking a powerful step toward healing. The right therapeutic relationship can be transformative, and investing time in finding a good fit is worth the effort.
Next week's installment: "I Have a Consult Call with a Potential Therapist—Now What?" We'll cover practical questions to ask, what to expect during the call, and how to evaluate whether this clinician might be the right fit for your intensive EMDR journey.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out all at once. If you’re curious about EMDR intensives in Connecticut, I’d be honored to walk you through what the process looks like and answer any questions you have. You get to decide if it feels right for you.