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Speed of results.

While our Standard EMDR is still effective, we typically offer 1-2 hours once or twice per week for approximately 3-5 months.

For those who wish to further accelerate their results, we offer our 2 Weeks 2 Freedom Program, and our Total Immersion EMDR Retreat for Individuals (available as virtual as well as in-person), and our Total Immersion EMDR Couples Retreat (available virtually as well as in-person). 

Our 2 Weeks 2 Freedom Program is conducted as 3-hour sessions 4 days per week x 2 (with a break for the weekend, for a total of 24 hours over the course of 8 days of treatment).

Our Total Immersion EMDR Retreat occurs over the course of 4 consecutive full days of 6 hours of EMDR treatment, with 6 hours of Integration Sessions included. 

Our Total Immersion EMDR Couples Retreat is a 9-day experience with both partners undergoing life-changing (and most likely relationship-changing) results.

Not everyone will be a fit for an EMDR Intensive or a retreat. Your safety is most important to us. In order to determine whether you might be a potential fit for our EMDR Intensives or Retreats, we require a specific conversation to discuss your options over a free consultation.

Don’t worry, most think this at first. 

Many of our clients had first undergone several years (and even decades) of talk therapy with little or no lasting results (some even feel worse due to feeling hopeless about their situation).

Consequently, we understand it can be hard to believe that you can get your dream results (or better) in two weeks or less.

While we appreciate every counselling discipline has its benefits, and the time isn’t “wasted,” the methods most are being exposed to are simply outdated or ineffective.

We’ve all been fed the illusion that therapy takes time, it’s hard, and that it requires a lot of work. 

However, our 50+ clients who have undergone an EMDR Intensive or EMDR Retreat, can attest to near-immediate results they experienced after undergoing one of our EMDR Intensive or EMDR Retreat programs. 

It’s very important to consider what we call “The Compound Effect.” Regular EMDR sessions are great (still faster than other treatments), however, that can still take several months, and in some cases years. When conducting an EMDR Intensive or EMDR Retreat, the individual spends longer periods of time in processing, without having to end the session and open it at a later date. 

This approach is for those who would prefer to just get it all over and done with as fast as possible. 

Don’t just take our word for it, the reviews and recommendations viewable in the public domain attest to our many satisfied clients.

We understand that most would like to know how many hours or how much time their treatment will require, as most clients ask in order to arrange budget, scheduling, childcare, etc.

While it’s impossible to give an exact answer, most of our clients require anywhere between 20 to 30 hours (of course some need more, some need less). 

Because speed is one of our clients’ main concerns, and one of our core values, we offer accelerate results via our EMDR Intensives and EMDR Retreats. 

While this obviously increases costs, it’s not for everyone – and not everyone is a fit right away.

However, for those who require near-immediate results, we recommend speaking with your therapist about trying Total Immersion EMDR. We have had tremendous success with over 50 cases where life-changing results were obtained in two weeks or less.

In most cases, a single EMDR Intensive program was sufficient to produce clinically significant results for the patient. However, should more time be needed, patients are permitted to purchase additional session time ala cart (either 1-2 hours, 3 hours, or 6 hours). 

This would indicate tremendous success. In fact, our EMDR experts are working hard for this goal. If we can get you incredible results in less time, then why would we prolong your suffering? 

We want you to get to the other side of your issue(s) as fast as possible.

This would be a rare occurrence, but this concern is fairly common. Firstly, you’ve never done this before (even if you’ve tried EMDR before, you’ve never done it like we do it). 

We do our best to ensure your safety at all times, and if that means stopping or delaying the completion of your EMDR intensive treatment program, we will do so. 

We will address this on a case-by-case basis to determine what the best course of action will be that is mutually respectful. 

EMDR sessions will look quite different from other therapies almost immediately.

Phase 1 (History-Taking and Treatment Planning) will look somewhat similar in that there will be talking in order to build the therapeutic relationship and allow for the therapist to get the necessary information to be successful. 

But that is where the similarities end. Because EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation to facilitate the growth of new neurological pathways and connections, the client will follow the therapist in either following a ball moving across the screen (virtual sessions), or the therapist’s hand moving back and forth, or be instructed to follow the therapist in bilateral taps (not to be confused with taps arising from EFT [Emotional Freedom Technique] tapping). Sometimes during in-person sessions, the client may hold theratappers which vibrate (about the strength of a cell phone’s vibration).  Compared to traditional therapy, EMDR looks weird…but it works!

Click to view EMDR demo sessions with EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Consultant Robert Grigore MCP, RCC.

Like EMDR strapped on a rocket ship.

Essentially, what occurs is an accelerated version of an already accelerated process of healing.

In general terms, you can expect four main phases:

1. Foundations
2. Processing
3. Integration
4. Continued Growth

All of our EMDR Intensive Programs and Retreats are conducted in either 3-hour or 6-hour session blocks. Breaks are taken as needed, including a lunch hour taken in the middle of any 6-hour session. 

Our Total Immersion EMDR Retreats (both individual and couples) can be conducted in a number of convenient locations throughout British Columbia, such as: Victoria, the Greater Vancouver Area (i.e. Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge), and Kelowna; as well as internationally (see updated location in pricing list). 

Our brain absorbs millions of pieces of stimuli every second, and according to the Adaptive Information Processing theory (what EMDR is based upon), it uses that information to constantly adapt and grow. When the brain determines information is no longer relevant, it is updated and stored differently.

Trauma and highly distressing negative experiences are locked in the brain and nervous system as “critically important,” and everything that made those moments up become triggers to “help” the organism increase its chances of survival (which is why being triggered can feel like your brain has become hijacked and responses to “otherwise mundane” situations can seem so extreme at times).

During EMDR therapy, the process of bilateral stimulation taxes, then relaxes the brain’s attention to the critical importance of the stimuli associated with the events, and allows the nervous system to calm down. When the nervous system’s response is relaxed, the brain naturally comes to the realization that the information it was responding to so strongly is now outdated information from the past, and it can now update those events with current knowledge. It then stores the updated information as “factual events” (no longer critically important because the nervous system isn’t reacting negatively to it in the present moment, therefore it is no longer relevant for survival). 

The process thereby involves activating the nervous system (recalling negative memories), then taxing the Working Memory, then reconsolidation. 

After successful treatment, most clients report a complete elimination of the issue(s) they entered treatment for help with (this is dependent upon therapeutic goals of course). For example:

• No longer experiencing anxiety or panic during situations that would have otherwise triggered the individual had they not undergone EMDR treatment
• No longer feeling the urge to compulsively engage in unwanted behaviours or self-sabotaging behaviours
• Feeling energized, motivated, and hopeful for the future when before they were experiencing symptoms of depression, burnout, or boredom
• A calm nervous system, peaceful thoughts, and personal control; re-ignited passion; mental clarity; feeling present and grounded; mastery over your mind; increased productivity; increased capacity for intimacy, and enhanced communication skills; and more.
• Having the right EMDR therapist can often be a differentiating factor. While EMDR is based upon a standard protocol, knowing how and when to deviate from that protocol in the best interest of the client, separates those who are simply “trained in EMDR,” from those with advanced knowledge and wisdom.

Robert Grigore MCP, RCC has spent years perfecting his Total Immersion EMDR process, and thus there is no other program like it.

Most clients experience such dramatic results by the end of the treatment program that they are amazed and can hardly believe it. 

Other changes are so natural and subtle that individuals only realize they’ve occurred after otherwise triggering situations are successfully handled, or close friends or family members point out the changes they are surprised to be observing (sometimes clients will text or email totally elated and want to share their breakthroughs…and we love it every time).

The important thing to remember is EMDR is as much a physical process as it is an emotional and psychological process (and for some a spiritual one as well). It is impossible to refute that when looking left the right hemisphere of the brain is activated, and vice versa (same with body taps). EMDR’s effectiveness is as real as gravity.

The results you can expect after one of our intensive EMDR programs or retreats is 

We strongly urge you do not attempt EMDR by yourself. While there are programs existing on the internet and YouTube videos that appear simple to use, conducting bilateral stimulation on yourself can be extremely risky and potentially dangerous. 

For this reason, the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) has issued warnings against these programs, and have decisively ruled that these programs are not EMDR. EMDR is only able to be conducted with a therapist present. 

We can only recommend that anyone interested in trying EMDR, seek the aid of an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist. 

Yes absolutely. While medication is not necessary for successful EMDR, we understand some individuals may enter treatment already taking prescribed medication. We believe medication taken for the correct reason has its advantages, and we want what’s best for our clients. With that said, it is important to understand that work conducted while on medication will influence results due to state-specific-learning. This means that new neurological connections are made which include those caused by the medication.

Often the positive effects of successful EMDR treatment propel individuals to discuss their options with their doctor for reducing or eliminating medication. Should this occur, some clients would need to return to re-evaluate previous work with their therapist to ensure results will be maintained. 

It is possible to notice with the absence of medication a very slight increase of distress associated with previous work, but often this can be corrected with minimal session time.

We strongly urge you do not attempt EMDR by yourself. While there are programs existing on the internet and YouTube videos that appear simple to use, conducting bilateral stimulation on yourself can be extremely risky and potentially dangerous. 

For this reason, the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) has issued warnings against these programs, and have decisively ruled that these programs are not EMDR. EMDR is only able to be conducted with a therapist present. 

We can only recommend that anyone interested in trying EMDR, seek the aid of an EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapist. 

Our 2 Weeks 2 Freedom program is entirely virtual, with our Total Immersion EMDR Retreat and Total Immersion EMDR Couples Retreat being offered as both virtual and in-person.

Virtual sessions and in-person sessions have comparable effectiveness ratings, with some key differences.

Many clients prefer virtual because it allows them to meet in the comfort of their home or office, where they feel more able to reach a new level of authenticity by not needing to get “dressed up for the world.” Furthermore, not needing to account for travel and accommodations, was greatly appreciated by most of our clients who have busy schedules. Furthermore, virtual sessions require the therapist to consciously attune deeply to their client, and having a therapist who is even more deeply attuned to their client, can only benefit treatment.

Of course, there are many reasons why someone might choose to undergo our Total Immersion EMDR Intensive Retreat in-person. Your therapist has the increased ability to provide in-person interventions that may require (appropriate) touch, or the ability to see how your entire body is responding to treatment. In-person Total Immersion EMDR Intensives and Retreats allow you and your therapist to physically share a space, which can have profound impacts on attachment and healing that are simply different than with virtual offerings. 

While our Total Immersion EMDR Couples Retreat is possible to be conducted virtually, it may be more beneficial for your therapist to watch your subtle (or not so subtle) interactions. 

Ultimately, whether you choose to undergo one of our virtual or in-person EMDR Intensive or Retreat programs is entirely up to you. We can make some suggestions as to what might work specifically for you during a free consultation. Either way, you will be astounded at the results you experience.

While the BCACC recommends the average cost of Registered Clinical Counselling to be between $120-$150 per hour, we know our specialized training in EMDR, and our clinical experience makes us worth every penny that’s well above the average.

And we’ve done the math.

Most talk therapies can last for 2-3 years. At a rate of $120 (low side) x 50 weeks (usually talk therapy is done weekly, but taking 2 weeks off for holidays, etc.) x 2.5 (average between 2 and 3 years) = $15,000.

When broken down, our daily rate for Total Immersion EMDR is $3000 (30 hours total broken down over the course of 4 days of intensive treatment and 6 hours of integration sessions). 

Most of our clients have already endured several years of talk therapy with minimal success (i.e. no lasting results). Their feedback indicates they would have rather spent $15,000 to undergo a much more intensive form of treatment with a growing track record of exceptional clinical success.

It is also important to breakdown the outdated concept of time = money (or at least flip it on its head). We believe that if we can heal someone’s suffering at twice the speed of a standard approach, it should be worth twice as much. Do that at 4 times the speed, it should be valued at 4 times as much. And so on. Since we can start and complete treatment in under two weeks, there really is no comparable fee structure.

Considering that the investment amount would likely be spent eventually over time anyway, the choice of whether to make the investment and get the results in 2-3 years or 2 weeks or less is usually a pretty obvious choice.

For most of our past intensive clients, if you were to ask them how much their mental clarity, confidence, and peaceful nervous system is worth, they’d tell you it was priceless.

Yes, through our partnership with Humm, we offer multiple financing options to assist clients with accessing the treatment they need while removing the financial barrier that might exist for some.

If you are interested in discovering if you qualify for financing, please speak with us during your free consultation.

It depends on the amount you are looking to finance. Humm has informed us that anything under $17,000 is a soft pull, and anything over this amount will be a hard pull on your credit (i.e. it will appear on your credit report). 

It is possible to pay off a financed program early, with no penalties.

Possibly. 

Insurance carriers and extended-benefits programs are more likely to cover our 2 Weeks 2 Freedom Program because the format more closely follows what they’re used to covering. 

However, some insurance carriers and extended benefit programs simply provide a reimbursement as a large sum payment.

It’s important to check with your insurance carrier to determine if they cover “Registered Clinical Counselling,” “Clinical Counselling,” “Counselling,” “Mental Health Counselling,” “Psychotherapy,” “Psychological Services.”

Some carriers only cover services from Psychologists, Psychiatrists, or Social Workers. Others accept Registered Clinical Counsellors (which is our most common designation). 

If you determine your carrier will accept our services in full or in part, you are required to pay in full for our services, and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.

If you find that your insurance carrier or extended benefits program does not cover any portion of the investment, you may check with your accountant to determine if the investment could be considered as a tax-write off for business purposes.

It’s confusing isn’t it? Let’s bring some clarity here.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD’s) with a focus on mental health. They can formally diagnose and prescribe medications.

Psychologists are “doctors of psychology” but are not medical doctors. They have a PhD. They are allowed to diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological assessments, but cannot prescribe medications.

Psychotherapists and Clinical Counsellors are interchangeable designations where each province will have certain protected rights to use a particular designation. For example, in British Columbia, we are called either Registered Clinical Counsellors or Certified Clinical Counsellors; in Ontario the term used is Registered Psychotherapist. Counsellors/Psychotherapists (whichever term is used) generally have a MA level degree, are able to conduct psychological /counselling services but are not able to formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication. 

Social Workers are able to conduct counselling sessions and are governed by the College of Social Workers. They may also belong to other professional associations and conduct therapy/counselling/psychotherapy within those guidelines.

Social workers most often have a MA level degree, and like Clinical Counsellors/Psychotherapists, cannot formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.

Hope that helps!