EMDR GROUP THERAPY
In The Trenches: a 10 week EMDR group for anyone suffering from ongoing traumatic stress caused by the current political climate
If you are fighting the good fight against fascism, racism, the class war, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiments, *waves hands all around* ALL OF IT, or are simply feeling under constant attack by f*cism
then you are experiencing ongoing traumatic stress.
It’s part of your body’s defense mechanism to hold onto trauma, but you don’t have to hold it forever or by yourself.
IN THE TRENCHES is a support group for people on the front lines in the fight against oppression that uses evidence-based EMDR therapy to help members process trauma, gain resilience, and feel connection and support in a difficult time.
This group is for anyone who:
* Works towards collective liberation and social justice
* Works directly with members of oppressed groups
* Is a member of an oppressed group of people
* Struggles with mental health because of said work or said membership
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.
(NOTE: EMDR will NOT replace your necessary emotions - meaning we aren’t just numbing you out. You will still react and feel things, you just will not react to past things as if they are still present)
WHY A GROUP FOR ANTI-OPPRESSION WORKERS?
There are many benefits to working in a group! Humans are relational creatures, and working with others helps our brains process better. Anti-oppression workers often face feeling isolated or not understood, can experience shame or burnout, struggle with financial stability (turns out the revolution will not be funded), and is exposed to direct or vicarious trauma and ongoing traumatic stress. 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.
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.
THIS GROUP STARTS THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Thursdays 6-7:15pm EST / 3-4:15pm PST
9 SESSIONS + VIRTUAL
SLIDING SCALE
FAQs
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This group is for you if you…
- identify as working with or belonging to an oppressed group or groups.
- are able to log onto a telehealth session from a secure and private location.
- are able to sign on for group on-time
- can commit to attending at least 80% of sessions
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In The Trenches starts on Sunday, February 22nd at 1pm ET/10am PT and runs for 10 WEEKLY sessions. Those dates are:
Feb 22
Mar 1
Mar 8
Mar 15
Mar 22
Mar 29
Apr 5 (note Easter Sunday)
Apr 12
Apr 19
SKIPPED WEEK - NO GROUP
May 3
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Good Practice Therapy can accept some insurances, so please REACH OUT to learn more!
If we are unable to bill your insurance then we offer a sliding scale. Suggested amount is $25-$125 per session, but we will work within your budget as needed.
(we don’t want anyone not accessing services because of a lack of funds!)
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The group facilitator will conduct a complete intake and assess your readiness for EMDR therapy.
If for any reason you might not be ready or able to participate, she will make a plan with you so you can participate in the next round.
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While we can’t totally say, it’s totally normal to feel a little nervous, but we think groupwork can benefit everyone!
In your individual intake session before the group starts the facilitator will walk you through the ins and outs of group and what you can expect.