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Trauma & EMDR

At Lavender Psychotherapy, we understand the deep impact that trauma can have on one's life. Traumatic experiences can manifest in various forms, such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, relationship troubles, trouble with memory and/or focus, and a sense of overwhelming distress. We are here to provide you with a safe and supportive environment to help you heal from trauma and regain control over your life. All of our therapists are trauma informed and work with clients struggling with trauma of all sorts.

What is Trauma?

Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, from accidents, abuse, loss, neglect, bullying, and much more. It's not limited to a specific type of event but rather the individual's emotional response to it. Trauma can be include one significant event or a multitude of complex traumatic experiences.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to ease the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR has been widely recognized as an effective method for addressing various forms of trauma, including PTSD and CPTSD. This therapeutic technique is designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and integrate them into their past experiences, ultimately reducing their emotional charge. This is done through bilateral stimulation that allows unprocessed memories that cause distress to be processed within the brain.

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How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy involves a structured, eight-phase approach that allows individuals to reprocess distressing memories. This process includes:

History Taking:

Your therapist will work with you to understand your trauma history and any related symptoms.

Preparation:

You'll learn stress-reduction techniques and establish trust with your therapist.

Assessment:

Together, you and your therapist will identify target memories and specific negative beliefs associated with them.

Desensitization:

This phase involves bilateral stimulation (this can include eye movement, tapping, and/or sound) to help you process the traumatic memory.

Installation:

To eliminate negative thoughts, positive beliefs are strengthened.

Body Scan:

Your therapist will assist you in addressing any residual physical tension.

Closure:

Sessions are completed by reviewing progress and developing coping strategies.

Re-evaluation:

Your progress will be assessed to ensure the treatment has been successful.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Rapid Relief

EMDR is often recognized for its ability to provide relatively quick relief from distressing symptoms.

Reduced Avoidance

Many clients find that they can face reminders of their trauma without overwhelming fear.

Lasting Results

EMDR aims to create long-lasting changes by addressing the root of the trauma.

Empowerment

EMDR therapy empowers individuals to take control of their emotional well-being.

Why Choose Lavender Psychotherapy?

At Lavender Psychotherapy, we have a team of experienced and compassionate therapists who specialize in trauma. Some of our team members provide EMDR therapy, while others utilize other forms of therapy to support your healing. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your traumatic experiences and embark on a journey towards healing and recovery.

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Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us guide you on the path to healing and reclaiming your life. On every step of the journey, we are here to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I consider starting therapy?
    Therapy can be beneficial for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties, mental health challenges, or seeking personal growth. It's a good idea to consider therapy if you're feeling overwhelmed, experiencing persistent negative emotions, or facing challenging life circumstances. This is a space just for you!
  • How long is a session?
    A clinical hour is 50 minutes long. Some of our practitioners provide longer sessions (80 minutes) at an adjusted rate.
  • How much does therapy cost/How does insurance work/Tax return questions
    Please visit the services page to see what costs are as they depend on the practitioner, their training, and their experience. Please consult with your insurance provider to understand what types of licenses are covered. For example, are you covered for a registered social worker or a registered psychotherapist, or maybe both? If you are only covered for a "Psychologist" you will not be covered for our services. It is the responsibility of the client to check with their insurance plan to ensure coverage. Each plan is different, regardless of the insurance company. We do not provide direct billing, however, we provide a receipt after payment of session that you can submit for reimbursement. Be sure to keep your receipts for tax-return purposes (please see Government of Canada website for more information). We do not provide direct billing. Your receipt is emailed to you after payment.
  • What can I expect in my first session?
    In your initial session, the therapist will likely ask you questions about your background, current concerns, and reasons for seeking therapy. They may also discuss therapy goals and explain the therapeutic process. It's an opportunity to establish rapport and determine if you feel comfortable working with the therapist.
  • Is therapy confidential?
    Psychotherapists registered with the CRPO and OCSWSSW are bound to professional ethics legal obligations to maintain client confidentiality. However, there are exceptions when the therapist is legally obligated to break confidentiality. These include imminent harm to self or others, a vulnerable individual being in danger, and being subpoenaed. A confidentiality form will be sent to you and your therapist will go over confidentiality in the initial session.
  • How can I prepare for my initial session?
    Be sure to fill out and sign the intake form which gives you the space to discuss what has brought you in and goes over confidentiality. Be sure to add a credit card on file for easy payment processing.
  • How often should I attend therapy sessions?
    The frequency of therapy sessions can vary depending on individual needs. Initially, weekly sessions are common, but as therapy progresses, sessions may become less frequent. Your therapist will work with you to determine the appropriate session frequency based on your progress, goals, comfort, and schedule.
  • When should I consider starting therapy?
    Therapy can be beneficial for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties, mental health challenges, or seeking personal growth. It's a good idea to consider therapy if you're feeling overwhelmed, experiencing persistent negative emotions, have experienced trauma, are facing challenging life circumstances, or you want a safe space to reflect and process. Therapy is open and welcome for everyone!
  • Should I book a first session or a consultation?
    Booking a phone consult is entirely free and allows both the therapist and the client to notice if this is the right fit. If the fit is not there, the therapist can send you referrals to clinicians that may be better suited for you. Starting with a consultation can be a great way to start your therapeutic process. It is not mandatory to book a consultation, you are welcome to skip that step and start your therapeutic journey.
  • Why would a therapist not be suited for me?
    This can be based on personality or qualifications. For example, you may not feel comfortable with your therapist due to their personality. Another example is that the area or modality of therapy you require does not fit into the experience or practice of the therapist. Finding the right fit can take time and that is okay!
  • What is EMDR?
    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. It involves a structured eight-phase therapy process where a trained therapist helps the client reprocess distressing memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or other forms of rhythmic sensory input. EMDR aims to alleviate the emotional distress and negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories, allowing individuals to move towards healing and resolution. This evidence-based therapy is often used to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related issues and symptoms.
  • What is a "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)"
    In Ontario, the term "Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)" refers to a specific category of professionals who are in the process of becoming fully registered psychotherapists. This category was created to ensure the regulation and oversight of psychotherapists while they accumulate the required supervised clinical experience and complete an entry to practice exam. Therefore, RP(Qualifying) registrants receive on-going supervision while being licensed professionals. When choosing a therapist it is crucial to check their credentials and ensure they are registered with a regulatory body (e.g., social work, psychologist, registered psychotherapist).
  • What are your cancelation/late/no-show policies?
    Our cancellation and no-show policies are tailored to each therapist and will be outlined in your consent form. To avoid any fees, please notify us via email at admin@lavenderpsychotherapy.com or cancel your appointment through your client profile on Jane at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled session. Please be aware that your session will be held for 15 minutes, and failure to attend will be considered a no-show, subject to applicable fees. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, so if you're unable to attend, you're experiencing technical difficulties, or you're experiencing unexpected delays, please email us promptly. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to ensuring minimal impact on our clinicians' schedules.
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