Transform Your Healing Journey with EMDR Intensives

We understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and sometimes traditional therapy sessions may not be enough to address the complexities of your experiences. That’s why we offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Intensives—tailored therapeutic sessions designed to facilitate profound healing in a compressed time frame.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and heal from trauma, anxiety, and a variety of emotional distress. By using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements), EMDR aids in reprocessing distressing memories, allowing you to experience relief and a renewed sense of peace. Our EMDR Intensives provide an immersive experience that can lead to significant breakthroughs in a shorter time period.

What is an EMDR Intensive?

An EMDR intensive treatment is a condensed version of EMDR weekly therapy.  Often with EMDR, clients meet weekly for hour-long sessions with their therapists over a period of months.  In an intensive format, clients meet with their therapist for multiple hours in a row during a brief period of time.  For example, instead of meeting for 12 hours over the course of 12 weeks, a client may engage in an EMDR intensive for 6 hours for two days in a row.  There are multiple benefits to choosing this format over weekly therapy but overall, it helps people find relief faster. 

Why Choose EMDR Intensives?

• Focused Healing: Our intensives allow for concentrated work on your specific challenges, enabling you to dive deeper into your healing process. Because EMDR intensives take places over days instead of weeks, there is less need to use therapy time to address weekly challenges and barriers that interfere with being able to stay focused on therapy goals. 
• Flexible Scheduling: We offer various intensive formats to accommodate your needs, whether it’s a full day or a series of shorter sessions. For many, it may be difficult to find the time every week to attend therapy. Intensives are a good fit for those who can more easily find a few days to commit to treatment, rather than a weekly routine over a long period of time.
• Experienced Guidance: With specialized experience in trauma-informed therapy, Dr. Ertl and Dr. Taylor are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for your healing journey.

What to Expect

During your EMDR Intensive, you can expect a warm, compassionate space where you can explore your feelings and experiences. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, and we will work closely together to set goals and create a personalized plan for your healing.

Research Supporting EMDR Intensives

Auren, T. J. B., Klæth, J. R., Jensen, A. G., & Solem, S. (2022). Intensive outpatient treatment for PTSD: an open trial combining prolonged exposure therapy, EMDR, and physical activity. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2022.2128048

• ‌Improving PTSD symptoms. This study demonstrated that the intensive therapy format significantly improved PTSD symptoms, with 55-62% of participants achieving clinically significant changes at post-treatment and three-month follow-up. The intensive format effectively addressed severe PTSD symptoms, with 52-62% of patients losing their PTSD diagnosis at follow-up.
• Reduce depression and anxiety. Patients also reported reductions in depression and anxiety, alongside improved well-being and interpersonal functioning. The effect sizes were notably large, comparable to previous inpatient programs and other intensives treatments.
• High satisfaction. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the treatment, with no dropouts and excellent attendance rates.
• Viable alternative to traditional treatments. Overall, the findings support the feasibility and effectiveness of intensive trauma-focused therapy in outpatient settings, highlighting its potential as a viable alternative to traditional spaced treatments for patients with complex PTSD. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553174/)

Bongaerts, H., Van Minnen, A., & de Jongh, A. (2017). Intensive EMDR to Treat Patients With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(2), 84–95. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.2.84

• Safe and feasible for severe and complex PTSD. This study investigated the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of intensive application of EMDR therapy in patients with severe PTSD, without prior stabilization. The findings indicated that this intensive approach is safe, as no adverse events were reported, and there were no dropouts during treatment.
• Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Additionally, patients experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, with improvements maintained at follow-up. Overall, the study supports the notion that intensive application EMDR can be an effective treatment option for individuals with severe PTSD, particularly in complex cases. (https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr/11/2/84)

Van Woudenberg, C., Voorendonk, E. M., Bongaerts, H., Zoet, H. A., Verhagen, M., Lee, C. W., van Minnen, A., & De Jongh, A. (2018). Effectiveness of an intensive treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for severe post-traumatic stress disorder. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2018.1487225

• Effective with PTSD and comorbidies. This study explored the effectiveness of an intensive treatment program of EMDR therapy for patients suffering from several PTSD and multiple comorbidities. Results show a high response rate: over 80% of patients experienced a clinically meaningful response to treatment, and more than 50% no longer met the criteria for PTSD following the intensive program.
• Very low dropout rate. A major benefit of the intensive format is patient retention: the dropout rate was less than 3%, significantly lower than the average 22.2% seen in traditional weekly treatments. Overall, the intensive format is safe and effective and shown to significantly decreased the severity of PTSD symptoms. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6041781/)

Preparing for Your Intensive

To maximize the benefits of your Intensive, consider the following preparation tips:

• Set Clear Goals: Reflect on what you hope to achieve during the intensive. Having specific goals can help guide the sessions and focus your efforts.
• Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure that you have a safe and comfortable space for your sessions. This can help you feel more at ease and open during the process.
• Practice Self-Care: Engage in self-care activities leading up to your intensive. This might include mindfulness practices, journaling, or spending time in nature to help ground yourself.
• Be Open and Honest: Approach the sessions with an open mind and a willingness to explore your feelings and experiences. Honesty with yourself and your therapist will enhance the effectiveness of the therapy.

Who is a Good Fit for an Intensive?

Intensives are ideal for individuals who are ready to engage deeply in their healing process. Those with prior therapy experience, specific trauma-related goals, and a strong motivation for change often find this format particularly beneficial. Additionally, individuals who can dedicate time to an intensive format will likely experience the most significant outcomes.

What to Expect in Terms of Outcomes and Results

Participants in Intensives can expect enhanced emotional clarity, reduced distress, new coping strategies, and a sense of empowerment. Many leave the intensive feeling hopeful and equipped to navigate their emotional landscape more effectively. Follow-up support is encouraged to help integrate the experiences and maintain progress.

Your Healing Journey Awaits

If you feel ready to embark on this transformative journey, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how an Intensives can support your unique path to healing and growth.

Join us on Friday, July 22, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for this CEU virtual event featuring presentations from three of our psychologists! Free to attend or $20.00 for 2.0 CEUs pending approval by UPA, NASW-UT, UAMFT, and UMHCA. Everyone who registers will be emailed the recording, presentation slides, and CE Quiz within one week following the event.

This lecture will review the criteria and traditional conceptualizations of post-trauma reactions from the DSM-5 and discuss emerging research of less traditional conceptualizations of trauma.

Specifically, the presenters will explore post-trauma reactions in the context of relationships (e.g. related to betrayals and affairs); presenters will highlight the proposed criteria for complex trauma and discuss trauma-informed interventions that address its unique sequalae of symptoms; and presenters will discuss considerations of trauma-informed care for children and adolescents.

Learning Statement:

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees should have a better understanding nontraditional forms of trauma including affairs and relationship distress; a better understanding of PTSD and C-PTSD/complex trauma disorder; and a better understanding of trauma-informed care for children and adolescents.

Learning Objectives: 

• Review literature of trauma, PTSD, and the overlap between related conceptualizations
• Gain a better understanding of complex trauma disorders
• Identify considerations of trauma-informed care for children and adolescents

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi-org.ezproxy.frederick.edu/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Brown, E. J., & Campbell, C. L. (2009). Children’s refractory posttraumatic stress disorder: An ecological, evidence-based perspective. In D. McKay & E. Storch (Eds.), Cognitive behavior therapy for refractory cases in children and adolescents (pp. 201-229). New York, NY: Springer.

Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A., P., & Deblinger, E. (2012). Trauma-Focused CBT for children and adolescents: Treatment applications. The Guilford Press: New York, NY.

Cook, A., Spinazzola, J., Ford, J., Lanktree, C., Blaustein, M., Cloitre, M., ... & Van Der Kolk, B. (2005). Complex trauma in children and adolescents. Psychiatric annals, 35(5), 390Kliethermes, M., Schacht, M., & Drewry, K. (2014). Complex trauma. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 23(2), 339-361

Luyten, P., Campbell, C., & Fonagy, P. (2020). Borderline personality disorder, complex trauma, and problems with self and identity: A social‐communicative approach. Journal of Personality, 88(1), 88-105.

Nikulina, V., Hergenrother, J. M, Brown, E. J., Doyle, M. E., Filton, B. J., & Carson, G. S. (2008). From efficacy to effectiveness: The trajectory of the treatment literature for children with PTSD. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 8, 1233-1246.

About the presenters:

Stephanie Taylor, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of trauma and its collateral effects. In addition to providing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dr. Taylor recognizes the significant overlap between mind and body and often includes somatic therapies in session. A background in trauma has informed Dr. Taylor’s work with couples as well. She brings a trauma-informed perspective into session and offers couples therapy based in the Gottman Method. In addition, Dr. Taylor has a background in humanistic and existential therapy which has proven particularly helpful in the exploration of spirituality, meaning, identity, and sexual wellness.

Jordan Kugler, Ph.D, is a licensed clinical psychologist at UCEBT who specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (PTSD) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Jordan completed an APA accredited internship at the Salt Lake City VA healthcare system. Jordan has experience in several settings, including VA outpatient clinics, community mental health settings, student counseling centers and trauma-informed outpatient clinics. He has research and clinical interests in suicidal behavior and post-trauma reactions. Jordan’s therapeutic style is upbeat, collaborative and emphasizes identifying, developing and actualizing his client’s values.

Sloan Strike, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist at UCEBT who specializes in evidenced-based therapies with adolescents, young adults, and their families. Over her 12 years in New York City, Sloan specialized in providing family therapy and parenting support. She values working with youth and their families to create opportunities for improved communication and healthier relationships. She is also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and has extensive training working with adolescents and young adults who have experienced trauma and suffer from anxiety and depression. Additionally, Dr. Strike is certified in The Gottman Method for couples therapy.

Program Notices:

Conflicts of Interest: None noted.

Commercial Support: None.

Originally presented: Friday, April 10, 2020

1.0 CE hour (UPA & NASW-UT)

To receive presentation recording, slides, and evaluation form for CE credit, register here: https://form.jotform.com/200574631299156

About: Trauma Processing Treatments have advanced significantly in recent years, and this type of psychological care carries a unique set of ethical issues. This talk will provide an overview of current topics, ethical pitfalls, and resources for navigating the often complicated terrain of helping trauma survivors heal. Given the brevity of the talk, it will not provide an in-depth analysis, but rather increase awareness and provide useful follow-up resources. It is intended that the application of content will help providers avoid entering into ethically problematic situations as well as increase consultation seeking. There are no known risks to attendees beyond mild psychological distress related to exposure to trauma case examples. It is expected that this exposure is consistent with existing types of occupational stress

About the presenter:  Ashley Greenwell, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, has worked in the field of trauma for 15 years and is the Clinical Director of UCEBT. She also previously served as a core Ethics Team member, consulting for Veterans Affairs on issues of Bioethics.

Dissociation from Trauma - Presentation by Ashley Greenwell at Generations 2019

Slides 

Resources:

Developmental Trauma Questionnaire

Introduction to Suds