Trauma Tune-Up/EARLY INTERVENTION EMDR

Katie Grant's Trauma Tune-Up is based on a group version of EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; see emdria.org) called G-TEP (Group Traumatic Event Protocol; see earlyemdrintervention.org).  Applying EMDR to traumatic memory is thought to speed healing and adaptive brain connections through eye movements or other bilateral stimulation much like applying stitches to a cut speeds healing and adaptive skin connection. Successful application by a skilled trauma therapist results in the mind having "digested" the difficult material, storing important information in an integrated form while releasing painful emotions, sensations, and thoughts associated with the memory.

The experience:

Although the Trauma Tune-Up can also be done individually, it is much  more affordable to experience it in the group format, and still relatively confidential.  Participants receive advance instructions via mail or email prior to the session regarding choice of target (what negative experience will be focused on) and general procedures. 

Upon arrival, participants are asked to complete three short questionnaires to create a symptom baseline and assess for readiness.  Code numbers are used to increase confidentiality of stored information. Katie and her assistant provide information about trauma's effects and how the Tune-Up can help.  Katie then leads the group through a relaxation exercise to calm the nervous system and activate more brain areas.  A short break allows for review of the screening measures and addressing stabilization and referral needs of any participants who are not ready for the Tune-Up protocol.  Then Katie guides the group through a worksheet step-by-step, which provides a visual frame and container for the traumatic material enveloped by positive resources.  While participants will be invited to share their positive examples as the work is done, no one will be allowed to speak aloud about the negative or traumatic material they are processing; this is done silently.  Bilateral alternating eye movements or other self-stimulation (such as tapping) is used at different speeds to strengthen positive connections and activate negative material. The protocol ends with strengthening a positive thought related to the target and revisiting the relaxation resource from the beginning.

Throughout the experience, Katie's assistant(s) are available if a participant needs help with the steps or gets overwhelmed.  If needed, private conversation and referrals for treatment are available on the spot.  Participants will receive follow-up contact approximately two weeks after the Tune-Up, and be asked to complete the same three questionnaires given before the Tune-Up to measure change objectively; a short report of results will be sent.

If a participant saw positive results but feels a need or desire to continue work on the same target, a complementary second session of the Trauma Tune-Up is included in the original fee.