Choosing an EMDR therapist can be a difficult task. The right therapist is a personal decision, but it's also an important one. It can be difficult to know where to start with this process, so we've created a list of things that you may want to consider before choosing a mental health therapist. Here is how to choose an EMDR therapist for you.
Personality
Personality is very important when choosing a therapist. The relationship you build with your therapist can be the foundation for mental health improvement and changing your life, so it's important that you feel comfortable talking to them. During your first meeting, ask yourself:
Do I like this person?
Do I trust them?
Can I open up easily in front of this person?
If these questions give you pause, then it might not be a good fit for your needs at this time. The ideal therapist should make you feel safe enough to explore difficult issues and express yourself honestly--but also challenge some of your assumptions about yourself and others if necessary.
You may also want to consider their style of interaction - Are they gentle? More direct? Do they use humour? Do they assign homework? Certain styles will *click* with you much more than others. It may be helpful to think of the characteristics of your closest friends and people you trust, and try to find a therapist who embodies some of those qualities.
Respect
Respect is essential to any good relationship. When you're working with a therapist, respect is critical. Your therapist should respect your needs, listen to what you have to say and take your feelings into account. They also need to respect your privacy in order for the sessions to be effective; confidentiality is essential because it allows people who are going through difficult situations--like depression or anxiety to feel comfortable opening up about their experiences with someone they trust. Confidentiality is also crucial as it is required both ethically and legally within the Canadian health care system.
Progress
Progress is an important factor to consider when choosing a therapist. You may have specific goals for therapy, such as resolving an issue with your partner or getting over your fear of public speaking. Whatever the case, be sure to ask about how long it takes for clients in similar situations to make progress and what factors affect that progress.
For example, if you're seeking treatment for depression and anxiety following a traumatic event (like losing someone close) then it's likely going to take longer than if you just want help finding ways of dealing with everyday stressors like traffic jams or work conflict. Similarly, some people respond better than others: those who are open-minded sometimes tend toward quicker results while those who are skeptical may need more time before they can accept new ideas or practices being suggested by their therapists.
Cost
When it comes to cost, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind. The first is whether or not your third party insurance covers the fees associated with a psychologist, social worker, psychotherapist, or counsellor. Depending on what kind of plan you have, this could make a big difference in how much money you end up paying out-of-pocket for sessions.
You might also want to inquire about payment plans if the cost seems too steep at once (or if it will be difficult for you financially). Some therapists offer discounts based on income level or other criteria. You never know until you ask!
Environment
The therapist's environment is also important. The therapist should create a safe space for you in which you can feel comfortable and respected, regardless of your gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, religious beliefs, or anything else that is important to you as a person. If anything in their office (or around their office) makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason - Even if it's just hard to find parking! - Then they probably aren't for you. Attending your therapy sessions should be as easy as possible for you. Find an office that works!
Qualifications
When choosing a therapist, it's important to be sure that they have the qualifications necessary for your situation. The following questions will help you determine if a therapist has the right kind of experience for what you need:
How long have they been practicing?
What is their success rate with clients like you?
What type of training do they have in this area (i.e., EMDR therapy)?
Therapy is a personal experience, but it's important to consider all aspects of a therapist before choosing one.
Therapy is a personal experience, so it's important to choose a therapist that you feel comfortable with. A good therapist will be respectful and make you feel comfortable in their office. They should also be able to help you progress towards your goals as well as give feedback on how they think they can best help you achieve them.
You should also consider affordability when choosing your mental health professional because therapy can get expensive quickly if not planned for properly or on time (or both).
Conclusion
Therapy is a personal experience, so it's important to consider all aspects of a therapist before choosing one. Please browse through our list of EMDR clinicians from across Canada to find the right one for you.
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