How Do I Find a Trauma Therapist?

If you’re searching for help with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or overwhelming emotional triggers, you’re not alone. Many people reach out after years of trying to cope with the effects of a difficult childhood, an abusive relationship, or a traumatic experience.

You may be crying all the time, unable to get out of bed, feeling constantly anxious, or reacting to reminders of the past in ways that don’t make sense to you. These are common responses to trauma—not signs of weakness.

A trauma therapist can help if you’ve experienced:

  • PTSD or complex trauma

  • Sexual abuse or grooming

  • Physical, verbal, emotional, or financial abuse

  • Manipulation, intimidation, or controlling behavior

  • A narcissistic or abusive partner or family member

  • Chronic criticism, yelling, screaming, or aggression

  • Feeling trapped, powerless, or repeatedly victimized

Whether you identify as a survivor, are actively recovering, or are just beginning to ask questions about your experiences, healing is possible.

The right trauma therapist understands that recovery is not about “getting over it.” It’s about helping your mind and body process what happened, reducing triggers, restoring a sense of safety, and helping you move forward with greater confidence, peace, and resilience.

You don’t have to face trauma alone. Help is available, and with compassionate, evidence-based treatment, meaningful healing is possible.

Choosing the Right EMDR Therapist

CREDENTIALED. Selecting an EMDR therapist is a meaningful decision. It is important to work with a clinician who has completed EMDR-approved training, and ideally holds EMDRIA certification, reflecting advanced expertise and a commitment to the highest standards of care.

RELATABLE. Beyond credentials, the therapeutic relationship is essential. Feeling comfortable, understood, and supported creates the foundation for effective and lasting work. You deserve a space that feels both safe and thoughtfully attuned to your needs.

RESOURCE. Many clients begin their search through the EMDRIA “Find a Therapist” directory to identify qualified providers.

PURPOSEFUL. EMDR therapy offers a structured, evidence-based approach to healing, delivered at a pace that respects your readiness. With the right support, this work can lead to meaningful, lasting change and a greater sense of ease and clarity in your daily life.

FIND A THERAPIST ON WWW.EMDRIA.ORG

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Two logo emblems, one green circular logo reading 'emdria' and 'EMDR Certified Therapist,' and one purple hexagonal logo reading 'emdria' and 'EMDR Consultant.'

IS YOUR THERAPIST RIGHT FOR YOU?

YOU ARE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT.

YOU ARE ALLOWED TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR THERAPY &

DISCUSS IT WITH THE THERAPIST.

Comparison chart explaining the difference between red flags and green flags in therapy, with red flags indicating negative therapist behaviors such as dismissiveness and boundary violations, and green flags indicating positive, validating, and respectful therapist behaviors.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Adults with a history of trauma and/or Adverse Childhood Experiences

    Nurses, Practitioners, and Healthcare Workers

    Therapists and Counselors (LSW, LCSW, LPC)

    Teachers and Coaches

    First Responders

    Correctional Workers

    Medical Trauma

    Immigrants from Volatile Countries 

  • Clients with: 

    Treatment Resistant Depression

    Persistent Anxiety

    Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

    Attachment Wounding, Rejection Sensitivity, and Fears of Abandonment

    History of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)- verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, addiction, substance abuse and mental illness

    Treatment Resistant Mood Disorders

    Unexplained Physical Symptoms

    Headache and Migraine

  • My approach is grounded in my Advanced Practice Nursing education and enriched by both professional expertise and lived experience. I view mental health through a nuanced and integrative lens, allowing me to bring a thoughtful and perceptive awareness to each client’s unique needs. This perspective supports my ability to recognize subtle patterns and dynamics that may otherwise go unnoticed.

    I bring a keen clinical sensitivity to trauma and distress, along with a strong capacity to respond effectively within the therapeutic space. While I draw on evidence-based, brain-focused approaches, I do not simply check technical boxes; I implement the science of the modality fluidly and with warmth. I believe it is equally important to offer a presence that is intuitive, attuned, relational, and responsive.

    I strive to integrate both the art and science of EMDR therapy as it was originally intended—creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported throughout their healing process.

  • Dissociation is a clinically significant term for involuntary disconnection from thoughts, identity, or reality, often linked to trauma. This is different from disassociation, which is a psychosocial term describing a conscious, voluntary action of cutting ties with a person, group, or idea. This distinction is important.