Choosing the best therapist for EMDR therapy can be a daunting task. All too often Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is carried out in a technical vacuum without complementing the process with other clinical resources, and with a sole focus on the outcome without consideration of the process.
The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship
When I first began my clinical training, the importance of the therapeutic relationship had been highlighted even insofar as the philosophical foundation of my training was based on the ethos of humanistic psychology where the therapeutic relationship was not only necessary but sufficient (providing certain conditions were met).
Several years of clinical experience afterward informed me of the perspective that the therapeutic relationship is necessary, but it is not solely sufficient. After clinical training in EMDR I realized that the importance of the therapeutic relationship depends on the mechanism of change and objective in the particular therapy for the particular presentation. Some therapies aim to solely reduce symptoms, while others target implicit memory reconsolidation. EMDR focuses on changing the root of the issue as opposed to solely reducing symptoms.
The Journey is as Important as the Outcome
The developer of EMDR (Dr. Francine Shapiro) actually emphasized the importance of the therapeutic relationship and utilizing all of the clinical resources possible to complement the EMDR model because the journey is as important as achieving the outcome. In fact, these are inseparable.
Choose a Therapist Who Fosters a Positive Experience
If you choose to embark on the psychotherapeutic journey of EMDR, ensure that you choose the best therapist for you who fosters a positive experience during the process in the therapeutic relationship, and also is fluid and adaptive to your needs by utilizing many different clinical resources to support your process and experience in EMDR.
Until next time, best wishes in your journey.
-Alistair Gordon, MA, RCC, CCC
Wellspring Counselling Inc.
Practical steps for choosing an EMDR counsellor
Start with the person and the work you want to do together. Compare the counsellor’s relevant experience, EMDR training, approach and how you feel speaking with them. Appointment format, language and cost also need to fit your circumstances.
Questions for a consultation
- What EMDR training have you completed, and what does any certification you list mean?
- What experience do you have with concerns like mine?
- How would you assess whether EMDR is a suitable option for me?
- What might the first few appointments involve, and how would we discuss the pace?
- How would we decide on goals and review whether the work is helping?
- What are the session length, fee and current appointment options?
A free 15-minute consultation at Wellspring is an introductory conversation about fit and practical questions. It is separate from a paid counselling or EMDR session. You can briefly describe your concern and ask how the counsellor would begin.
Compare clinicians and appointment options in BC
Compare Wellspring counsellors who list EMDR, including their profiles, photos, languages and approaches. Use your chosen clinician’s booking link to check consultation options. Wellspring offers online EMDR across BC, with suitability discussed individually; select clinicians also offer Vancouver in-person appointments by arrangement. Confirm format, location and availability before booking.
Review the current fees and policies and the specific service on the clinician’s booking page. If using benefits, check eligibility with your insurer for that clinician’s designation and service.
Read more about EMDR counselling at Wellspring, or contact Wellspring for help choosing. You do not need to decide on a treatment method before asking about counselling.
