EMDR -
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized psychotherapeutic approach designed to alleviate symptoms of trauma and PTSD. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require patients to extensively discuss their traumatic experiences.
​​Objectives and Benefits of EMDR Therapy
The primary aim of EMDR is to help individuals process negative past experiences, enabling them to deal with associated emotions and triggers in a healthier way. This type of therapy is particularly effective for those who find discussing their trauma to be too painful or slow-moving.
How EMDR Works
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EMDR treatment uses bilateral stimulation (which can include eye movements, auditory tones, or physical taps) to jump start the natural adaptive processing system and allow the person to move through the memory and properly store it in the brain. The event can still be recalled, but the emotional disturbance, body sensations, and sensory triggers associated with it are no longer present in a way that drastically impacts present day life.
Timeline and Flexibility
Typically, EMDR therapy is conducted over 4-8 sessions, but this can vary based on individual needs. Follow-up sessions may be scheduled to assess progress and determine if additional treatment is required. EMDR can be a stand-alone treatment or complement other therapeutic approaches.
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By guiding patients through structured phases, EMDR therapy helps them move past unresolved psychological pain, paving the way for healthier coping mechanisms and overall well-being.
Attachment Focused EMDR
Attachment Focused EMDR, or EMDR-M, is a modified version of the standard EMDR protocol more suited to treat Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, attachment or relational wounds, and traumas of omission, such as emotional neglect.
While standard EMDR requires having a traumatic memory or event to target, EMDR-M allows for the processing of suffering that may not be attached to a specific memory stored in the brain. EMDR-M provides opportunities for the repair of the key developmental experiences of nurturance, warmth, and safety, or the lack thereof.
EMDR could be the right fit for you if . . .
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You experienced physical, verbal, or emotional abuse as a child.
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You have been sexually abused and/or sexually assaulted.
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You were emotionally neglected.
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Your parent(s) struggled with untreated addiction and/or mental illness making them emotionally unavailable.
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You’ve realized that you’re the child of a narcissist and have suffered from narcissistic abuse.
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You’ve been in a physically, emotionally, verbally, financially, or sexually abusive relationship.
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You’ve experienced gaslighting from someone you were close to and now find it hard to trust yourself.
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You have been in a serious car accident leaving you feeling shaken and unable to resume normal life activities.
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You’ve experienced trauma or have PTSD as a result of your work as a medical personnel, first responder, or military.
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You’ve been struggling and feeling stuck with feelings of grief from a loss you’ve experienced.
EMDR Intensives
Offering ninety minute, half-day, one-day, or two-day intensives for the treatment of traumatic stress.
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Serving Southeast Michigan and the greater Ann Arbor area.
Virtual intensives available for residents of Michigan, Massachusetts, and Tennessee.
Your life is meant for more than just surviving!
EMDR Intensives integrate attachment-focused EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help move you through your trauma more efficiently while in a safe therapeutic environment.
EMDR intensives may be for you if ...
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You have intended to start weekly therapy for some time but the idea of fitting one more thing into your schedule feels more overwhelming than supportive.
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You‘ve experienced a recent trigger or traumatic event leaving you in need of support now rather than sitting for months on a waitlist.
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You feel stuck repeating the same negative patterns and this keeps you from moving forward. You may even cognitively know that things are different but your body struggles to believe it and react accordingly.
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You've tried other therapies before and despite all your time spent, these patterns keep showing up.
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You’re currently in therapy but you’d like some additional intensive support to move the healing process along.
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Maybe you have recently uncovered a trauma in your weekly therapy that your current therapist feels unequipped to walk you through and has recommended adjunct EMDR.
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You feel overwhelmed by the week long gap between EMDR sessions and feel like you’d make more progress with more time.
What are EMDR Intensives?
EMDR intensives are personalized treatment plans that allow you to skip the waitlist by giving you faster access to the support you need. Intensives are designed to accomodate your busy schedule and reach your treatment goals quicker.
EMDR Intensive Options . . .
Half Day Intensive
One three hour session from 9 AM to 12 PM with breaks added as needed.
Full Day Intensive
One six hour session from 9 AM to 3 PM with breaks as needed and an hour in between for grounding, movement, and nourishments.
Two Day Intensive
Two three or six hour sessions split over the course of two days.
What does the research say?​
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Intensive application of trauma-focused therapy, such as EMDR/IFS, appears to be tolerated well in patients with PTSD, resulting in faster symptom reduction with similar, or even better, results, while reducing the risk that patients drop out prematurely.
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Intensive EMDR treatment has shown reliable improvement in PTSD symptoms in a very short time frame.
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An intensive program using a combination of EMDR and IFS therapy is an effective treatment for complex post traumatic stress disorder.
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In comparison to other trauma therapy, the intensive format may decrease treatment time and cost because time is not spent on check ins at the beginning of each session, addressing current crises and concerns, or focusing on stabilizing and coping skills to make it through to the next session. Thus, you are able to accomplish more in one six hour intensive than six consecutive weeks of therapy!
Next Steps:
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Reach out to B. at dreamingtreecounseling.llc@gmail.com to schedule a free twenty minute consultation to further discuss intensive options!
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Schedule a ninety minute evaluation with B. to determine if the intensive format is the best fit for your specific needs.
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Develop a personalized treatment plan and decided which of intensive options works best for you and your schedule.
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Schedule your intensive session with B. and hold your spot with a nonrefundable $250 deposit payment.
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Receive a workbook via email to complete prior to your intensive session.
FAQ
How do I know if an intensive is right for me?
If you’re feeling unsure, reach out to B. at dtcounseling.llc@gmail.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific needs.
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What is the cost of an intensive?
Intensives are an investment in your healing! The cost depends on which intensive format you choose.
Half-day intensives (three hours) - $750
Full-day intensives (six hours) -$1500
Two-day intensives (six hours/day for two days) - $3000
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* A nonrefundable $250 deposit is required at the time of booking and will be applied to the overall cost of your intensive.
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How do I decide what to focus on during the intensive?
We will discuss this at length beginning with our initial consultation and again in your intake session. In addition, you will receive a workbook to complete prior to your intensive session that will help guide you in developing and clearly defending your treatment goals.
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How many intensive sessions will I need?
This is unique to you as an individual and will depend on your treatment goals and what you hope to accomplish during your intensive session(s).
I am already working with a therapist, am I still able to do intensive work?
Absolutely! Intensives are a great adjunct to ongoing therapy. If you’re feeling unsure, talk with your therapist about this option.
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How do I prepare for my intensive session?
Apart from completing the pre-intensive section of your workbook, make sure you get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and nourish your body in the days leading up to your intensive. Please refrain from using any substances at least 24 hours before your intensive. Many people find EMDR to be physically and emotionally draining, so be sure to set aside time to reset after your intensive by clearing your schedule and allowing yourself time to rest. Movement, such as light walking or stretching, and/or meditation are also helpful ways to help your body and mind prepare and reset.
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What happens if something comes up and I need to cancel my intensive?
If you are able to give at least 48 hours notice, you may reschedule your intensive for another day during the same month.
If you are unable to give at least 48 hours notice and/or are unable reschedule for another date during the same month, your $250 deposit will not be returned as this slot has been reserved specifically for you and will have kept others from being able to book an intensive during this time.