Bainbridge Institute for Integrative Psychology
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Early Trauma - Scheduling, Mechanics, Logistics, Cost
The ideal way to conduct the early trauma protocol is in extended (also called intensive because they are prolonged) face-to-face sessions. Because the work is subtle, deep, and more felt than thinking, long sessions allow the work to unfold viscerally and deeply. It can be done in conventional 45-50 or 90 minute sessions, but that is not ideal.
Because many people opt for the in-depth intensive format, Sandra has set aside many Thursdays and Fridays to do intensives. There is usually a waiting list for intensives.
it is not easy to predict whether a client will need one, two or more days of intensive work to clear the entirety of early disturbances, and replace it with a felt sense of well-being. This goal is typically possible, but hard to schedule and predict. Most people require 2-3 days or more to clear the first few years. The time required is variable based upon how many traumatic experiences there were, how much neglect there was, and how maldaptive the learning outcomes were from those experience.s
If you wish to be considered for scheduling, please let Sandra know. As of this writing, the next available slot is several months away. However, do inquire, as rescheduling does occur.
For more information about scheduling, please go to Frequently Asked Questions
Mechanics
The experience of the infant is almost entirely a felt-sense; there is not much cognitive happening at the beginning. Therefore, when the therapy accesses those early felt-senses, it can be without as much access as usually is available to adult resources, which are much more informed and cognitive. This felt-sense is perfect for the task, which is to attend to the early experience so it can be cleared and reprocessed. However, the usual EMDR format of eye movements conducted with equipment may be too scary, too technical and too alienating for some.
Ideally, the procedure is conducted with tapping on the client's ankles, while the client is reclined in a comfortable reclining chair. Sandra has carpal tunnel problems in her wrists, so must typically use a combination of tapping and gentle vibrating buzzers while she sits nearby attending to the client's experience. Because we'll be working over long hours, people often want to talk off their shoes, and that also makes it easier to tap on the ankles. This is mentioned here because sometimes people wish they'd worn different socks!
The day is typically structured with breaks as needed. Michelle the tiny poodle typically assists. However, her job is much easier than with standard EMDR, because the client needs little grounding. The protocol is designed to come in from the beginning, "under the floor-boards," so it is typically quite gentle and tolerable. People learn a lot about their own story in this lovely procedure. Michelle will usually nap at your side if you want her to, although she'll try to take her half of the chair out of the middle.
Bainbridge Island is a beautiful vacation destination, with its beaches, forests, and charming village. It has a Best Western Hotel, a Country Inn, and numerous bed and breakfasts. Nearby Suquamish holds the gravesite for Chief Sealth (Seattle), the former leader of the Salish people. Nearby Poulsbo is a charming Norwegian town, and don't miss Sluys, the Norwegian bakery! Further but not far (about an hour away) is Port Townsend, a Victorian whaling village. There are numerous parks and beaches to visit both on Bainbridge Island and nearby on the Kitsap Pensinsula. Further still is the beautiful Olympic mountain range and the Olympic Peninsula. There is much to see and enjoy in the nearby area.
For many, we will use Thursday and Friday for your intensive. for more information, please go to Frequently Asked Questions
For information about lodging, please go to: http://www.bainbridgelodging.com/map.php
Sandra is moving offices about July 1, 2010. Before that move, the Best Western or Country Inn is closest to the downtown office. After the move, the Bainbridge Lodging website link will take you to a map that will show some of the many options for lodging. There are four B&Bs or cottages shown near the new office location on that map. The green pushpin near Fletcher Bay is right across the road from Sandra's new office location. Bear in mind that after hours, clients should never come to Sandra's premises for any reason without explicit prior agreement.
The costs of intensives are considerable, so many will need to save for some time to afford this important investment. The rate is $150 for a 45 minute session. A typical "intensive" day may include 6 - 8 sessions, distributed according to needed breaks. For more details about costs, payment strategies, and cancellation policy, please go to Frequently Asked Questions.
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Copyright 2009 Bainbridge Institute for Integrative Psychology: Specializing in EMDR.
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Clearing and Repairing Very Early Trauma & Neglect
