Frequently Asked Questions
What are your fees for therapy services?
Initial intake and therapy sessions typically last 50-55 minutes. Frequency and duration of services are determined by need.
Intake session: $240
Individual session: 50 minutes $190, 85 minutes $270
Couple session: 85 minutes $270
Intensives with EMDR or other trauma-focused memory reprocessing therapy:
Half day (9-12 or 1-4 with one or two short breaks) $750
Full day (9-4 with two 15-minute breaks and an hour lunch) $1,450
Mental Health Treatment Consultation:
50 minutes $250
Which insurance do you take?
At this time, we take Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna.
If your have other insurances: Check with your insurance policy to determine if you have Out-of-network (OON) benefits. If so, we can provide you with a monthly Superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
You can also use your HSA(Health Spending Account) or FSA(Flexible Spending Account).
We can discuss if reducing the frequency of sessions or having fewer longer sessions are appropriate for your needs.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. It was developed in the 1980’s as a form of psychotherapy for resolving the symptoms of traumatic and other disturbing life experiences. Learn more from emdria, EMDR International Association.
Is this therapy right for my symptoms?
EMDR and memory reprocessing therapy are for anyone who has experienced trauma. We will discuss with you whether EMDR is a good option, depending on your history and presentation. EMDR is intended to work on memories in the past affecting the present. As such, it is not appropriate for those currently in unsafe environments.
What is EMDR treatment like?
EMDR consists of 8 separate phases, advancing depending on your progress as we work together. Whether treatment takes place using the weekly or the intensive approach, our sessions emphasize different modalities, such as psychoeducation and insight-orientation. I also incorporate body-oriented mindfulness activities in every session.
Can I start EMDR right away?
Yes and no. If by EMDR you mean the full 8-phase therapy approach, then yes—we begin EMDR from the start. If by EMDR you mean the eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques, those typically begin later, after we’ve completed the initial preparation phases.
EMDR is tailored to each person. Before moving into memory reprocessing, we focus on building safety, stability, and the skills needed to help you get the most from treatment. The pace and timing vary depending on your needs, goals, and circumstances.
Interested in learning more about the 8 phases of EMDR therapy? The following resources provide a helpful overview:
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
American Psychological Association (APA): Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy
What if I have multiple events I want to try working with memory reprocessing therapy?
It is common to have multiple events that you may want to address. We will approach them carefully, in chronological order.
Do you accept remote appointments?
Yes, in most cases. Sessions can be done using our video conferencing platform, which is HIPAA-compliant, with some exceptions. Please describe your interests and needs in the contact form.
Are there treatment options for someone with vision impairment or low vision?
There are well-studied alternatives to EMDR that can create a similar stimulation required during the memory resolution session. Some examples are Progressive Counting, using tactile, handheld devices or self-tapping, or creating bilateral sounds through headphones. Additionally, some people benefit from a combination of more than one bilateral stimulation at the same time. We will work with you to find the best fit.
How often do we meet?
For both intensives and non-intensive therapies, we typically meet once or twice per week to start.
Just as getting to know someone in everyday life takes time, building a strong therapeutic relationship does as well. Developing trust, understanding, and a sense of safety creates the foundation for meaningful and effective therapy. As treatment progresses, we can discuss adjusting the frequency of sessions based on your needs and goals.
What is the “Intensive” modality?
Some people prefer to engage in trauma-focused therapy in concentrated sessions rather than working through difficult material little by little each week. The Intensive allows you to devote focused time to healing, which can often lead to meaningful progress in a shorter period of time.
Unlike traditional weekly therapy sessions, which are typically 45–50 minutes long, Intensives involve a minimum of three hours of therapy in a single day. Depending on your goals, schedule, and readiness, Intensives can be arranged as a half-day, full-day, or multiple consecutive days.
Because intensive trauma work can be emotionally and physically demanding, I recommend keeping your schedule light and allowing time for rest and integration for a day or two afterward.
Some clients choose to begin with weekly or twice-weekly sessions to build skills, establish safety, and prepare for deeper trauma processing. Once they feel ready, they may transition into an Intensive format for part or all of the trauma reprocessing phase. Together, we will determine the approach that best fits your goals, schedule, energy level, and family or work responsibilities. More about Intensives.
Can you guarantee that I will feel better after EMDR and other memory reprocessing therapies?
While many clients experience meaningful relief through EMDR and other memory reprocessing therapies, there can be no guarantee of any particular outcome or specific result, and no treatment method works for everyone. Prior to the memory reprocessing phase, EMDR therapy includes several preparatory steps, such as learning emotional regulation skills, increasing self-awareness, identifying personal triggers, and practicing adaptive coping strategies when those triggers arise, among other elements tailored to each client. Your openness to fully engage in this type of structured and experiential therapy plays an important role in your progress. Together, we work toward healing in a collaborative and sustainable ways.
How does psychotropic medication affect memory reprocessing trauma therapy?
We often work with people taking medication for mood and emotional balance. We will take a complete history and provide specialized treatment tailored to your health needs. In some instances, medications can affect EMDR treatment. In that event, we can recommend a different approach before starting intensive therapy.
What if I have already begun working with a therapist?
We often work in conjunction with your weekly therapist. Called Adjunct Therapy, this allows collaboration with specific treatment goals, especially in trauma care. You can continue working with your therapist, and we can discuss how to proceed.
Will you treat people anywhere?
At this time, we can serve people who reside in Massachusetts, California, and Japan. Please reach out for more detail from here.
Will you treat all ages?
At this time, we see people who are 18 and older.