How to Find San Diego CBT & EMDR Trauma Therapists

Why Trauma Symptoms Don’t Have to Control Your Life Anymore

Find providers in Florida that use a combination of CBT and EMDR for treating trauma. If you’re searching for this, you’re likely experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, or emotional distress that traditional talk therapy hasn’t resolved. You need faster results—and the combined power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can deliver them.

Quick Answer: How to Find Florida CBT + EMDR Trauma Therapists

1. Search for EMDRIA-certified therapists with CBT training in Florida
2. Check Thrive Mental Health’s provider network—we specialize in trauma-focused IOP and PHP programs combining both modalities
3. Ask about credentials: Look for LMFTs, LCSWs, or PhDs with trauma-informed care experience
4. Verify insurance coverage for trauma therapy—most PPO plans cover both CBT and EMDR
5. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your trauma type and treatment goals

Trauma doesn’t just live in your mind—it hijacks your body, relationships, and daily functioning. According to research, 84–90% of single-event trauma survivors no longer had PTSD symptoms after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions. When combined with CBT’s skill-building approach, you get both immediate coping tools and deep trauma reprocessing.

CBT helps you identify and change the negative thought patterns that keep you stuck in fear, guilt, or shame. EMDR helps you reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional grip. Together, they address trauma from two angles: your present-day reactions and the root memories fueling them.

Florida offers multiple trauma therapy options—from weekly outpatient sessions to intensive programs like IOP (Intensive Outpatient) and PHP (Partial Hospitalization). Thrive Mental Health provides virtual and hybrid trauma programs that combine CBT and EMDR with flexible scheduling, insurance support, and measurable outcomes.

I’m Nate Raine, CEO of Thrive Mental Health, and I’ve spent over a decade leading behavioral health innovation—helping thousands of people find providers in Florida that use a combination of CBT and EMDR for treating trauma through evidence-based, tech-enabled care. At Thrive, we’ve built a national network of trauma-specialized clinicians who deliver personalized, outcome-focused treatment that integrates virtual and in-person care for faster recovery.

You don’t have to suffer alone. The right therapist—using the right combination of therapies—can change your life in weeks, not years.

Find providers in Florida that use a combination of CBT and EMDR for treating trauma. terms to learn:

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• cbt therapy vs emdr
• emdr vs cbt for ptsd

Stop Suffering Now: Florida’s Fastest Trauma Relief with CBT + EMDR [2025]

Trauma can feel like a heavy chain, dragging you back to past pain. But what if there was a way to break free, not just manage the symptoms, but truly heal the wounds? For those living in Florida, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) offers a powerful, evidence-based path to lasting relief. We’ve seen how this integrated approach can transform lives, helping individuals move from surviving to thriving.

Our Thrive’s Trauma IOP & PHP Programs in Florida are designed specifically for this, offering a comprehensive and flexible solution for those who need more than weekly therapy but less than inpatient care. We focus on providing expert PTSD treatment that can improve coping skills, reduce feelings of distress, and promote long-term healing, tailoring treatment plans to each individual’s unique experience of trauma.

Why Choose Both CBT and EMDR for Trauma? [2025 Results]

Imagine a two-pronged attack on trauma. CBT equips you with the tools to manage your daily struggles, while EMDR digs deep to dismantle the trauma’s roots. This isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about getting better, faster.

CBT for Real-Time Coping: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a highly effective PTSD treatment because it teaches you how to identify the negative thought patterns associated with trauma and change them. This talk therapy helps you challenge distorted beliefs, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and reduce feelings of distress in your daily life. It’s about building resilience and gaining control over your immediate emotional responses. Florida therapists emphasize that CBT uses empirically supported treatment plans that are proven effective for PTSD, anxiety, and other conditions by providing focused guidance for recovery, growth, and goal achievement.

EMDR for Deep Trauma Healing: EMDR is a highly effective way to address PTSD. It’s designed to help you reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity. This process, often involving bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements), helps your brain naturally desensitize itself to past trauma. What’s unique about EMDR is its ability to reprocess distressing memories without requiring you to extensively talk about the trauma, making it suitable for those who find it difficult to verbalize their experiences. Studies show 84-90% of single-event trauma victims no longer had PTSD symptoms after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions. Even for individuals impacted by multiple traumas, 77% showed no diagnosable PTSD following six EMDR sessions.

How They Work Together: The synergy between CBT and EMDR is where the magic happens. CBT can prepare you for EMDR by teaching you grounding techniques and emotional regulation skills, making the reprocessing of traumatic memories safer and more effective. During EMDR, as those memories are processed, CBT techniques can then help integrate new, positive beliefs and thought patterns, solidifying the healing. This combination addresses both the “what-if” thoughts and anxious feelings (CBT) and the core distressing memory (EMDR), leading to a comprehensive and lasting recovery. To learn more about how these two powerful modalities stack up individually, check out our guide on EMDR vs CBT for PTSD: What Works Best?.

What Trauma Symptoms Can This Approach Treat?

If trauma has cast a long shadow over your life, a combined CBT and EMDR approach can target a wide array of symptoms, helping you reclaim your peace.

This powerful combination is particularly effective for:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The core symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance are directly addressed. EMDR helps desensitize the memories, while CBT helps manage the anxiety and negative thoughts surrounding them.
• Complex Trauma: For individuals who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma, especially in childhood, this combined approach can be transformative. EMDR can process multiple traumatic events, while CBT helps rebuild self-esteem and develop healthy relationship patterns often disrupted by complex trauma.
• Flashbacks and Nightmares: These intrusive symptoms are often the most distressing. EMDR is specifically designed to reduce their frequency and intensity by reprocessing the underlying traumatic memories.
• Severe Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Both modalities work to alleviate anxiety. CBT provides immediate coping skills and thought restructuring, while EMDR addresses the root causes of anxiety linked to past trauma.
• Emotional Distress: Feelings of overwhelming sadness, anger, guilt, or shame can be significantly reduced. EMDR helps release the emotional charge from memories, and CBT teaches emotional regulation.
• Avoidance Behaviors: When you avoid people, places, or situations related to your trauma, this approach helps you gradually re-engage with life by reducing the fear and distress associated with those triggers.
• Negative Self-Image: Trauma often leaves individuals with deeply ingrained negative beliefs about themselves (“I’m not safe,” “I’m not good enough”). Both CBT and EMDR work to challenge and transform these beliefs into more positive, realistic self-perceptions.
• Childhood Trauma: Early life experiences of sexual abuse, neglect, or emotional abuse can have profound, lasting effects. CBT and EMDR can help process these foundational traumas, promoting healing and healthier development.

How to Find Florida Therapists Using Both CBT and EMDR for Trauma

Finding the right therapist is the single most crucial step in your healing journey. For something as specific as combined CBT and EMDR for trauma, you need experts. Florida is home to many skilled professionals, but knowing what to look for and where to find them can feel overwhelming. We’re here to simplify that search.

What to Look for in a Florida CBT + EMDR Trauma Therapist

Don’t settle for less when your healing is at stake. Here’s a checklist to ensure you connect with a truly qualified professional:

• Therapist Credentials: Look for licensed professionals such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), or Psychologists (PhD/PsyD). These credentials ensure they have met rigorous educational and experiential requirements. For example, a seasoned LMFT in Florida with over 20 years of experience as a complex trauma therapist might integrate CBT, DBT, and EMDR into their practice.
• EMDRIA Certification: This is non-negotiable for EMDR. EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) certification signifies that a therapist has completed extensive training, supervision, and consultation in EMDR therapy, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of practice.
• CBT Training and Experience: While many therapists use CBT, inquire about their specific training in empirically supported CBT techniques for trauma and anxiety. Many Florida practices specialize in CBT for PTSD and anxiety conditions, often integrating techniques like Mindfulness and Exposure Therapy.
• Trauma-Informed Care: A trauma-informed therapist understands the pervasive impact of trauma and approaches treatment with sensitivity, safety, and empowerment. They recognize that symptoms are often adaptations to trauma.
• Experience with Your Trauma Type: Whether you’ve experienced single-incident trauma, complex trauma, or identity-based trauma, seek a therapist with specific experience in that area, as some centers in Florida specialize in care for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Therapeutic Alliance: Beyond qualifications, the connection you feel with your therapist is paramount. Research shows that the bond between you and your therapist, known as the therapeutic alliance, is a key factor in treatment success. We emphasize this at Thrive, understanding that a strong partnership fosters trust and collaboration.

Where to Find Qualified CBT + EMDR Therapists in Florida

Finding the right expert shouldn’t be a scavenger hunt. Here are your best bets:

• Thrive Mental Health’s Provider Network: As a leading provider of evidence-based trauma treatment, we have a network of clinicians in Florida who are skilled in both CBT and EMDR. Our programs are designed to offer comprehensive care that integrates these modalities within a structured IOP or PHP setting, providing more intensive support than traditional outpatient therapy.
• Thrive’s Virtual IOP & PHP Programs: We offer virtual therapy options that allow you to receive quality care from the comfort of your home anywhere in Florida. This means access to top-tier CBT and EMDR therapists without the commute, often with more flexible scheduling.
• Professional Directories: Websites like Psychology Today or the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) allow you to filter therapists by location (Florida), specialization (EMDR, CBT, PTSD), and even insurance. When using these, always double-check the therapist’s website for specific details on their training and approach.
• Referrals: Your primary care physician or a trusted mental health professional can often provide referrals to specialists they know.
• Vetting Online Providers: If considering online platforms, ensure the therapists are licensed in Florida and have verified EMDRIA certification. Many platforms boast licensed therapists, but you need to confirm their specific expertise in combined CBT and EMDR for trauma. For more insights on finding the right EMDR expert, read our guide on Discover Top EMDR Therapist: Find Relief Today.

Your Treatment Roadmap: Timeline, Results, and Insurance in Florida

You’re not just looking for therapy; you’re looking for a roadmap to recovery. Understanding the typical duration, what success looks like, and how insurance fits in can give you clarity and confidence on your journey.

How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take in Florida?

The length of your trauma therapy journey with combined CBT and EMDR is highly personalized, dependent on the nature and severity of your trauma, as well as your individual progress.

• Personalized Plans: At Thrive Mental Health, we conduct a thorough initial assessment to identify the best treatment approach, ensuring your plan is custom to your unique needs and experiences. This personalized approach means we move at your pace, providing support every step of the way.
• Single-Event vs. Complex Trauma: For single-incident traumas (e.g., a car accident, a specific violent event), EMDR can often yield significant results quite rapidly. Studies show that 84-90% of single-event trauma victims no longer had PTSD symptoms after three 90-minute EMDR sessions. For multiple or complex trauma, which involves prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, treatment typically takes longer. Researchers found that 77% of people impacted by multiple trauma showed no diagnosable PTSD following six EMDR sessions.
• 6–12 EMDR Sessions Typical: While some may see improvement sooner, a course of 6-12 EMDR sessions is often recommended for substantial processing of specific traumatic memories. This can be integrated with ongoing CBT sessions.
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP): For individuals needing more structured and frequent support, our IOP and PHP programs in Florida can accelerate the healing process. These programs offer multiple hours of therapy per day, several days a week, allowing for deeper engagement with both CBT and EMDR. This intensive format can condense months of weekly therapy into a shorter, more focused period.
• Virtual Therapy: Fast, Flexible, Effective: Our virtual programs offer the same intensive care with added flexibility, allowing you to participate from your home anywhere in Florida, which can reduce barriers to consistent attendance and speed up progress.

What Results Can You Expect? [Real Numbers]

We don’t just promise hope; we deliver measurable results. The combination of CBT and EMDR is backed by robust research, showing significant symptom reduction and long-term healing for trauma.

• PTSD Remission: 84–90% Success: As mentioned, EMDR alone has shown remarkable success rates for single-incident trauma. When combined with CBT, these outcomes are often reinforced, leading to a profound reduction or even elimination of PTSD symptoms.
• Lower Anxiety and Distress: Clients consistently report a significant decrease in general anxiety, panic attacks, and overall emotional distress. Both therapies equip you with tools to manage and reduce these feelings.
• Fewer Flashbacks and Nightmares: EMDR’s core strength lies in reprocessing traumatic memories, which directly translates to a reduction in intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares.
• Better Coping Skills: CBT teaches you practical strategies to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, improve problem-solving, and regulate emotions, leading to healthier ways of coping with stress and triggers.
• Improved Resilience: You’ll build a stronger sense of self, increased self-esteem, and a greater capacity to steer life’s challenges without being overwhelmed by past trauma.
• Long-Term Healing: The goal isn’t just temporary relief but lasting change. By addressing both the cognitive and emotional components of trauma, this combined approach promotes deep, sustainable healing.
• High Satisfaction Rates: Across various studies, participants in EMDR therapy report high satisfaction, with 70% achieving a good outcome in three active treatment sessions and 92% of clients feeling better with 12 weeks of treatment.

For a deeper dive into the complexities of PTSD and its treatment, explore our guide on Understanding and Navigating the Emotional Landscape of PTSD.

How Does Insurance Work for Trauma Therapy in Florida?

The cost of therapy shouldn’t be another barrier to healing. We understand the importance of accessible care, which is why we work with major insurance providers in Florida.

• Verify Your Benefits: The first step is always to verify your specific insurance benefits. We make this easy for you. You can Verify Your Insurance in 2 Minutes with us, with no obligation. This quick check will give you a clear picture of your coverage for IOP, PHP, and Online Therapy services.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Thrive Mental Health is in-network with many major insurance providers, which typically means lower out-of-pocket costs for you. For example, many of our clients with Cigna, Optum, and Aetna plans find that their services are well-covered.
• PPO Plans: If you have a PPO plan, even if we are out-of-network, you often have out-of-network benefits that can cover a significant portion (e.g., 60-80%) of the costs. We can provide you with superbills, which are detailed receipts you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Florida Plans: Specific Florida plans often have excellent mental health benefits. We encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss your particular plan and how we can maximize your coverage.
• Affordable Options: When seeking affordable therapy, explore community health centers, non-profits, and online platforms with insurance coverage, though their service model may differ from our intensive programs.

Get Results Faster: How to Prepare for Your First CBT + EMDR Session

Starting trauma therapy, especially with powerful modalities like CBT and EMDR, is a courageous step. Preparing effectively can significantly improve your experience and accelerate your progress.

First Steps to Find Florida Providers Using CBT and EMDR

Your journey to healing begins with clarity and intentionality.

1. Free Consults: Many therapists, including those in our network, offer a free initial consultation. This 15-30 minute conversation is your chance to ask questions about their approach, experience with CBT and EMDR, and whether they feel like a good fit. It’s also an opportunity for them to understand your needs.
2. Initial Assessment: Once you choose a provider, the first few sessions will involve a comprehensive assessment. This is where you’ll review your symptoms, history of trauma, and any past diagnoses or treatments. This helps the clinician tailor a personalized therapy plan.
3. Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, you and your therapist will collaboratively develop a treatment plan. This plan will outline your goals, the specific CBT and EMDR techniques to be used, and an estimated timeline.
4. Setting Goals: Be clear about what you hope to achieve. Do you want to reduce flashbacks? Improve sleep? Rebuild relationships? Specific goals provide a roadmap for your therapy. For a detailed guide on navigating this path, explore How to Overcome Trauma—Step-by-Step.

How to Prepare for CBT + EMDR Sessions

Walking into your first session prepared can make a huge difference in how quickly you start seeing results.

• Journaling Triggers: Before your session, take some time to journal about your triggers. What situations, thoughts, or feelings bring up distressing memories or anxiety? Understanding these patterns will be invaluable for both CBT (identifying negative thought patterns) and EMDR (identifying target memories).
• Identifying Negative Beliefs: Trauma often implants negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world. Try to identify some of these (“I’m unsafe,” “It’s my fault,” “I’m not lovable”). These will be central to your CBT work and can become “negative cognitions” targeted in EMDR.
• Practicing Grounding and Self-Soothing: Your therapist will teach you grounding techniques (e.g., deep breathing, sensory awareness) and self-soothing skills. Practicing these before sessions can help you feel more regulated and ready to engage with the material during therapy.
• Creating a Safe Space for Virtual Sessions: If you’re utilizing our virtual IOP or PHP programs, ensure you have a private, quiet, and comfortable space free from distractions. This “safe space” is crucial for deep therapeutic work.
• Openness and Honesty: Be prepared to be open and honest with your therapist. They are there to help you, not to judge. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards, such as those from the American Psychological Association (APA), and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Your transparency will allow for the most effective treatment. For more on managing triggers, check out Effective Strategies for Managing Trauma and Its Triggers.

FAQs: Florida CBT & EMDR Trauma Therapy [2025]

Can I do CBT and EMDR at the same time?

Yes. Skilled therapists at Thrive blend both. CBT builds coping skills; EMDR processes trauma memories. Together, they speed up recovery by addressing both present-day symptoms and the root traumatic experiences.

How do I know if my therapist is qualified in both CBT and EMDR?

Ask about EMDRIA certification (for EMDR) and specific training/experience in CBT for trauma. Thrive’s therapists are happy to explain their credentials and approach to ensure you feel confident in their expertise.

Is online trauma therapy as effective as in-person in Florida?

Yes. Virtual therapy is proven effective for trauma, with the same powerful results and added convenience. Our virtual IOP and PHP programs in Florida provide intensive, evidence-based care from the comfort of your home.

Does insurance cover CBT and EMDR trauma therapy in Florida?

Most PPO plans (including Cigna, Optum, Aetna, and other major Florida plans) cover trauma therapy using CBT and EMDR. Thrive helps you verify benefits and maximize coverage, often resulting in a low or $0 copay for our in-network services.

How fast will I see results with combined CBT and EMDR?

Many people experience significant improvement in 6–12 sessions, especially within structured IOP or PHP programs. While complex trauma may take longer, the combined approach often leads to faster and more measurable results than either modality alone.

Summary: Find Providers in Florida That Use a Combination of CBT and EMDR for Treating Trauma

Don’t wait—trauma symptoms steal your time, energy, and peace. Florida has expert therapists who combine CBT and EMDR for faster, lasting results. This powerful duo tackles trauma from all angles: equipping you with coping skills while deeply reprocessing distressing memories. The outcomes are clear: reduced PTSD, lower anxiety, fewer flashbacks, and a renewed sense of control over your life.

Thrive Mental Health offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs in Florida, designed for adults and young professionals who need intensive, evidence-based treatment. We support you with flexible scheduling, comprehensive insurance support, and proven outcomes. Take the first step now—your recovery can’t wait.

Ready for support? Thrive offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs with evening options. Verify your insurance in 2 minutes (no obligation). If you’re in crisis, call/text 988.