I am excited to now be offering EMDR Intensives – in person and online – for adults who may be appropriate for this type of very short-term, structured and focused therapy. 

As this approach is very brief and intensive, it works best for people who do not need, or already have, the support of a separate ongoing therapist. 

This approach may be great if you are wanting to heal and grow after a specific adult-onset trauma, large or small.  Those with substantial additional childhood trauma will usually require the support of a long-term therapist before engaging in this kind of work.  

This is an opportunity to receive very short term, focused, accelerated EMDR directly from a highly qualified, accredited EMDR Consultant Clinical Psychologist Consultant with expert training in, focus on and passion for EMDR Therapy.     

Why EMDR?

If you have been through an experience which has left a lasting negative effect on you, EMDR is a great treatment option to consider. 

EMDR is not just for healing from trauma.  It is also used for performance enhancement, making difficult decisions, coping with hard changes or a shock, improving self-belief, resolving internal conflicts or complicated grief or avoidance problems, and more.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.  It is an evidence-based therapy that is particularly helpful for treating psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. 

EMDR is a thoroughly researched therapy with a solid evidence based in the treatment of trauma and depression.

The research includes:

• Twenty-four randomized controlled trials support the positive effects of EMDR therapy in the treatment of emotional trauma and other adverse life experiences relevant to clinical practice.
• Seven of 10 studies reported EMDR therapy to be more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Twelve randomized studies of the eye movement component noted rapid decreases in negative emotions and/or vividness of disturbing images, with an additional 8 reporting a variety of other memory effects.

For more information, please follow this link regarding EMDR research

For more information about EMDR and its benefits, here are some helpful links.

• What is EMDR? Learn the basics
• What is an actual EMDR session like? Learn the 8 phases of treatment
• Introductory video about EMDR
• EMDR experts explain the benefits of EMDR
• EMDR patients share their stories
• An EMDR therapist shares her EMDR experience
• Frequently asked questions about EMDR

What is an EMDR Intensive?

In an EMDR Intensive with me you receive a minimum of six hours one-on-one focused EMDR Therapy with me within one week.

EMDR intensives are more time efficient than standard therapy.  Time is not needed for a) checking in at the beginning of each session, b) addressing new crises and concerns, c) closure processes at the end of each hour.  Learn more here.

An EMDR Intensive may be beneficial if you

• feel ready to intensively address a specific treatment goal
• feel highly motivated to do this work
• do not require, or already have, other regular therapy sessions (e.g. weekly/fortnightly/ monthly therapy)
• feel able to notice, tolerate and describe whatever emotions, sensations and thoughts arise in deep reprocessing therapy
• do not need rebated sessions (the EMDR Intensives do not receive rebates)

This model is not best for you if you

• are looking for supportive counselling/’talk-therapy’ (rather than structured change therapy)
• need an ongoing therapy relationship and do not have one yet
• have difficulties that need stabilizing first, such as a suicidality, self-harm, substance abuse, significant dissociative difficulties, or current life crises
• are not ready for change

Intensive trauma-focused therapy can be well tolerated in patients with PTSD, enabling faster symptom reduction with similar, or even better, results than standard trauma therapy. Learn more here, here. and  here.

EMDR Intensives – In Person or Online

In Person

The in-person EMDR Intensives are based in Warragul, in the Warragul Wellbeing Centre, within the beautiful Baw Baw Shire in West Gippsland, Victoria.  In Warragul you are only ever a short drive from gorgeous scenic countryside.  There are many idyllic country places to stay.  For more information about visiting the Baw Baw Shire click here.

Online EMDR Intensives

EMDR Intensives are an important option for anyone who wants or needs accelerated change, healing, personal development, or enhanced performance in a specific area.  Online EMDR Intensives allow this option to be available Australia-wide from the comfort of your own space, without travel and accommodation financial and time costs.  Online EMDR Intensives are more accessible for many people. 

What do I need for an Online EMDR Intensive?

To join in an Online EMDR Intensives you require:

• a comfortable private space where you will be uninterrupted for the sessions
•  a computer with built-in or attached camera, microphone, and full-sized screen (this allows EMDR to be used)
• headphones (this is so that bilateral tones to be used)
• reliable internet connection and phone reception (sessions cannot be refunded if connectivity difficulties are experienced)
• ability to set up a split-screen (so you can simultaneously see the therapist and the EMDR software page at the same time)
• a local emergency support person who could be called for in-person support if necessary

It helps if you have:

• an ongoing therapist to continue working with if you have longer-term difficulties
• a regular GP who can monitor your mental health needs

You don’t need:

• a referral from a GP (rebates are not available for the EMDR Intensive)

EMDR Intensive Packages

First, we have a 15-minute discovery call.  In this call we decide if EMDR Intensives are likely to be a good fit for you. 

Standard package (8-hour program)

7 contact hours + assessments + personalised treatment workbook

$1950 (inc. GST)

• Pre- and post-assessment questionnaires
• Personalised treatment workbook, which allows you to work on your treatment goals before and after EMDR intensive sessions
• Half hour assessment session (online or phone)
• Six hours EMDR Therapy within one week (usually 3 x 2 hours) – in person or online
• Half-hour follow-up session (online or phone) to assess and support your adaption to positive changes from treatment

Extended package (12-hour program)

11 contact hours + assessments + personalised treatment workbook

$2925 (inc. GST)

• Pre- and post-assessment questionnaires
• Personalised treatment workbook, which allows you to work on your treatment goals before and after the EMDR intensive
• Half hour assessment session (online or phone)
• Ten hours EMDR Therapy within two weeks (5 x 2 hours)
• Half hour follow-up session (online or phone) to assess and support your adaption to positive changes from treatment