EMDR INTENSIVes
What are the benefits of an EMDR intensive compared to regular sessions?
The benefits of an EMDR intensive compared to regular sessions include more concentrated and immersive therapy over a shorter period, potentially leading to faster progress and deeper therapeutic insights. The intensity of treatment in EMDR therapy can impact outcomes by potentially accelerating the processing and integration of traumatic memories, leading to more rapid symptom relief and greater overall therapeutic gains.
Are there specific situations where an intensive might be particularly beneficial?
An intensive format of EMDR therapy might be particularly beneficial for individuals facing acute distress or those seeking more rapid resolution of specific issues, such as recent traumatic events or phobias.
Who are the ideal candidates for EMDR intensives?
Ideal candidates for EMDR intensives are individuals who are motivated for intensive therapy, have sufficient psychological stability to engage in concentrated sessions, and have specific issues or goals they wish to address within a shorter timeframe.
What types of issues or conditions can be effectively addressed through EMDR intensives?
EMDR intensives can effectively address a wide range of issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and unresolved childhood trauma, among others.
What clients are NOT a good fit for EMDR intensive?
Clients who are actively involved in a legal case pertaining to the trauma (e.g. in a custody battle with a physically abusive spouse)
Clients who have unmanaged/unmanageable substance use, including benzodiazepines and other prescription medications (mind-altering substances in general can reduce efficacy of EMDR)
Clients with unmanageable/unmanaged stress-induced neurological conditions like migraines, TBI, epilepsy/seizures (EMDR can trigger symptoms).
Clients with eye conditions or pain (always ask your doctor first if EMDR can be advised).
Clients who have limited emotion regulation skills/ability, have limited psychological flexibility, or are actively at high risk for suicide (this may mean we do individual therapy for a few months to build these skills and then determine later if EMDR intensive is appropriate).
COST
Do you take insurance for EMDR intensive?
EMDR intensives are generally not eligible for insurance reimbursement because it is considered a “prolonged service”. I can bill your insurance for the first initial diagnostic assessment (CPT Code 90791) and for a 60-minute individual psychotherapy session (CPT code 90837) on the day of the intensive, but anything after that first hour will be private pay as it is not reimbursable by insurance. I do not provide superbills for insurance reimbursement and you will be responsible for private pay if you choose to participate.
How much does EMDR intensive cost?
This entirely depends on the client’s needs and goals. Here are some rough estimates:
Full-day Intensives = (I can bill your insurance for 1 out of the 6 hours)
Half-day Intensive = (I can bill your insurance for 1 out of the 3 hours)
Estimates:
Recent/Single Incident (e.g. Robbed at gunpoint) - half-day, $1,000-$1,500
Ongoing Traumatic Stress (e.g. vicarious trauma of being a first responder) - 1-3 days, $1,000-$3,000
Story Clearing Intensive, single childhood trauma w/o attachment trauma (e.g. car accident in childhood) - 2-5 days, $3,000-$5,000
Story Clearing Intensive, chronic and/or attachment trauma (e.g. sexual abuse from family member) - 3-6 days, $3,000-$6,000
If I determine that the target has been cleared by the scheduled lunch time (e.g. If I quote you 2 days but you only use 1.5 days of therapy and done at lunch time on the second day, I will refund you the cost of the second half day).
How long do intensives take?
It depends on your presenting concerns and goals. Typically, sessions will begin around 9 am, with a lunch break around noon and ending around 4 pm, though that schedule is entirely flexible to accommodate the work being pursued. Depending on the nature of the processing, breaks will be taken as needed. The amount of time we will be working each day will fluctuate depending entirely on the work we are doing. Intensives can offer flexibility to tailor fit the work to what your system needs at the time. A one-hour lunch break (sometimes longer if needed) will be taken each day.
Outcomes:
While EMDR is a therapeutic approach that has been shown to be effective for many clients, individual responses to treatment can vary significantly. Please be advised that I can never guarantee a specific outcome for EMDR treatment. Success depends on various factors, including the nature of the issue being addressed, your unique circumstances, and your commitment to the therapeutic process.
Do you offer any discounts or payment plans?
I offer periodic promotions through my Instagram page. Please tell me the promo code you received at the time of scheduling your intake assessment.
How can I pay?
I will ask for your payment card on file through my EHR system Alma. You can pay using debit, credit, HSA, or FSA.
Where will the EMDR intensives take place?
EMDR intensive can take place in-person or virtually. Both means of service delivery are available and effective. In-person address is: 22725 44th Ave West Suite 202, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
What is your cancellation policy?
Rescheduling
If something comes up and you are unable to attend your Intensive, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling. There will be a rescheduling fee, as follows:
Rescheduling with more than 30 days notice: $100 rescheduling fee
Rescheduling with less than 30 days notices: $300 rescheduling fee
Cancellation
Cancellations will incur a cancellation fee, as follows:
Cancellations with more than 30 days notice: $200 cancellation fee
Cancellations with less than 30 days notices: $400 cancellation fee
INTAKE PROCESS
What is the process for clients to sign up for an EMDR intensive?
Engage in initial 20 minute consultation (free of charge). I will inquire about what you want to work on and a brief risk assessment. You can ask me questions related to EMDR intensive therapy and see if we are a good fit.
Schedule your Initial Diagnostic Assessment. I will determine only after this assessment whether we are a good fit for EMDR intensive therapy at this time.
Complete and sign the following forms at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled Initial Diagnostic Assessment: Intake packet (clinician disclosure statement, privacy policy, email/text consent, credit card authorization form, telehealth consent), private pay agreement; assessments:
GAD-7 (anxiety)
PHQ-9 (depression)
PCL-5 (PTSD)
DES (dissociation)
DERS (emotion regulation)
ECRS (attachment)
Engage in 55-minute intake assessment, including developmental history taking, trauma assessment, and risk assessment (current and past risk for suicide and homicide).
Determine goodness of fit for EMDR therapy (see steps 6-8 following if deemed good fit)
Schedule intensive and pay deposite within 7 days to confirm your spot.
Self-care in the week leading up to intensive, arrange for lodging, child/petcare, etc.
Show up in comfortable clothes, well-rested and fed.
***PLEASE NOTE: Completion of a consultation and initial assessment is a prerequisite to determine if you are a good candidate for EMDR intensive therapy; it DOES NOT guarantee that you will be able to start EMDR intensive therapy.
What happens if I am not a good candidate to EMDR intensive after the initial assessment?
I will review with you my decision to decline starting EMDR intensive with you. I will go over alternative options, such as starting individual therapy or being referred to higher level of care, that may help get you to a place where you will be ready to engage in EMDR intensive therapy.
How far in advance should clients book their intensive sessions?
Usually clients choose to book several weeks out at minimum so they can arrange their life to accommodate for the weekend of intensive therapy.
What should I do in preparation for EMDR intensive?
Get good rest. Eat well (I will have water and snacks if we are in the office). Reduce stress as much as possible in the week leading up to it. Be clear on your goals for your EMDR intensive. Arrange for some time in the 1-2 days after EMDR intensive so your system can process and return to equilibrium.