Trauma recovery
EMDR Therapy
It is important to understand the impact of trauma in our lives, and equally important to find ways to move beyond the trauma. Recovery from trauma means identifying the message(s) we have taken into our head and heart at the time of the trauma, and then 'undoing' that hurtful message and replacing it with a healthy/positive message. One way to do this work involves using EMDR.
Trauma research suggests that one of the quickest and most effective ways to overcome adverse life events and to reduce or eliminate symptoms of trauma is through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma and other presenting symptoms, e.g., anxiety and depression. EMDR helps us process negative feelings and change the way we think about ourselves and our memories.
How can EMDR help?
EMDR addresses negative experiences, undesirable symptoms and behaviour that causes people distress.
Experiences
Abuse/neglect, natural disasters, attachment disruption, medical issues, miscarriage, divorce, death of a beloved pet, loss of relationship, sexual abuse, witnessing crime, witnessing domestic violence, car accident, robbery, loss of a job, family conflict, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and bullying.
Symptoms
Anxiety, depression, restless sleep, nightmares, flashbacks, inability to focus or concentrate, loss of control, being easily startled, increased agitation, aches & pains.
Behaviour
Addictions, self-harming behaviour, isolation, risky behaviour, sexualized behaviour, impulsive behaviour, lying, dissociation, increase in alcohol and drug use, avoidant behaviour, difficulty connecting or trusting others.
EMDR is extremely beneficial in the treatment of on-going traumatic stress experienced by first responders (e.g., police, paramedics, fire fighters, medical personnel, therapists and other helping professionals). EMDR is not recommended for individuals who are currently experiencing significant struggles. A thorough assessment will be done to ensure the timing of an EMDR Intensive is the right fit.
Intensive options
EMDR Intensive Sessions
Weekly EMDR sessions and EMDR Intensive sessions are equally beneficial and highly effective. It is up to a client and their therapist to determine which approach best suits the client's needs and timelines.
Benefits of EMDR Intensives
- Process difficult experiences in a time-efficient way.
- Uninterrupted, focused work with fewer disruptions.
- Decrease or elimination of symptoms sustained over time.
- Process more information in a shorter amount of time.
- Can be cost effective — less travel, less time off work, minimised childcare needs.
3 hours
Half-Day Intensive
$600
Typically helpful in the treatment of well-resourced individuals who have experienced a single adverse event that is interfering with their day-to-day functioning (e.g., a car accident, medical procedure, loss of a loved one).
6 hours/day · 1–3 days
Full-Day Intensive
$1,200/day
Beneficial in the treatment of recent traumatic events, on-going traumatic stress, domestic violence, attachment injury, divorce, custody and access conflict, sexual abuse, trafficking experiences, bullying and on-going medical trauma.
6 hours/day · 4–5 days
Story Clearing Intensive
$1,200/day
Effective in the treatment of attachment disruptions, pre-verbal trauma, abuse or neglect over time, complex-developmental trauma and childhood sexual abuse.
Please note that a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment date(s). The remaining 50% is due on the first day of your Intensive.
Getting started
How to Schedule an EMDR Intensive
Step 01
Free consultation
Call for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. Questions will be answered and the process of determining if an EMDR Intensive is a good fit for your goals will begin.
Step 02
Assessment & forms
You will receive forms to complete that help determine your readiness for the work at this time, followed by a thorough assessment to recommend the right length of treatment.
Step 03
Prepare & arrive
Treat the day(s) surrounding your Intensive like a personal retreat. Schedule activities you enjoy around the sessions — the process can be emotional, and therefore tiring.