Although more and more clinicians are completing their EMDR Institute or HAP training it can still feel a little lonely to be an EMDR therapist. But don’t assume that your small city has nothing to offer. I’ve got some surprising answers to your frequently asked questions about EMDR Consultation.

Question: I live in a small city. What are my options for finding an EMDRIA Consultant?

Answer: Plenty! Don’t assume that because your city is small that you are limited in options. Even small cities, like St. George UT, has an EMDR Regional Network that provides connections to consultants like me, as well as a sense of community, monthly training, and social support. As the Communications Manager for the Southern Utah EMDR Regional Network, I know first-hand the regular connections groups like these provide.

If these options don’t exist for you, however, utilize technology. EMDR Consultation is highly effective when conducted online via Zoom or Doxyme, and those sessions can be recorded, so that you can re-watch them as needed. Joining an email list can help you get a feel for the consultants in your area and what they have to offer. In addition, I provide a monthly email list that offers problem solving, tips and tricks, and free worksheets to help you feel fresh and in-line with the basic protocol, and more.

Question: How do I find an EMDR Consultant that is a good fit for me?

Answer: You’ll likely want to consider finding a consultant who works with a similar population or setting as you. Having worked in wilderness therapy, residential treatment, community mental health and now private practice (I’ve been around the block a time or two!) I know that a therapist in each of these settings might need different kinds of support troubleshooting various aspects of EMDR therapy with their clients. You might also consider matching your specialties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, etc. with those of your consultant.

Also, don’t forget the shining star of relationships – personality! I know it might seem silly to some, but I’ve always enjoyed consultation where the regard is warm and friendly – like a professional coffee date where you leave feeling stronger, clearer, and more empowered by the bottom of your cup. In order to explore that ‘warm feeling’ I offer a free 15-minute consultation to anyone interested in working with me. During that time that we can address your questions, I can provide information about individual or group EMDR consultation, we schedule our next meeting and more.

Answer: Do it anyway! Seriously. Whether you become certified or not your basic training has taught you just that, the basics. And what a lot of basics there are! But now your clients are going to throw you some curveballs. History assessments can become long and complicated. Treatment issues can begin to blend and blur. Intrusive memories can make Phase 4 drag on and on without an intervention. And speaking of intervention, when exactly do you offer a cognitive interweave?

Consultation provides you with an opportunity and a safe space to address these tricky spots. And while you’re at it, why not keep track of those hours and see if over time you demonstrate competence and reach a point to apply for EMDRIA Certification? Your client outcomes will improve as you reach this new level of professional competence and confidence. That means a successful practice for you and a lower risk of burnout.

Other Questions

What other questions do you have about EMDR Consultation? Are you struggling to switch your clients from ‘talk therapy’ to EMDR therapy? Are you feeling nervous about asking to record your sessions to review with a consultant? Reach out to me via email, text, or phone at 435-767-1424. It’s my gift to provide connection and information in our ever-expanding trauma-informed community.