Three steps to find good EMDR Therapy and Three questions you must ask to find a good EMDR Therapist.

Are you seeking effective EMDR therapy for yourself or a loved one? As a seasoned Accredited EMDR Practitioner, I understand the importance of finding a skilled therapist who can make a difference. Here are three essential steps to locate a proficient EMDR therapist and three crucial questions to ask during the selection process.

Don’t Rely on Google Reviews for Choosing a Psychologist

When it comes to choosing a psychologist, Google reviews are not the most reliable source of information. This is because regulations from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) prevent clinical psychologists and psychologists from having reviews. AHPRA oversees various healthcare professionals like GPs, clinical psychologists, and psychologists to ensure their competence and safety in practice. Their role is to verify the authenticity of medical practitioners.

Google reviews, according to AHPRA, are considered as unlawful advertising. If you come across a psychologist with more than two of accidental reviews, it could indicate that they might not be accredited, registered, and hence, might not offer you the level of protection you need.

Watch Out for Titles: Therapist vs. Psychologist

It’s important to be cautious about titles when seeking help. Anyone can label themselves as a therapist, counselor, or psychotherapist, which might not guarantee their qualifications. However, using the titles “psychologist” or “clinical psychologist” is restricted and regulated by AHPRA. These titles are reserved for those who have undergone proper training and accreditation, assuring a certain level of expertise.

Three steps to find a good EMDR therapist.

Step 1 : Navigate EMDRAA’s Accredited Database.

Begin your journey by accessing the EMDRAA Find a Therapist tool, a trusted resource backed by the EMDR Association of Australia. The site’s load time might test your patience, but it’s a goldmine for identifying qualified professionals.

Goto EMDRAA Find a Therapist   and click Accept Terms

 

Step 2: Pinpoint Your Search

Enter your postcode and, if necessary, repeat the same search three times. Pay attention to the little blue labels, which indicate how close they are to you.

IF NO RESULT – TRY SAME SEARCH AGAIN!  You must select one of the drop down options otherwise no result.

 

The resulting list will start with the Accredited Trainers/Consultants/Practitioners (most experienced) and then Members within the radius you specified

(Look at the little blue labels ). Scroll down to find someone close to you.

 

Step 3 – Assess Availability, Experience and Medicare Rebates

Check 1. Availability – Are they Accepting new clients?

Practitioners that are not accepting new clients may have a wait-list, ask to be put on it

Check 2.  Experience – Are they an Accredited Practitioner or an Accredited Consultant?  

If they are a Member – do some more research (see below) as there is no guarantee of experience.

3. Medicare Rebates – Do they offer a Medicare Rebate? This means that your practitioner is regulated by the AHPRA. To receive a rebate, you must be referred by your GP or psychiatrist with a referral letter and Mental Health Plan. Rebates in 2024 for a 50+ minute session are – Clinical Psychologist  ($137.05),  Psychologist ($93.35) see MBS Online .

 

The 3 questions you must ask to find a good EMDR therapist

Some EMDRAA Members are highly experienced, others do the training and rarely use it and its hard to know the difference. Try this.

1. Therapeutic Approach – Call them up and ask them what therapeutic approach (modalities) they mainly practice. (Don’t specifically ask if they practice EMDR, By avoiding direct mentions of EMDR, you’ll gauge the extent to which they rely on this powerful technique.)
2. EMDR Utilization – Ask them how often they use EMDR. I use it in 90% of my sessions each day.
3. EMDR 2.0 Proficiency – Ask them if they have trained in EMDR 2.0?  This is using the latest techniques and clients report that it can be more energising and fun

 

There are 3 grades of EMDR experience.

In Australia, EMDR therapists are graded by the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) according to there training and experience.

1. EMDR Member (Basic):

This level signifies foundational EMDR training. While a starting point, further accreditations showcase heightened expertise.

2. EMDR Accredited Practitioner (Advanced):

A practitioner at this level goes beyond basics, boasting additional supervision and experience. They would have treated a substantial number of clients  and undergone rigorous evaluation.

3. Accredited Consultant (Exemplary):

These practitioners are Accredited Practitioners while also possessing the experience and skills necessary to provide supervision to fellow therapists.

How to Know If a Therapist Is the Right Fit for You

Finding the right therapist is a bit like finding a good pair of jeans—it should feel comfortable, supportive, and like it was made for you. Therapy is personal, and the connection you have with your therapist makes all the difference. So, how do you know if you’ve found “the one”? Here are a few signs:

1. You Feel Safe and Comfortable

You should feel at ease in their presence, like you can breathe a little deeper when you talk to them. If you find yourself holding back or feeling judged, it’s probably not the right match. Therapy works best when you feel seen, heard, and accepted—exactly as you are.

2. They Just Get You

A good therapist doesn’t just nod and take notes—they truly understand what you’re saying. They reflect your feelings back to you in a way that makes you think, Yes, that’s exactly it! You don’t have to over-explain or feel like they’re missing the point.

3. They Know Their Stuff

If you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or trauma, your therapist should have specific training and experience in that area. EMDR, CBT, or trauma-informed approaches are key. You deserve someone who knows how to guide you through this—not just someone who dabbles in everything.

4. You Feel Heard and Respected

You should never feel like you’re “too much” or that your struggles are being minimized. A good therapist listens—really listens—and helps you make sense of what you’re going through without rushing you or pushing their own agenda.

5. You’re Actually Getting Somewhere

Therapy isn’t about quick fixes, but you should feel like something is shifting over time—whether it’s new insights, better coping tools, or just feeling a little lighter after sessions. Even small wins count.

6. You Can Be Honest Without Fear

You should feel like you can say the real stuff—the messy, uncomfortable, unfiltered things—without worrying that your therapist will flinch, judge, or lecture you. If you’re constantly holding back, something isn’t clicking.

7. They Keep It Professional (But Human)

A good therapist is warm and engaged, but they’re not your friend. They don’t overshare about their own life or make you feel like you need to take care of them. You should feel supported, not responsible for their feelings.

8. They Challenge You (In a Good Way)

The best therapists aren’t just there to nod along—they’ll gently challenge unhelpful patterns, ask the tough questions, and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. But they’ll also respect your pace and never push too hard, too fast.

9. You Leave With Something Useful

Whether it’s an EMDR exercise, a grounding technique, or a different way of looking at something, you should walk away from sessions with practical tools that help you manage life better. Therapy is more than just talking or EMDR processing—it’s about learning new ways to cope and heal.

10. You Trust Them

This one’s big. Even if therapy is hard sometimes, you should feel like your therapist is on your side—that they genuinely care, that they want the best for you, and that they know what they’re doing. Trust takes time, but if something feels “off” for too long, it’s okay to try someone else.

Final Thoughts

The right therapist won’t feel like a perfect fit all the time, but you should feel safe, understood, and like progress is possible. If you’re constantly unsure, it’s okay to explore other options. Therapy is about you—and you deserve a therapist who helps you feel empowered and supported, every step of the way.

Finding the right EMDR therapist is a vital step toward healing and growth. Use these steps and questions as your compass, to find the best EMDR therapist who can truly make a difference.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Desne Doman

Clinical Psychologist MAPS

EMDR Accredited Practitioner.