
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
During your intake appointment we will explore your specific circumstances and answer any questions that you have about your specific treatment. Perhaps you've tried talk therapy without the somatic transformation you were looking for, or you just want to fast-track your healing. Whether you'll solely focus on sessions with me, or continue to see your "weekly" therapist you love while attending EMDR Intensives, we both need to agree this approach is appropriate for you.
The EMDR Intensive (weekly- half or full days) or Retreat format (5-6 hours per day, 4-5 days in a row) is a brain-based and somatic therapy model that helps you clear limited beliefs and sabotaging behaviors that keep you from living your full potential.
Basically, if you had a crappy childhood, and want more from your life, this is a great way to heal. You will overcome current challenges resulting in confidence and a sense of purpose.
People heal deeply when they break free from the trauma imprints that have haunted them. You'll develop life long tools and have the opportunity to explore spiritual support, as well.
Besides my personal experience of how to get out of hell, 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. I have advanced training in Dissociation and Complex Trauma.
These sessions are not just a longer session of standard EMDR.
The methodologies listed above will be integrated to meet your individual needs.
“Why do the work in longer sessions rather than the traditional hour?”
Research shows that intensive sessions allow clients to achieve their therapeutic goals in nearly half the time. While it can be a larger up front cost, the shorter duration can be a cost effective way to overcome trigger reactions and behavior. We are able to process considerable more content when we aren't reviewing the day to day struggles, or closing down 10 minutes before the end of each hour to make sure you are present to drive your car and get back to your responsibilities.
"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?
If you are looking for Performance Enhancement, we will trace the root of the sabotage, clear the old programs and install more adaptive pathways typically in 12-15 hours.
Longer sessions allow the work to unfold deeply. The overall time is dependent on your coping skills and ability to stay present during processing. The Find Calm in the Chaos course is available to help you soothe your nervous system and get more out of the sessions. Intensives often start with a full-day intensive (5-6 hours) to set the foundation and begin reprogramming your pathways, and then half-day (up to 3 hours) weekly or twice weekly sessions. If you have Complex Trauma or dissociative symptoms, this pace tends to work better than the week long retreat.
We'll Reinstall Innate Resources / Reset the Affective Circuits, which involves clearing the emotional pathways that each of us is born with, but may not be functioning as they were intended. You’ll feel more trust in 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 presence.
After completing 3-8 intensives, 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 stories you live by gives you more ease with experiencing emotions and perspective to update strategies you are using in current life situations.
People with C-PTSD or Dissociative Disorders may complete 8-10 intensives to establish a felt sense of safety, and integrate resourcing to experience the same results.
"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
Sample Schedule of an Individual Online or In person EMDR Intensive Retreat Week (PST)
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
Optional add on: Thursday 9am-12pm, and 3-6pm, Friday 9am-1pm
The schedule provides opportunity for integrating the resourcing skills taught, rest, meditation, Tai Chi / Qi Gong, Reiki, massage or other body work you may want to soothe your nervous system and integrate shifts.
*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. You can book an AirBnB like this one and schedule a reflexology, cranial or reiki session.