Are you looking for an EMDR therapist near you? If so, you are not alone. Many people are searching for qualified EMDR therapists in their area to help them with a variety of issues. The search for an EMDR therapist near me can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With the right resources and tips, you can easily find a qualified EMDR therapist near you to help you with your unique needs. In this blog post, we will outline the steps you can take to make the search for an EMDR therapist near me simpler.

What is EMDR?

If you're searching for an EMDR therapist near me, you may be wondering what EMDR actually is. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a psychotherapeutic modality that helps people who have experienced a life-changing event, especially if the event was traumatic in nature. 

EMDR works by reducing and even eliminating the negative emotional burden attached to the trauma. Numerous studies have supported the efficacy of EMDR for the treatment of trauma and PTSD. In fact, EMDR is particularly beneficial for those who have suffered a single traumatic event. 

During an EMDR session, the patient focuses on a specific traumatic memory while simultaneously paying attention to an external stimuli, such as moving their eyes back and forth. This technique gives the brain space to “digest” and release the previously unprocessed trauma. 

The EMDR process is an 8 stage process that is carried out by a qualified EMDR therapist over the course of several weeks. Some patients may show improvements as early as the third or fourth session. If you're looking for an EMDR therapist near me, it's important to find someone who is qualified and experienced in this therapeutic technique.

Consider whether you prefer weekly EMDR or intensive EMDR

When searching for an EMDR therapist near me, it's important to consider whether you prefer weekly EMDR or intensive EMDR. Weekly therapy provides a slower, more gradual approach to processing traumatic memories and developing coping mechanisms for complex trauma. This approach can be beneficial for those who need to integrate therapy into their daily lives and reduce the intensity of their emotions.

On the other hand, EMDR intensive offers a different approach that can provide transformative results for clients dealing with complex trauma and C-PTSD. An intensive approach involves longer therapy sessions over a shorter period of time, allowing for faster progress and the ability to process traumatic memories at a deeper level. Additionally, the increased accountability and focus on specific problems can be incredibly helpful.

Ultimately, the decision between weekly therapy and EMDR intensive comes down to personal preference and individual needs. It's important to find a qualified therapist who can help guide you through this decision-making process and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

When investing in your mental health, it's important not to let the cost or time commitment deter you from taking the necessary steps towards a brighter future. By prioritizing your mental health and committing to therapy with a qualified EMDR therapist near me, you can work towards healing and creating a better quality of life for yourself.

Look in the following directories

If you're searching for an EMDR therapist near me, you'll want to explore different directories. Luckily, there are a few helpful platforms that can aid in your search. 

One of the most popular directories for finding a therapist is Psychology Today. This website features an easy-to-use filter system that allows you to narrow down your search by location, specialty, and even insurance coverage. With their verification process, you can rest assured that the clinicians listed on the website are qualified to practice therapy.

Another directory to consider is Good Therapy. Like Psychology Today, Good Therapy has a verification process to ensure that clinicians listed on their platform are licensed professionals. They also offer filter features, making it easier for you to find an EMDR therapist near you.

If you want to specifically find an EMDR therapist near me, check out the EMDRIA website. EMDRIA is the credentialing body for EMDR therapists, meaning that they can verify who is credentialed as an EMDR therapist in your area. You can use their directory to find clinicians who have completed EMDR training and certification.

Keep in mind that these directories are only tools to aid in your search. It's important to also read the reviews and visit the therapist's website to get a better understanding of their approach and experience. Once you've narrowed down your options, schedule a few consultations to see who you fit best with.

Read the Reviews!

Now that you have searched for an EMDR therapist near me, it's time to start researching. One of the best ways to learn more about a potential therapist is by reading reviews. It's important to note that not all reviews are created equal. You want to find reviews that give specific information about the therapist's use of EMDR therapy.

To find reviews, start by looking on the therapist's website or social media profiles. Many therapists will post reviews from clients. Another great place to look is on Google or Yelp. Type in "EMDR therapist near me" and then read through the reviews of any therapists that come up in your search results.

When reading reviews, pay attention to the following:

- Are clients mentioning that the therapist is specifically trained in EMDR therapy?

- Do they mention any improvements in their symptoms or how EMDR therapy helped them?

- Are there any negative reviews about the therapist's use of EMDR therapy?

It's important to note that every therapist will have some negative reviews. What's important is to look for patterns. If multiple people mention that the therapist doesn't use EMDR therapy effectively or is not trained in it, that should be a red flag.

Reading reviews is a great way to get a sense of what working with a specific EMDR therapist near me might be like. It can also help you narrow down your list of potential therapists. However, don't make your final decision based solely on reviews. It's important to schedule consultations and talk with potential therapists to see if you are a good fit.

Schedule a few consultations to see who you fit best with

Now that you've done your research on EMDR and found potential therapists through directories and reviews, it's time to schedule some consultations to see who you fit best with. Keep in mind that just because a therapist is trained in EMDR, it doesn't necessarily mean they are fully competent or continuing their education. 

During these consultations, be sure to ask about their level of EMDR training and experience. Are they continuing their education and receiving ongoing consultation? Have they received their Level 1 or 2 status from EMDRIA? These are important questions to ask to ensure you're getting the best possible care. 

It's also crucial to trust your gut when searching for the right fit. Who did you feel most comfortable with? Who was easiest to talk to? Who seemed to understand your needs and what you're looking for in therapy? 

At Long Island EMDR, we understand how important it is to find the right therapist. That's why we offer free consultations to help you find a therapist that is the best fit for you. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to see if we can help you on your journey to healing. Remember, with a little research and some consultations, you can find an EMDR therapist near me that is right for you.

Sending Love & Light,

Jamie Vollmoeller, LCSW

 Much to the relief of mental health workers the stigma attached to depression is lessening as awareness increases. Times are changing and so are your options when it comes to seeking treatment for depression. EMDR can be an effective means to treat your depression when traditional options have not helped.

Most people are familiar with depression, or at least familiar with the fact that it exists and anyone can struggle with it. However, many people may not know where to start when it comes to how to treat it effectively. Traditional therapy and medication do help, without a doubt. But what happens when it’s just not enough or you aren’t feeling relief? If that question rings true for you, please know that you do have options for EMDR therapy for depression in Suffolk County, NY.

What is EMDR?

 I’d like to bring to your attention a treatment option, which you may or may not have heard of, known as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Are you familiar with this treatment? During EMDR treatment, bilateral stimulation activates the opposite sides of the brain allowing the brain to release and redefine emotional experiences that are “trapped” within the brain. This type of stimulation actually resembles REM sleep as our eyes move from one side to the other. It is during sleep that the brain naturally sorts out our experiences from the day, discarding useless information and transferring memories appropriately.

Sometimes when we experience a traumatic events, big or small (i.e. getting in trouble at school, bullying, or the emotional trauma experienced when dealing with infidelity), these negative experiences can get “trapped” or “frozen” in the brain and they are unable to resolve naturally which may result in nightmares, depression, anger, anxiety, or emotional disturbance.

Along with the “trapped” negative experience is the negative emotional and sensory information, and childlike or initial interpretation of the experience.

Even locked away these negative emotions can still affect us greatly. We can be triggered by any number of things; a scent, a visual object, even being spoken to a certain way can trigger a memory or negative feeling, often without any understanding why. When a negative memory is triggered, the neurological response is protection and the result is a state of hyper-arousal commonly referred to as fight or flight. Stress hormones are released into the body and we find ourselves saying things without thinking or doing things that seem out of character. Unfortunately, the initial and untrue negative beliefs about oneself are reinforced.

What’s an EMDR session like? 

During a typical EMDR session you would be asked to identify a disturbing target memory. That memory is then processed using bilateral stimulation, the negative feelings, beliefs, or experience become desensitized, meaning they simply become less bothersome. The feelings, beliefs, and/or experience is then reprocessed and a new meaning is attached to the experience or triggers. As your brain arrives at a new conclusion, the original trauma no longer contains the negative emotional charge originally associated with it. The triggers are now neutral, the interpretation of the experience is now intentional and the beliefs about oneself are more positive and present hope instead of powerlessness.

Should I do it? So you may be wondering, “Is EMDR right for me?” Well, if you feel like your traumas, or inner demons, have too much power over you; and if you have a strong desire to be liberated from the traumas of your past, then, yes, EMDR may be a good fit for you.

Please keep in mind, EMDR is not only for those who have suffered significant trauma.

Reasons for choosing EMDR include a desire to let go of the rational, logical self and to be able to engage at a deeper level. If focusing solely on symptom management is not getting you the results you desire then you may benefit from EMDR, leading you to a deeper understanding of the root cause of the problem and allowing you to deal with it and find resolution.

If you have any thoughts or questions related to EMDR therapy for depression in Suffolk County, NY., or other mental health issues, please feel free to contact us. We would love to help you.

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