EMDR, or eye movement and desensitization reprocessing therapy, has been proven highly effective trauma healing treatment. The therapist will help you heal by telling you rapid eye movement patterns. These patterns will regulate the left and right sides of the brain, helping you process the trauma.
For this therapy to work effectively, you should look for an EMDR therapist who is well-qualified and up-to-date with the new developments. Here are some questions to ask an EMDR therapist to find a suitable match for yourself.
Question 1: Can you explain what EMDR is?
If you should have done your homework, this question will help you understand how well the EMDR therapist in Phoenix can explain things. EMDR is complicated, and if they simplify it for you, you can be assured that they will be able to simplify things once the therapy begins.
Question 2: What is your approach to EMDR?
EMDR therapists in Phoenix, Arizona, use different approaches to EMDR, so there is no one correct answer. Although there is no wrong answer, you should still avoid any therapist who is too rigid or loose with their approach. Look for the one who is somewhere in the middle of the two.
Question 3: When did you get training?
As the world evolves, so do the therapies and their training methods. You don’t want a therapist who is not up-to-date with the recent developments. Hence, a therapist trained a few years ago would be perfect. If you find someone who trained long ago, ask them if they take any continuing professional education.
Question 4: How long will the treatment take?
Treatment duration varies person-to-person. As everyone suffers from different traumatic experiences, no EMDR therapists in Phoenix can tell you the exact duration of your treatment. So, be careful of any therapist who gives you an exact number of sessions to heal from your trauma.
Question 5: What are your credentials?
You definitely want an EMDR therapist who is trained by EMDR International Association. But you must remember that there are different levels of training for an EMDR professional. They might have completed that training but may not be a member of EMDRIA. On the other hand, a therapist associated with EMDRIA will have two years of experience, along with being in constant touch with current developments.
The Final Word
Asking these questions will ensure the awareness and working pattern of the therapist. You will also be sure about how they conduct the sessions and explain things to you. Make sure you don’t miss out on any details and clear all your doubts when there’s still time!