EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD

Experiencing traumatic memories can feel overwhelming and isolating. At Lenape Wellness Center, we offer intensive residential EMDR therapy designed to help you safely navigate your healing journey and move beyond the limitations of PTSD. Our serene Pennsylvania campus provides the ideal environment for profound recovery. Call us 24/7 to discuss EMDR treatment.

What EMDR Therapy Involves

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy extensively used to treat PTSD. It involves bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements—to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity. EMDR progresses through eight distinct phases:

  • History-taking and treatment planning – Understanding your trauma history and setting clear goals.
  • Preparation – Equipping you with coping strategies and emotional resilience skills.
  • Assessment – Identifying specific traumatic memories to target.
  • Desensitization – Reducing distress through bilateral stimulation.
  • Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs about yourself.
  • Body Scan – Ensuring the trauma is no longer stored physically.
  • Closure – Stabilizing you at session end, preparing for daily life.
  • Reevaluation – Tracking progress and refining treatment as needed.

Both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) endorse EMDR for trauma treatment.

How We Deliver EMDR at Lenape Wellness Center

At Lenape Wellness Center, we structure our EMDR intensive program to provide maximum therapeutic benefit in a supportive environment. You’ll engage in up to two EMDR sessions per day, each conducted by our certified EMDR therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care. Our private therapy suites ensure confidentiality and comfort during your treatment sessions.

Daily routines at Lenape also incorporate:

  • Grounding and mindfulness breaks – Scheduled periods to help you maintain emotional balance.
  • Evening mindfulness and meditation – Group sessions designed to promote restful sleep and emotional resilience.
  • Access to around-the-clock staff support – Our caring team is always available, ensuring you never feel alone on your healing journey.

Our tranquil, scenic 18-hole golf-course setting further complements your therapy, providing peace and space essential for introspection and healing.

Safety Measures During Intensive EMDR

Your safety and emotional stability are our top priorities during intensive EMDR therapy. We incorporate rigorous safety protocols, including:

  • Pre-session vital signs assessment – To monitor your physical health before intensive processing.
  • Regular distress-level (SUDS) monitoring – Allowing immediate intervention if emotional distress arises.
  • 24/7 nursing and clinical staff availability – Providing rapid response and emotional support at all times.
  • After-hours grounding and mindfulness groups – Ensuring continuous emotional grounding and integration.

Benefits of Intensive Residential EMDR

Residential EMDR intensives offer significant advantages compared to traditional weekly therapy sessions. Intensive formats allow for concentrated therapeutic work that can lead to rapid progress and transformative emotional freedom. Clinical research has demonstrated multiple benefits, including:

  • Faster reduction in PTSD symptoms – Accelerated relief often experienced within the first few days.
  • Fewer nightmares and intrusive memories – Effective desensitization decreases trauma symptoms swiftly.
  • Improved daily functioning – Immediate and sustained improvement in emotional stability and daily life activities.
  • Significant reduction in trauma-triggered avoidance behaviors – Increased capacity to face previously overwhelming situations confidently.

By immersing yourself in our supportive residential program, you gain the structured, continuous care necessary to accelerate your healing process.

Who Should Consider Residential EMDR Care

Intensive residential EMDR therapy at Lenape Wellness Center is especially beneficial for individuals coping with persistent, complex trauma symptoms. Our program is particularly effective for addressing:

  • Combat-related PTSD – Veterans and active-duty service members dealing with severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Childhood abuse or neglect – Adults who experienced prolonged traumatic events in childhood.
  • Single-incident trauma – Individuals struggling to heal after incidents like physical assaults, accidents, or natural disasters.

However, intensive EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone immediately. Individuals experiencing active psychosis, severe dissociative disorders, or acute medical instability might require stabilization before engaging in intensive trauma treatment. During your initial phone consultation, we’ll carefully assess your unique situation to determine if intensive EMDR is the right fit for your healing journey.

What Your First Week Looks Like

We structure your initial week at Lenape Wellness Center to provide immediate comfort, clarity, and therapeutic progress. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Day 1 – Admission and Orientation
    You’ll receive a warm welcome, tour our tranquil facility, and complete your initial assessments to establish personalized goals.
  2. Day 2 – Building Emotional Safety
    Engage in guided exercises like the “safe place” technique and emotional grounding strategies, preparing you effectively for deeper trauma work.
  3. Day 3 – First EMDR Session
    Begin your intensive EMDR sessions under the compassionate care of your dedicated trauma therapist, proceeding at a pace tailored specifically to you.
  4. Days 4 and 5 – Intensive Processing and Mindfulness
    Continue with twice-daily EMDR sessions, supplemented by mindfulness groups and grounding practices designed to strengthen emotional resilience.
  5. Throughout the Week – Family and Support Calls
    Our program encourages regular communication with family or trusted support figures to reinforce your sense of safety and connectedness.

Insurance and Cost Details

We understand that navigating insurance and financial aspects of care can be stressful. At Lenape, we strive to simplify this process by closely collaborating with most major PPO insurance providers who commonly cover EMDR treatment for PTSD. Our admissions team is dedicated to minimizing financial barriers by:

  • Verifying your insurance coverage – Offering a complimentary benefits check to clarify what your PPO covers.
  • Handling prior authorizations – Working directly with your insurance provider to secure pre-approvals, reducing your administrative burden.
  • Providing transparent out-of-pocket cost estimates – Clearly outlining any costs not covered by insurance, ensuring no financial surprises.

Contact us today to verify your coverage and begin your healing journey.

Our Facility and Setting

At Lenape Wellness Center, our commitment to holistic care is reflected not only in our therapies but also in our carefully designed environment. Nestled within a picturesque 18-hole golf course in Ford City, Pennsylvania, our residential facility offers unmatched tranquility and privacy, providing an ideal setting for trauma healing.

Your comfort and peace are central to our philosophy, and our facility includes:

  • Luxurious accommodations – Private rooms designed for restful sleep, reflection, and comfort.
  • Peaceful communal lounges – Quiet spaces ideal for contemplation, reading, or engaging in supportive community discussions.
  • Holistic wellness amenities – Yoga, meditation rooms, and outdoor spaces that promote holistic healing and emotional grounding.

This serene atmosphere supports emotional clarity and deep therapeutic work, enhancing your recovery process significantly.

Ready to Reclaim Your Life?

You deserve freedom from trauma and the opportunity to rediscover a life filled with hope and resilience. Our compassionate team is ready to guide you every step of the way toward lasting recovery. Call us or email admissions@lenapewellness.com to begin your transformation today.

How long does each EMDR session typically last?

At Lenape, EMDR sessions typically range from 60 to 90 minutes each, allowing thorough processing of trauma while ensuring emotional safety and adequate recovery between sessions.

Will my memories or emotions worsen before they improve?

During EMDR therapy, you may initially experience heightened emotional intensity as traumatic memories are processed. However, this temporary intensification is closely monitored by our experienced therapists and typically diminishes rapidly as healing progresses.

Can I continue taking my medication during intensive EMDR treatment?

Yes, our clinical team carefully evaluates medication regimens to ensure compatibility and stability throughout intensive EMDR treatment. Coordination with your prescribing physician ensures safety and effectiveness.

Is EMDR therapy safe during an intensive residential stay?

Yes. Our EMDR intensive program emphasizes rigorous safety protocols, constant monitoring, and readily available professional support, making it a safe and effective trauma treatment.

What happens after I complete the intensive EMDR program?

Upon completion, our team will provide you with personalized aftercare recommendations and referrals to local EMDR therapists or outpatient programs to support ongoing healing and long-term wellness.