When seeking trauma recovery, finding the right EMDR therapist in Washington DC is a crucial step. With the growing popularity of EMDR therapy in Washington DC, many practitioners now offer this specialized treatment and even more saying they are trained in EMDR–but how do you choose the right one for your needs?
The first factor to consider is EMDR certification by EMDRIA. The right EMDR therapist in Washington DC should have advanced training through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) or an equivalent organization. There are a lot of clinicians who are well meaning and take trainings for EMDR but then never receive continuing education. When a therapist, like Jordan Nodelman, LICSW, aligns with a credentialing agency like EMDRIA, they are held to the highest standards, assuring consumers they are with a practitioner who is vetted, well trained, maintains consultation and ongoing training. EMDR is not the answer for all patients and is certainly not appropriate to be used by clinicians without adequate understanding of its workings. EMDR-certified therapists (by EMDRIA) in Washington DC have completed rigorous education, supervision, and practice standards.
Second, it’s important to find an EMDR therapist in Washington DC who has experience working with your specific issues. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, childhood trauma, or anxiety, the right EMDR therapist should have a track record of success treating those concerns.
Third, evaluate the therapeutic style and personal fit. EMDR therapy is a collaborative process, and you should feel safe and supported throughout. Many EMDR therapists in Washington DC offer free consultations to help determine if it’s a good match. Though EMDR has standard underpinnings, it is a highly complex intervention that, when used correctly, is applied as an art form. This takes years of practice.
You should also inquire about logistics—such as whether they accept insurance, offer telehealth sessions, or have flexible scheduling. Many highly qualified EMDR therapists in Washington DC now provide online EMDR therapy as well.
According to research, the effectiveness of EMDR therapy is closely tied to therapist skill and therapeutic alliance (Landin-Romero et al., 2018). Taking the time to find the right EMDR therapist in Washington DC can make a significant difference in your healing journey. Jordan Nodelman, LICSW has conducted thousands and thousands of hours of EMDR. He is intuitive and creative with his application of the modality and his advanced training and client work with severe PTSD allows him to be paced, creating safety and comfort for his clients.
References: Landin-Romero, R., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Pagani, M., & Amann, B. L. (2018). EMDR therapy and its efficacy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder: A review of meta-analyses. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(4), 195–205. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.4.195
