emdr intensives
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that encourages the client to focus briefly on elements of a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. EMDR is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD/CPTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences. (Adapted from EMDRIA)
What is AN EMDR INTENSIVE?
It can be tough to stick with an EMDR treatment plan for processing trauma when life seems to always present something pressing that needs to be discussed during a typical 1-hour therapy session. For this reason, I am now offering EMDR intensives: extended 4-hour blocks of time that are solely dedicated to moving through the 8 phases of the EMDR process, incorporating both attachment-based and somatic interventions.
FAQs
Do I need to be in person?
Yes, I am currently only offering EMDR intensives in person. We also have the option of incorporating some Ecotherapy or “walk and talk” sessions for EMDR, especially in the resourcing phase. After all, walking is bilateral stimulation!
Is it more efficient than traditional therapy?
It can be! EMDR is a mildly altered state of consciousness, which requires time to settle into, and to transition back out. Intensives give us the opportunity to stay in this state for an extended period of time, and let your system process more extensively without having to stop and start.
How much does it cost?
My rate for EMDR intensives is the same as my base rate for Psychotherapy: $150/50-minute hour. An intensive begins with at least one intake and resourcing session, where we practice somatic-based emotional regulation skills together in order to build the adaptive memory network to support the EMDR reprocessing. For many trauma survivors, multiple resourcing sessions will be needed to build an adequate adaptive support network in the nervous system. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. When it is time to reprocess, we will meet for a 4-hour block that is dedicated solely to the bilateral stimulation phases of EMDR, which would total $600. Many people find they are able to move through the full 8 stages of EMDR for at least one memory during this amount of time. As always, I offer a limited number of sliding scale/reduced rate options in my practice, which can be discussed at anytime.
Is it cost effective?
Yes, because it is more efficient, it can save money in the long run. People who do intensives also report benefits of quicker and more obvious trauma symptom remission, and lower schedule burden (better therapy “momentum,” without the stop/start feeling that so often interrupts trauma reprocessing, as life gets in the way).
Will I notice a difference after an intensive?
While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome in Psychotherapy, most people experience a significant reduction in trauma-related symptoms.
How do I know if I’m a good fit?
Intensives work best with individuals who have specific goals or symptoms they want to work on related to trauma, grief, and/or persistent relationship difficulties.
Who is not a good fit for an EMDR intensive?
If you are actively in an addiction and have no plan or support to stop, if you are actively suicidal or actively harming yourself, or if you are actively in an eating disorder and have no plans or support to stop - an intensive would not be in your best interest at this time.