5 Reasons to Consider Christian EMDR Therapy Intensives for Emotional Healing and Spiritual Growth
It was the last night of the women’s trauma healing intensive called Hope Restored. It had been a powerful few days of connection and healing for the women in attendance. The bonfire where we spent time releasing into the fire anything we wanted to let go of, singing, laughing, and of course roasting marshmallows for s’mores was winding down. Some ladies were chatting in the living room, others packing. Ann, Teresa, and I, the leaders of the intensive, decided to get a head start on organizing and packing the things we brought in order to adhere to the check out time the next morning.
We were in one of the rooms packing and discussing the plan for the next morning when we suddenly heard rip roaring laughter. This was not just some light giggles. There were full belly laughs, talking, more laughs, and the volume escalated. My curiosity was sparked so I tiptoed quietly down the hallway and peaked around the corner. The sight will be ingrained in my mind and soul forever. Most of the women were present, furniture moved out of the way, and a full on dance party was occurring. Pajamas and all! What a sight to behold! Women who came in on Thursday afternoon as strangers, crippled with the pain of the past, weighted down by shame, were now experiencing connection, acceptance, belonging, joy, and moments of freedom. Wow! Teresa, Ann, and I didn’t waste a minute and we joined right in dancing! We danced and laughed into the late hours of the evening.
Doesn’t this sound amazing? This is only a small taste of what is experienced at the Hope Restored Christian EMDR Therapy Intensive. Let’s explore five reasons why attending the Christian EMDR Therapy Intensive would be beneficial to you.
Integration of faith: We see our faith as the foundation of healing. At this Christian EMDR Therapy Intensive, we seamlessly blend evidence-based therapy techniques with Christian principles. This integration allows you to explore your wounds while also deepening, or restoring, your connection with God.
Effective trauma resolution: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven therapy technique for trauma resolution. By incorporating a Christian perspective, it taps into the power of spirituality, offering a profound sense of healing and restoration.
Focus on spiritual growth: Christian EMDR Therapy Intensives provide an opportunity for you to not only address your painful life experiences but also to nurture your spiritual growth. By integrating faith into the therapy process, you can experience transformation on multiple levels.
Supportive community: You will experience a supportive community setting, providing the opportunity for you to connect with others who share your faith and desire for emotional healing and spiritual growth. Each person in attendance is screened and assessed by Ann and Brenda, licensed counselors and certified EMDR therapists to ensure a safe and supportive community of women. The supportive community can offer encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging, which are essential elements in the healing journey.
Lasting transformation: Christian EMDR Therapy Intensives offer a unique path to lasting transformation. By addressing emotional wounds and nurturing spiritual growth simultaneously, you can experience a deeper sense of healing and purpose. The integration of faith into the therapy process allows you to tap into the power of God's love and grace, providing a solid foundation for lasting change.
If you're ready to embark on a journey of emotional healing and spiritual growth, Christian EMDR Therapy Intensives may be the perfect fit for you.
What is Christian EMDR therapy
Christian EMDR therapy is a specialized form of therapy that seamlessly blends evidence-based therapy techniques with Christian principles. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a proven therapy technique for trauma resolution. It involves 8 phases with a purpose of helping you identify the core wounds, understand how the brain holds trauma differently, and then with bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping, allows the brain to reprocess the material stored so that you can leave the past in the past and move forward in life with freedom and confidence. You can see the actual healing of the brain in MRI images. By utilizing this therapy approach and incorporating a Christian perspective, we tap into the power of spirituality, offering a profound sense of healing and restoration.
When trauma occurs, it often affects not only our emotions but also our sense of self and our relationship with God. Christian EMDR therapy takes this into account by integrating faith into the therapy process. It recognizes that true healing involves addressing not just the surface-level wounds but also the deeper spiritual wounds that may have resulted from the trauma. You do not have to be in a certain place with God to come to a Christian EMDR therapy intensive. You may be angry at God. That is okay, come anyway. You may long for understanding who God truly is and how He sees you. Come, this is also for you. You may have a close relationship with God and see Him as the source of your healing. This weekend is for you also. Hope Restored is a weekend where you will discover and develop a deeper understanding of who God created you to be, how He sees you, and what He longs for you to experience.
How Christian EMDR therapy intensives work
At Hope Restored, our Christian EMDR Therapy Intensive, you will experience a combination of individual therapy sessions and group therapy sessions. Individual therapy sessions provide a safe space for you to explore and work through your own story. You will meet with either Brenda Stewart or Ann Simmons, both are licensed therapists, certified EMDR therapists, and specialize in helping people overcome trauma and other painful life events. Our Group therapy sessions, on the other hand, will provide a supportive space where you can connect with others who share your faith and desire for emotional healing and spiritual growth. These sessions will include group discussions, activities, teaching, and exercises that promote healing and personal growth.
Throughout the weekend, Ann, Teresa, and I are dedicated to your healing. We provide support, guidance, and encouragement, helping you navigate the complexities of your healing journey. We seek to balance the deep therapy work with times of laughter and fun.
Well, Sunday had come. Check out was at 11am. We woke up, packed the cars, ate breakfast together, and then had a group. We reflected on the healing that occurred in each of the women’s lives. We gifted each other with words, or truths, of what we wanted that person to know and take with them. It was time to check out but people didn’t want to leave. Some had to head out due to a long drive ahead or a commitment they had. Others stayed until the very last minute, not wanting this time to end. God had done amazing things. He is restoring the years the enemy had stolen.
This can be your story too. It is time. You deserve to heal, to reach the next level of growth and healing. Come to the next Christian EMDR therapy intensive. You will not be disappointed!
