EMDR therapy near me, with licensed and trained clinicians nearby
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It is a structured approach with a defined sequence of phases, and it is offered by many licensed therapists across the country. This page describes how EMDR sessions are usually organized, how training and certification work, and how to search for EMDR providers near you. Searching NearbyTherapy is free for patients and no account is needed.
Search EMDR providers near you
Type your city or ZIP code, select EMDR as the approach and choose in person or online. Claimed profiles appear first, and licensed providers from the federal registry follow below.
Where EMDR came from
EMDR was developed by the psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. She described noticing that moving her eyes back and forth while thinking about a distressing memory seemed to change how the memory felt, and she went on to build a structured protocol around that observation. Her first published study on the method appeared in 1989, and the approach has been taught to clinicians in many countries since.
The defining feature of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, meaning a rhythmic left and right pattern. Originally this was guided eye movements, following the therapist's hand or a moving light. Today many therapists also use alternating taps, small handheld buzzers or sounds that move between the ears. The stimulation happens while the client briefly focuses on a chosen memory or experience.
The eight phases of EMDR
EMDR is usually described as eight phases. Not every phase happens in every session, and early phases can take several meetings.
| Phase | What it generally involves |
|---|---|
| 1. History taking | The therapist learns about the client's background and goals and together they choose what to work on |
| 2. Preparation | The therapist explains the process and teaches ways of settling and grounding |
| 3. Assessment | The client identifies a memory, the image, belief and feelings linked to it |
| 4. Desensitization | Short sets of bilateral stimulation while the client notices whatever comes up |
| 5. Installation | Attention turns to a more helpful belief the client has chosen |
| 6. Body scan | The client notices any remaining sensations in the body |
| 7. Closure | The session is brought to a calm stopping point |
| 8. Reevaluation | At the next session, therapist and client review where things stand |
Talking is part of EMDR, but sessions differ from traditional talk therapy because the client is not asked to describe a memory in great detail for long periods. A therapist can explain how they adapt this structure.
Licensed clinicians and EMDR training
EMDR is used by licensed professionals including psychologists, licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists. Training is generally open only to licensed clinicians or those in supervised practice toward a license.
In the United States, many therapists train through programs approved by EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association. Basic training combines teaching, supervised practice and consultation hours. Beyond that, EMDRIA offers a certification for therapists who complete additional consultation and clinical experience with the method. Ask a provider whether they completed basic training, whether they are certified and how long they have practiced EMDR.
EMDR in your NearbyTherapy results
When therapists claim their profile, they can list EMDR as an approach and add the concerns they see, their insurance, fees and whether they meet online, in person or both. The approach, concern, insurance and price filters work on these claimed profiles only.
Under the claimed results you will find "More licensed providers in" your city, drawn from the NPPES NPI Registry and updated monthly. These listings show license and practice information but not approaches, so call the practice to ask whether they offer EMDR.
If you are in Illinois, our page for an EMDR therapist in Chicago focuses on providers in the city and its neighborhoods.
What to ask before starting EMDR
- Have you completed EMDRIA approved basic training, and are you EMDRIA certified?
- How many sessions do you usually spend on history and preparation before reprocessing?
- Which form of bilateral stimulation do you use, and can it be adjusted?
- How do you close a session if it feels unfinished?
- Do you offer EMDR online, and how does bilateral stimulation work by video?
- Are you licensed in my state, and what is your fee or insurance arrangement?
Cost and coverage
EMDR is generally billed as psychotherapy, so it follows the same rules as other sessions with that provider. Some EMDR sessions run longer than a standard hour, which can affect the fee. Check with your plan and the therapist. Our therapist that takes insurance guide and Blue Cross Blue Shield therapists page explain how to confirm benefits.
Do I have to talk about a memory in detail during EMDR?
EMDR usually asks a client to bring a memory to mind briefly rather than describe it at length. How much you share is something to discuss with the therapist in the preparation phase.
Can EMDR be done online?
Many trained therapists offer EMDR by video, using eye movements on screen or self administered taps. The therapist generally must be licensed in the state where you are during the session.
What does EMDRIA certification mean?
It means the therapist has completed approved basic training plus further consultation and clinical experience required by the EMDR International Association. You can ask the therapist directly about their status.
Will NearbyTherapy tell me if EMDR is suitable for me?
No. NearbyTherapy is a directory and does not give medical advice. A licensed provider can discuss with you whether EMDR or a different approach may fit.
If you are in crisis
NearbyTherapy is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. See our crisis page for more help.
Find an EMDR provider near you
Search by city or ZIP, choose EMDR and reach licensed therapists directly. Free for patients, no account needed.