Los Angeles is such a big city with so many options and amenities. It can sometimes feel like there are TOO MANY options. Too many places to eat, to shop, to be entertained, to learn, to be active, and even to be at rest! All of these choices can complicate things and cause decision fatigue, and that’s the last thing you need when you’re looking for the best EMDR therapist Los Angeles.

Finding a good EMDR Therapist specifically can be overwhelming as well. 

After all, there are thousands of therapists serving the Greater Los Angeles Area. An initial search online will shift your question from, “how do I find an EMDR therapist?” to “how do I choose an EMDR therapist?” These three truths will help you focus on the most important aspects to consider.

Counseling Truth #1:  Your Participation Matters More Than Which Therapist You Choose.

An EMDR therapist will see you for an hour or so each week. You live with you 24-hours a day. At the risk of sounding a little snarky or un-therapisty, I’m going to go ahead and ask, “well, whose effort do you think counts more?” Yes, of course - it’s you!  Every. Single. Time. 

Now, I don’t mean to minimize the work EMDR therapists do, and how they support healing and change. But I do want to note that YOU are the one in power. You hold the keys. You are the expert on yourself. It is not an EMDR therapist’s degrees, credentials, or specializations that make you feel better. However, feeling comfortable with your therapist and the way they work makes a huge difference (see Truth #2). For instance, I like using brain-based methods like EMDR Therapy and Brainspotting Therapy and combining them with CBT and mindfulness (among other things!). This talk therapy, trauma-processing, and skill-building approach will work great for some; while others may need something different, and that’s okay.

The work YOU do, in and outside of a session, is what makes all the difference.

Counseling Truth #2: Education/Specialization Is Not Enough.  You Need A Good Personality Fit Too!

It is a good idea to look for providers that have competence in the area that is causing you to seek therapy. For example, if you have a history of trauma, someone that uses EMDR Therapy or Brainspotting Therapy might be a good choice. But, while this is a good place to start - it IS NOT the be-all and end-all.

A trauma therapist will not necessarily be a good fit for every client with a trauma history. Research shows that relating well to your therapist is an important contributor to your success.

Here are questions to ask to make sure you address competence and “fit” considerations:

1. When I’m online reading information about the services the therapist provides and how they work - does it resonate with me? Do I feel like I just HAVE to sit down and talk to this person, because their brand of therapy feels like it’s for me? As an example, how do you feel reading this blog post? Are you engaged and still interested? If so, note that you’d want to also feel that way when reading through a prospective therapist’s information as well.

2. Do they have knowledge in key areas I know I need to address in therapy (ie. anxiety, depression, trauma, positive communication, parenting, etc.)? How do I know they have this experience? Is it clearly noted on their site? Did I have the opportunity to ask them any related questions? You want someone that is passionate AND experienced in your area of need. A therapist’s website probably points to what that is for them. For instance, I may be a great fit for a high-performing but anxious individual whose traumatic past is inconveniently rearing its head each day. But, I will straight up turn down couples counseling and family therapy, as I do my best work using EMDR therapy to support one individual at a time.

3. Are they experienced in treatment modalities and interventions I know I want to try (ie. EMDR Therapy, CBT, Brainspotting Therapy, Self-Compassion, Strengths-Based, etc.)?

4. Do they offer an initial consultation? If they offer a consultation, or upon having the first session: does it feel like they “get me?” Does it seem like they really see and hear me? Do I feel like I can sit and talk to them for an hour or more every week? Do they have the knowledge and tools I’ll need to make progress? Did I leave the conversation feeling hopeful and like they might be able to help?

If any of these areas are lacking, you'll decide whether you want to keep searching or go ahead and "give it a try" for a period of time.

Counseling Truth #3: In-Person and Online EMDR Therapy Are Both Valid Options

Just when you thought that in-person EMDR therapy was the only way to get appropriate care, along comes a global pandemic to give you a reality check. One of Covid 19’s many lessons has been that there are MANY ways to successfully do just about anything. Yes, that includes EMDR Therapy. There has been a huge increase in individuals accessing therapy, both repeat customers AND first-timers. And guess what? Many are getting great results accessing that therapy online. Many hesitant to begin online counseling are now believers in its effectiveness. And YES, even EMDR Therapy and Brainspotting Therapy can be accessed well online.

Is it true that some will prefer and benefit more from in-person services? Yes, of course. Everyone must decide for themselves what works for them. An EMDR therapist may recommend in-person services for someone based on their individual situation. But, online EMDR Therapy services can be appropriate for many.

Online EMDR therapy is convenient if you lack transportation or have limited availability. It is also good for those living in areas with a shortage of providers with this desired specialization.

Some people even prefer to have sessions in the comfort of their own homes.

Some need the flexibility of sessions during a lunch break or before they commute to and from work. In all these instances and more… online EMDR therapy has got you covered.

There may be other factors in your decision of choosing a provider and type of treatment.  But, you’ll want to keep these Three Truths in mind.

Are you not even sure what EMDR is? You can follow the links here if you have more basic questions like, what is EMDR, what does EMDR stand for, and what are the 8 phases of EMDR?

Or, click the link here if you are thinking does EMDR work, and what is the difference between EMDR and talk therapy?

If you are looking for an EMDR therapist in Los Angeles, feel free to email me at sean@greenercounseling.com I'll provide a free 15-minute consultation and we can discuss the concerns bringing you to therapy. We can also explore if we are a good fit for Online Intensive EMDR Therapy. If not, I can direct you to other providers with services that may fit your needs.

I provide Online therapy in California, and my specialties include: EMDR Intensive Therapy, Anxiety Therapy Los Angeles, Brainspotting Therapy, CBT Los Angeles, Strengths-Based Therapy, Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy, Adjunct EMDR Therapy, and Intensive Trauma Therapy.