Amity Olson, LCSW

I'm a psychotherapist committed to helping adults process painful life experiences with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My work focuses on exploring current triggers of distress developed from past or current trauma and the impact on an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviors, relationships, and environment. I work closely with clients to develop management strategies to achieve their goals. As an EMDR Certified Therapist, I have years of training and experience to effectively attend to individual needs. I engage in continuing education and consultation with others in my field to make sure I am up-to-date on the available research and supportive strategies. EMDR Intensives *NOW ACCEPTING* *Program Packages* *Half-day, weekday EMDR Intensive Description of 8 hour program: 6 contact hours + resources/ assessments/ with optional customized treatment workbook 90-minute interview before intensive 3 hours during half-day intensive 90-minute interview for follow up 6 contact hours x weekday hourly rate ($225) = $1350 2 weekday hours to design customized pre/post treatment workbook = $450 TOTAL = $1800 *3-day, Weekday EMDR Intensive Description of 14 hour program: 12 contact hours + resources/ assessments/ with optional customized treatment workbook 90-minute interview before intensive Three, half-days (3 hours per day) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 90-minute interview for follow up 12 contact hours x weekday hourly rate ($225) = $2700 2 weekday hours to design customized pre/post treatment workbook = $450 TOTAL = $3150 *Frequently Asked Questions* 1. Who could benefit from EMDR? Perhaps you’ve had a felt sense that something profound has yet to change, but you’re not quite sure how to shift all the way into a new experience of yourself with your current therapist. Maybe you now cognitively understand new things, yet your body is still confused, so you’re curious about how intensive EMDR therapy can help as you work with your primary talk therapist. Perhaps you’ve been meaning to get into weekly therapy for a while now, but your schedule has been so hectic and demanding that a weekly therapy appointment feels more overwhelming than supportive. Perhaps you’re needing help —- and a lot of it—- right now, and you don’t want to spend months in the traditional weekly model of therapy treatment to feel better. Perhaps you are a current, weekly client who is needing extra, focused support quickly. Perhaps you are a new client who just prefers to work intensively. 2. What does the research say about EMDR Intensives? Intensive application of trauma-focused therapy seems to be well tolerated in patients with PTSD, enabling faster symptom reduction with similar, or even better, results, while reducing the risk that patients drop out prematurely. Intensive EMDR treatment is feasible and is indicative of reliable improvement in PTSD symptoms in a very short time frame. An intensive program using EMDR therapy is a potentially safe and effective treatment alternative for complex PTSD. The economy is compelling: even compared to other trauma therapy, the intensive format may decrease treatment time, because of time not spent on a) checking in at the beginning of each session, b) addressing current crises and concerns, c) focusing on stabilizing and coping skills that the client won’t need after trauma healing, or d) assisting the client in regaining composure at the end of the session. 3. What can I expect to accomplish in a half-day intensive? A half-day intensive offers a multitude of resources and can help to either increase performance and confidence, or significantly decrease the devastating effects of single event trauma (e.g. negative cognitions, disturbing emotions and body sensations). While significant healing can occur in one half-day intensive, complex needs deserve more treatment than one half-day intensive. Many of my clients experiencing complex needs may continue to work on their trauma histories through monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly half-day intensives. They also continue with standard therapy with their primary therapist. 4. What can I expect to accomplish in a 3-day weekday intensive? Participating in a 3-day weekday EMDR intensive may create impactful change more efficiently than just weekly, 50-minute sessions or even one half-day intensive. We will identify what format is best for you during your initial consultation. 5. Can my insurance help pay for this program? Yes. Many insurance companies reimburse a significant portion of the cost of psychotherapy. For those plans I am in-network for, there may be coverage for the initial session and follow-up session. For other insurance plans, I am considered an out-of-network provider. It's best to determine the exact details of your policy ahead of time, including what benefits are available regarding out-of-network providers and if your insurance will reimburse several hours of therapy in one day or one week. I will provide you with a Superbill for all direct contact therapy services included in the program. 6. Where and when will we work together? Currently, all options are provided virtually. In-person weekend options are in development.