FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

TELL ME MORE ABOUT EMDR.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective and evidence-based treatment modality. It can be deeply supportive for people experiencing pain, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), and other trauma-related symptoms. It can also help heal complicated grief, anxiety, as well as everyday struggles, distressing emotions, negative beliefs, challenges in relationships, or difficult life experiences. It was first developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro. (Source: emdria.org) To learn more about EMDR, click here.

ISN’T EMDR JUST FOR TRAUMA AND PTSD?

Nope! EMDR is a highly effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but it is also excellent for working through many other struggles in life. EMDR can help with all kinds of pain, difficult memories, negative self-talk, and unpleasant emotions. It is effective for:

relationship stressors
breakups and divorces
anxiety and depression
attachment wounding
low self-esteem
accidents
deaths
work/creative/athletic performance
business struggles and professional relationships

WHY INTENSIVES?

Over the years, I have found that EMDR in intensive format is simply more effective in treating trauma and other issues than standard talk therapy or EMDR used sporadically. In a typical two-hour session, we have time to check in, go deep into the work, and get you regulated and put back together again before session ends. While EMDR intensives are a higher investment of time and money up front, they often end up being more cost-effective in the long run. Most clients spend less time in EMDR intensive therapy than they would in ordinary 50 minute weekly talk therapy sessions.

I LOVE MY REGULAR THERAPIST. CAN I DO EMDR AS AN ADJUNCT

THERAPY?

Yes! I often work with talk therapists whose clients have reached a stuck place and need something different to heal. I will collaborate with your therapist on your care, and often therapy progresses much more quickly after a course of EMDR therapy.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

I do not accept insurance for EMDR intensives, however, many insurance companies reimburse their members for services performed by out of network providers. Payment is due at the time of service, but I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company prior to beginning therapy to inquire about your out of network coverage. I am currently working with Path Mental Health to provide a small number of sliding scale/insurance-friendly spots available for 60 minute integrative psychotherapy sessions. These are often full, but I have a waitlist. Please request a consultation for details.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION?

After you’ve consulted with me and scheduled, I will send you instructions for preparation. You’ll need privacy, a strong internet connection, and a place to sit where you can relax comfortably for a couple hours. Click here for the full list of what you’ll need.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A RECENT TRAUMA/PAINFUL EVENT?

Generally this would be something that has occurred within the last three months. It could be anything from a breakup or divorce to a car accident, to the death of a loved one (including pets!) EMDR for recent traumatic/painful events can help prevent and resolve PTSD symptoms and get you through shock. This is a highly effective way of utilizing EMDR, and I strongly recommend it. The sooner the better.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO BE IN THERAPY?

This is a common question that, unfortunately, does not have a simple answer. In order to make your budgeting easier, I offer two package options: a 9 week package for ordinary concerns, or a recent painful event package for acute issues. After your package is up, you may schedule a la carte sessions as needed/recommended.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED URGENT HELP BETWEEN SESSIONS?

I am a small private practice and am unable to provide crisis management outside of sessions. Please contact 911 or your local psychiatric emergency hotline for emergencies.

I believe strongly in a healthy work/life balance, and therefore am not available outside of my business hours, which are Monday through Thursday from 9am - 6pm. If you feel your needs are greater than the time we have available to work together, I am happy to offer referrals to other resources in the area to meet your needs.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

I have a firm 72 hour cancellation policy.

HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?

Schedule a complimentary 20 minute consultation to see if EMDR therapy with me is a good fit.

LET'S DO THIS!