top of page

253 . 651 . 3752
Helping people bring structure and calm to chaos
Deanne Carter, LMHC
253 . 651 . 3752
Helping people bring structure and calm to chaos
Deanne Carter, LMHC

EMDR TRANSFORMATION INTENSIVE AND RETREAT ORIENTATION
The purpose of this orientation is to help you make an informed choice. We will schedule an
initial intake to explore your specific option. We both need to agree this approach is appropriate for you; it isn’t for everyone.
The EMDR Transformation Intensive (3 or 6 hours) or Retreat format (4-5 days) can help you clear limiting beliefs and sabotaging behaviors that keep you from living your full potential at work and home. You will also strengthen strategies and beliefs that will help you overcome current challenges, and evolve to the best version of yourself, resulting in confidence and a deep sense of purpose.
I am experienced in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Resourcing, NeuroAffective and Attachment Repair, Imaginal Nurturing, Mindfulness, Shamanism, Positive Psychology, Complex and Developmental Trauma Clearing, Peak Performance Coaching, Brain Health, and Transformational Coaching.
These methodologies will be integrated to meet your individual needs.
“Why do the work in longer sessions rather than the traditional hour?”
Longer sessions allow the work to unfold deeply. Research shows that intensive sessions allow
clients to achieve their therapeutic goals in nearly half the time. This is cost effective and very
satisfying to clients to overcome those trigger reactions and behaviors in a shorter period of
time.
"I stepped into the challenger role and practiced some big time distress tolerance this past week. It was perhaps the hardest thing I have ever done. But it really transformed me; it was incredible. I feel like a whole new person, like I can say anything (fully be myself) from this new space… and the tension in my body just kind of melted away." Nicole, Washington
“How long will it take?”
The amount of time is dependent on your coping skills and ability to stay present during processing. Intensives are often done as 6 hours your first day to set the foundation and begin reprogramming your pathways, and then 3 hour increments weekly or twice weekly. I witness people heal more deeply and finally feel free from the trauma imprints that have haunted them. You'll also have the opportunity to get connected to the spirit world for ongoing guidance. For individuals with complex trauma histories and/or emotional dysregulation, there may be additional foundation work and more time needed to clear the old programming (described below). Staying present/resourced not only increases your capacity to process during the intensive sessions, but also in life. We can’t skip resourcing or dealing with any resistance that comes up. That’s where we get some of the biggest impact on changing how you experience life now.
If you are looking for Peak Performance, we will trace the root of the sabotage and
clear those old programs and install more adaptive pathways typically in 12-15 hours.
We'll Reinstall Innate Resources / Reset the Affective Circuits, which involves clearing the emotional pathways that each of us is born with, but may be congested from early learning and inhibitions. Once the circuits are clear, they can function as they were intended. You’ll feel more clear guidance from within and therefore, less guessing about what you want and need.
Clearing early maladaptive memory networks depends on how "gnarled" the roots of the tree have become by growing around early obstacles. Updating the old and strengthening new pathways impact how you show up in the world as your authentic self, fueling your passion and dynamic presence.
Resourcing not only increases your capacity to process during the intensive sessions, but also in life. We can’t skip resourcing or dealing with any resistance that comes up. That’s where we get some of the biggest impact on you showing up for the hard in your life. If you already have spiritual support and/or ways to release tension this will take less time.
After completing 15-25 hours of intensive sessions, most people notice changes in how they manage emotional situations and an improved sense of boundary setting. They tend to be more calm and able to make decisions with more ease. Others report not explaining or defending themselves, or getting hooked as easily. Clearing out old templates/stories we live by, can give you more ease of experiencing emotions and give you a more clear perspective, leading to more effective strategies.
People with complex trauma may complete 25-35 hours to establish a felt sense of safety, and integrate resourcing to experience the same results.
Sample Schedule of an Individual Virtual or In person EMDR Intensive Retreat Week
Times provided in Pacific Standard Time
Monday 12:30-3:30pm and 4-7 pm
Tuesday 9am-12 pm, Find Calm in the Chaos exercises, 3-6pm
Wednesday 9am-12pm, Find Calm in the Chaos exercises, 3-6pm
Thursday 9am-11pm, 12-1pm integration and closing
You’ll receive a prep course, an aftercare guide and a 30 minute consult the week after your Intensive Retreat Week.
*Accommodations: The office is located in the 98402 zipcode, about 6 miles from the nature trails of Point Defiance and 2 miles from the waterfront of Ruston Way
"I don't avoid and I just get it over with. I have more tolerance for emotion...I don't have to fight to be heard. I'm more calm instead of emotionally reactive." Olivia, Tacoma, WA
"I'm not afraid to have difficult conversations. I'm speaking up for myself in my relationships." Michael, WA
“How will I feel afterward?”
After the work, your brain and body will be integrating. Most people don’t want to do much after an intensive session and just plan a chill evening. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, be in nature, allow rest, a bath, or anything else you find restorative. The week long retreat is scheduled with opportunity for rest, meditation, Tai Chi / Qi Gong, Reiki, massage or other body work you may want to integrate in to soothe your nervous system and support the shifts.
The Find Calm in Chaos course to help you soothe your nervous system and get more out of the sessions. Week long intensives include an aftercare guide to soothe your soul, and optional 30 minute phone or video check in within a few days of your intensive. This is an opportunity to share your what it was like for you after the intensive and for us to strategize any additional support.
“How do I schedule?”
If you would like to explore this method, schedule an in office or virtual intake. We'll determine whether this format is a good fit for you, schedule a week long retreat, or single day session. While I can answer general questions you have about the intensives, I cannot answer specific treatment questions before your intake appointment.
If you chose to do a virtual session, you'll be sent a reusable link.
Contact me for current pricing and cancellation policy.
"I feel more oneness with nature and that I belong here." Beverly, Kent, WA
"I no longer feel guilt for my abundance. No more imposter syndrome. I deserve good things." Marilyn, Lake City, WA
bottom of page