EMDR GROUP THERAPY
An accessible and effective treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety THAT GOES DEEPER THAN TRADITIONAL TALK THERAPY.
if you have been trying to get past your past, shed old beliefs, and stay grounded in stressful times —
THIS GROUP IS FOR YOU.
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT EMDR -
WHAT IS EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a heavily studied and evidence-based type of therapy that allows the brain to take trauma memories (which get stuck in our subconscious mind and nervous system causing us to get triggered or activated) and reprocess them so that our bodies and minds no longer become overwhelmed.
HOW DOES EMDR WORK?
EMDR is a body-based therapy that works through a combination of bi-lateral stimulation (moving the eyes back and forth, walking, tapping back and forth, etc) and awareness of thoughts, feelings, and body sensation. By “holding” and “exploring” a traumatic memory while using bi-lateral stimulation the brain can re-program itself.
Thoughts that were once overwhelming suddenly seem distant and no longer upsetting.
WHY DO EMDR IN A GROUP?
There are many benefits to working through trauma in a group. Humans are relational creatures, and working with others helps our brains process better. Being able to see that one isn’t alone can be healing in and of itself. A group allows for a mutual aid experience in real time - your presence, feelings, and ideas will help other group members and other group members, in turn, will help you.
EMDR in a group can be especially healing. Since EMDR does not require talking about one’s trauma to be effective, people can reprocess shame without the extra hurdle of speaking the unspeakable out-loud.
EMDR GROUP THERAPY STARTS TUESDAY June 16
This group is ongoing and meets weekly over a secure on-line platform.
TUESDAYS 6:00-7:30 pm EST / 3:00-5:50 pm PST
$75 per group session (some insurance accepted - see FAQs)
8 week commitment and 2 intake sessions required
What happens in an EMDR Group?
Reprocessing Memories
Members will have defined what memories, beliefs, or issues they want to work through.
In group, everyone work in parallel to 're-process’ through the body based practice of self-tapping
This work can be hard - many people report emotional hangovers after EMDR work. See “Mindfulness and Resouring” for how we handle and address this.
Talk Therapy too
It’s important that members know and feel comfortable with each other.
For every four weeks of the group, three will be dedicated to reprocessing, and one will be dedicated to talk therapy.
In a safe, supportive, and facilitated session, we will talk through the issues members are facing, and the feelings they experience.
Past members have shared that these talking breaks are very helpful in preventing overwhelm with the work.
Mindfulness and Resourcing
Because EMDR can be so emotionally and physically taxing, we end each session with 5-10 minutes of cooling down and closing out the work.
Sometimes this looks like a meditation, sometimes it will look like trauma-sensitive/trauma-informed yoga. All exercises are intended to be used in and outside of group to help members self-soothe and stabilize.
If members ever feel that they need extra support, the group facilitator is available to meet outside of group.
Art Therapy - Sort of
This group uses an EMDR protocol called IGTP-OTS (Integrative Group Treatment protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress) that uses drawing to help members identify core memories and beliefs that are at the root of their trauma responses.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to share what you draw if you don’t want to! No artistic skills required.
FAQs
Who is this group for?
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This group is for YOU if you…
- want to try EMDR therapy in a supportive and caring environment
- are ready to move past your past, and be less triggered or activated
- are a resident of either NY or CA
- can commit to being responsible for attending all sessions: the initial 8 weeks, and then weekly until the work is done for you (the group is ongoing)
- will attend two full intake session before group starts
How do I get started?
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Reach out through our contact form to schedule a free 20 minutes consultation call—we’ll talk more about your goals and if the group is right for you.
What’s the cost? Do you accept insurance?
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$75 per session out-of-pocket. Sliding scale is available, just ask in the consultation.
A note on insurance: We are currently in the process of becoming in-network with Aetna, United Healthcare, Independent Health, and BCBS. We'll update this page as soon as that's confirmed.
In the meantime, we're happy to provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement — ask us about it during your intro call.
When is the group? Is it in-person or on-line?
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EMDR GROUP THERAPY takes place on TUESDAYS 6 - 7:30pm EST/ 3 - 4:30pm PST.
We meet on-line via a secure platform.
Our first session will be June 16th, but THIS GROUP IS ON-GOING. This means you can join at a later date, and you can stay as long as you have things to work on.
An 8 week beginning commitment and 2 individual intake sessions are required to join.