EMDR Therapy Seattle: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start

Looking for EMDR therapy in Seattle? Ask these 10 essential questions to find the right therapist and begin your healing journey with confidence.

Finding the Right EMDR Therapy in Seattle & Washington State
If you’re considering EMDR therapy in Seattle, it’s important to find a therapist who’s a good fit for your needs—someone with the right training, approach and availability to support your path forward. Whether you're navigating trauma, relationship challenges, or a difficult life transition, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.

Once you’ve found a few EMDR therapists in Seattle or Washington State, ask to schedule a free initial phone consultation if possible. This is a chance for both you and the therapist to see whether working together feels like the right fit. During the call, they might ask you about your past therapy experiences—what worked for you and what didn’t—and invite you to share what you’re hoping to address.

So what should you ask during that first call?

Here are 10 helpful questions to guide your conversation when seeking EMDR therapy in Seattle. For a list of more general questions, see my blog “10 Essential Questions to Ask When Seeking Counseling in Seattle & WA State.”

1. Is EMDR your main modality?
   EMDR is a comprehensive 8-phase therapeutic modality, not a one-off technique. This is your opportunity to find out more about how a therapist views, approaches and utilizes EMDR therapy.

2. Do you incorporate other modalities or approaches into your work with clients?
   Some therapists are trained in multiple modalities but more doesn’t always equal better. It can be helpful to look for depth of experience and to hear about how a therapist utilizes the professional knowledge they have gained.

3. What experience do you have using EMDR therapy for ________?
   Fill in the blank with the concern you're bringing to therapy, such as an accident, assault, attachment wounds or emotional abuse or neglect.

4. Where did you do your EMDR training and how would you describe your approach to EMDR therapy?
   Although there are now many programs certified by EMDRIA (the EMDR International Association), I typically recommend that clients begin by experiencing EMDR therapy with a therapist trained by the EMDR Institute, as I know and respect their training programs. The EMDR Institute is the organization founded by the originator of EMDR therapy, Dr. Francine Shapiro, and the trainers (many former colleagues of the late Dr. Shapiro) continue to adhere to and update the protocol based on ongoing research.

5. How do you stay current with your EMDR training?
   You might ask about advanced trainings, consultation groups or participation in EMDR conferences.

6. Do you schedule weekly sessions or EMDR intensives?
   EMDR therapy can be done in regular weekly sessions and in intensives, involving longer sessions over a few consecutive days.

7. What if I already have a therapist who doesn’t offer EMDR?
   Many people already have a trusted therapist—and sometimes it’s that therapist who recommends EMDR. In those cases, some EMDR therapists (myself included) offer EMDR as an adjunct service, meaning you can continue working with your primary therapist if you like while also receiving EMDR therapy.

8. What should I expect during my first EMDR session?
   The bilateral stimulation (eye movement or tapping) that people associate with EMDR doesn’t happen in the first session. As in other forms of therapy, EMDR begins with a review of your past (the “history taking” phase of the 8-phase EMDR protocol). In addition to asking about your past and your goals for therapy, ask the therapist how they approach an initial intake, for example, do they incorporate any grounding exercises into the first session that you can practice during the week.

9. How long does EMDR therapy take?
   A therapist can often give you a general guideline based on the clients they see with similar issues, but nobody should guarantee that you will be done with therapy in a certain number of sessions. Therapy is an individual process.

10. What forms of bilateral stimulation do you use?
    Bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy generally takes the form of eye movement or tapping, both of which can be done in person or online.

Making the Call for EMDR Therapy in Seattle
Searching for the right EMDR therapy in Seattle doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. If you're unsure where to start or want support navigating the process, I invite you to reach out. You can phone or email me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Whether you’re seeking EMDR therapy in Seattle for trauma, complicated relationships, or major life transitions, I’m happy to answer your questions. And if I’m not the right fit, I’ll do my best to offer referrals. You can also learn more about EMDR therapy in Seattle, EMDR Intensives, and my approach to healing here.

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