Trauma Therapy | EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- E - is extensively researched and evidenced-based , generally consisting of an 8 phase protocol
- M - helps metabolize unresolved memories/beliefs and make new meaning of them
- D - through the use of dual-attention you can help decrease disturbance and distress surrounding traumatic memories/beliefs
- R - uses new resources to help resolve trauma/beliefs, restore resilience, and reclaim your wholeness to live your best life and be your most authentic self
What EMDR can help with
EMDR is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help individuals by helping reduce symptoms, enhance coping, and restore balance. Licensed professionals use EMDR to address a wide range of challenges—some to include:
- PTSD/C-PTSD and Other Trauma and Stress-Related Issues - Sleep Disturbance, Dissociation, Disordered Eating, and Addiction
- Anxiety (Social/Performance/General), Panic, and Stress
- Chronic Pain
- Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth
- Grief and Loss
The Process
EMDR aims to "unstick" distressful memories and allows the mind to process them correctly through an 8-phase approach: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation. Bilateral stimulation (BLS), using eye movements, taps, or auditory tones, mimics REM sleep's natural memory processing. During sessions, focusing on distressful memories while engaging in BLS helps reprocess distressful memories, reducing their emotional charge and transforming them into more manageable memories, akin to the body's natural healing of wounds.
EMDR is unique in that it does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, freeze, or fawn instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” The experience is still remembered, but the response from the original event is resolved.
EMDR Intensives
A Faster Approach to Healing
Just as EMDR is a very different approach to psychotherapy, EMDR Intensives are a very different approach to providing EMDR treatment. Because of the “rewiring” and truly healing effect of EMDR, EMDR Intensives can work in ways that are not possible utilizing standard talk-therapy techniques. This approach has been extensively researched for the treatment of trauma. EMDR helps us process negative feelings and change the way we think about ourselves and our memories. Because of the powerful healing effect of EMDR therapy, intensives can produce faster results than weekly sessions using standard talk-therapy techniques.
Change doesn't have to take forever
An EMDR therapy intensive is customized, but can consist of up to several hour sessions with breaks over the course of a day, a few days, or a few weeks, allowing for concentrated and accelerated healing compared to weekly sessions. This method involves intense work but can yield significant progress. Intensives are not suitable for everyone so a thorough assessment is conducted during an intake session. Intensives can also focus on specific issues, with clients returning to their regular therapists afterward (adjunct).
Who may be a good fit for EMDR intensives
- A recent event just happened and an individual is on leave from work and wants to get back to work faster
- Want to skip the high cost of weekly therapy sessions
- Frequently travel and are constantly on the go
- Professionals with busy schedules
- Busy parents juggling multiple responsibilities
- Managing symptoms that disrupt daily functioning and productivity
How it works
Pre-intensive
post-intensive
Pre-intensive
After a complimentary consultation call to ensure goodness of fit, paperwork is sent to be completed and an intake session is arranged to determine the objectives of the EMDR intensive and to adequately prepare for the process. During this session, we will identify goals and gain clarity on your circumstances and challenges through a comprehensive history-gathering process.
intensive
post-intensive
Pre-intensive
The EMDR therapy intensive sessions are scheduled based on individual specific needs and preferences, which is discussed pre-intensive. Each intensive is unique and customized to the individual; on average, an itinerary is created that includes check in time, breaks, and proper closure.
post-intensive
post-intensive
post-intensive
A follow up therapy session is scheduled the week after the EMDR intensive to debrief the experience and reflect on areas of insight, relief, and transformation, as well as ongoing support, if necessary.
