What Questions Should I Ask a Therapist Before Starting EMDR?

Start by asking about training, safety, and fit. The most useful questions for EMDR therapist meetings cover five areas, qualifications and experience with your type of trauma, how the therapist prepares and paces EMDR, what happens in and between sessions, how logistics and fees work, and what support is available if you feel distressed after an appointment. When you cover these, you can choose with confidence and set clear expectations from day one.

1) Training, Qualifications, and Experience.

Ask about competence, not just interest.

• What EMDR training level do you hold, Basic, Advanced, or Certification with consultation hours completed.
• How much experience do you have with concerns like mine, for example, accidents, grief, medical trauma, complex trauma.
• Do you have additional training for my needs, for example, dissociation, ADHD, OCD, chronic pain.

Why it matters.

You are checking that the therapist has both formal training and real experience with cases like yours, which improves safety and efficiency.

2) Preparation, Stabilisation, and Pacing.

Ask how they keep you safe.

• How do you prepare clients before any memory processing.
• What grounding and resourcing skills will we practise, five senses, 4-7-8 breathing, safe place imagery.
• How do you adjust pacing during a session, shorter sets, longer breaks, switching back to resources.

What a reassuring answer sounds like.

The therapist describes a clear preparation phase, invites your feedback in real time, and explains that you can pause any time using a simple stop signal.

3) What Happens in an EMDR Session.

Ask for a step by step overview.

• What will a typical 60 to 90 minute session look like for me.
• How do you help clients choose targets, and do I have control over what we work on.
• How do you track progress, SUDs ratings, belief scales, symptom measures, functional goals.

Practical example.

A therapist might say, “We open with grounding, check homework, do two or three short processing sets, and end with closure and a take-home plan”.

4) Between Sessions, Homework, and After-Care.

Ask about support and expectations.

• What, if any, homework do you assign, and how long should it take.
• What should I do if I have vivid dreams or feel tired after a session.
• If I feel stuck or overwhelmed between sessions, how can I reach you, brief phone check-ins, secure message, or scheduled follow up.

Why it matters.

Clear after-care lowers anxiety and speeds recovery, many clients benefit from a simple 24 to 72 hour self-care plan, hydrate, sleep, gentle movement.

5) Logistics, Fees, and Policies.

Ask before you book.

• What are your fees, what receipts do you provide for insurance, what payment methods do you accept.
• What is your cancellation policy and wait-time for rescheduling.
• Do you offer in-person and virtual EMDR for clients in Ontario, and how do you keep telehealth secure.

Request everything in writing, services, policies, and emergency procedures, so you can review after the call.

6) Fit, Values, and Inclusivity.

Ask about the human side.

• How do you invite feedback if something does not feel right.
• What experience do you have working with my culture, identity, or faith background.
• How do you handle disagreements or ruptures in the therapeutic relationship.

Why it matters.

A trusting relationship is the foundation of safe trauma work. You should feel respected, informed, and in control from the first contact.

7) A Ready-to-Use Checklist.

Use this quick list during your consult:

• Credentials and EMDR level.
• Experience with your trauma type and any other related mental health challenges.
• Safety plan, stop signal, and grounding skills.
• Session flow, target selection, and progress tracking.
• Homework and after-care guidance.
• Contact options between sessions and emergency procedures.
• Fees, receipts, scheduling, cancellation policy.
• Inclusivity, values, and approach to feedback.

Time to Move Forward?

Good questions help you choose well and set a calm, steady course for healing. If you want a therapist who welcomes your questions and moves at your pace in Orangeville, Toronto, or across the GTA, visit our EMDR Therapy page to learn more and book your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.