EMDR Group Therapy
in East Lansing, MI
What If Healing Could Happen Together, While Your Story Stays Private?
Private, supportive Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) groups for adults as an early intervention and support to trauma healing in a collective format.
We offer specialized group therapy for adults who want support in healing shortly after distressing and traumatic experiences.
Our EMDR groups use structured, research-informed protocols designed to help individuals work through trauma-related distress while maintaining personal privacy and choice.
Participants work on their own experiences privately, guided by a trained EMDR clinician. You can receive the benefits of a structured therapeutic experience alongside others without being expected to disclose what happened to you.
What Is EMDR Group Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach used to help people process distress associated with traumatic or difficult experiences.
Specialized EMDR group protocols adapt certain EMDR procedures for group settings. Each participant works individually on their own experiences while following a structured therapeutic process led by a trained clinician.
Rather than discussing traumatic experiences with the group, participants use personal worksheets, private reflection, grounding exercises, and protocol-specific forms of bilateral stimulation.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
EMDR group treatment may be appropriate for adults experiencing:
- Recent traumatic events.
- Sexual assault.
- Medical and health-related traumatic stress.
- Recent traumatic loss.
- Childhood trauma and ongoing stress.
- Distressing life experiences that continue to affect emotional well-being.
Group participation begins with an individual clinical assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Our Specialized EMDR Group Protocols
We offer specialized EMDR interventions based on individual needs, clinical appropriateness, and the nature of the traumatic experience helpful for adults experiencing symptoms of acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress.
G-TEP: Group Traumatic Episode Protocol
Designed for single, recent or acute incidents. This is a structured EMDR group intervention that uses an individual worksheet to help participants identify and work with aspects of a single traumatic event.
The process incorporates nervous system stabilization, grounding, personal reflection, and bilateral stimulation.
Individuals do not share their personal information out loud. This minimizes the risk of secondary retraumatization.
Participants work on their own worksheets. They are not required to share the details of their traumatic experience with the group.
Format
- Approximately 2 sessions.
- Approximately 90 minutes per session.
cohort: approximately 4–8 adults.
Considered for…
- Recent traumatic events.
Families navigating traumatic loss
Workplace/Organizations navigating employee deaths or accidents
- Accidents and injuries.
- Assault and violence.
- New Medical diagnosis .
- Traumatic loss.
- Other distressing life-changing experiences.
ASSYST Group Procedure
Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization
ASSYST Group is an EMDR early-intervention procedure designed to help individuals experiencing acute stress and significant distress associated with traumatic events.
The structured group process focuses on stabilization and addressing distress associated with traumatic memories and intrusive experiences.
Participants receive clinician guidance while working with their own experiences. Personal trauma narratives are not required.
Design to provide support for those who present with acute distress disorder or PTSD symptoms ie sensory- images, smells sounds, emotional, or physiological symptoms1-3 session 50-minute service appointment, subject to the trained protocol's requirements 4–8 participants virtual and in person options
Typical format:
- Structured, event-focused group intervention.
- Plan for approximately 60–90 minutes for scheduling, subject to the specific protocol.
- Suggested private-practice cohort: approximately 4–8 adults.
Considered for:
- Recent accidents.
- Community traumatic events.
- Workplace incidents.
- Sudden traumatic experiences.
- Other appropriate acute stress presentations.
Although not required we highly recommend each participant have an individual therapist
IGTP-OTS: Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress
Designed for ongoing, repeated, or prolonged traumatic stress.
IGTP-OTS is an EMDR group protocol adapted for people who have experienced ongoing or prolonged adversity.
Participants work individually within a structured group environment, using protocol-specific exercises and bilateral stimulation.
The approach can be particularly relevant for individuals whose distress is associated with repeated or continuing traumatic experiences such as
Domestic violence environments
Emergency medical personnel
Ongoing stress from chronic health conditions
Format:
- Approximately 2–6 sessions.
- Approximately 50–60 minutes per session.
- Size 4-8 adults.
Considered for:
- Childhood abuse and neglect.
- Sexual abuse and repeated interpersonal trauma.
- Ongoing medical-related stress.
- Prolonged traumatic experiences.
- Repeated exposure to traumatic events.
- Other clinically appropriate ongoing traumatic stress presentations.
Benefits of EMDR Group Healing
EMDR group treatment offers a structured way to work toward healing while maintaining individual privacy.
Potential benefits include:
1. Healing without having to tell your story
You can work with distressing experiences without having to verbally recount them to other group members.
2. A sense of connection
Being with others who are seeking healing may help reduce feelings of isolation.
3. Individual work within a supportive setting
Each participant works on personal experiences while receiving clinician guidance.
4. Improved emotional awareness
Structured exercises may help participants recognize and respond to trauma-related distress.
5. Increased access to specialized treatment
Group delivery may make certain structured EMDR interventions more accessible than individual treatment alone.
6. Support for different trauma experiences
Specialized protocols can be selected according to whether the presenting concern involves a recent traumatic episode, acute stress, or ongoing traumatic stress.
7. A structured and purposeful experience
Participants follow an organized clinical intervention rather than an unstructured discussion of traumatic events.
Individual responses vary. EMDR group treatment is not a guarantee of symptom resolution and is not a substitute for individual treatment when that is clinically indicated.
8. Accessible and Cost beneficial
Insurance is not required for group participation. Participants pay out of pocket without the need for a diagnosis to meet insurance requirements
Adults With Unresolved Childhood Trauma
For adults experiencing ongoing emotional distress associated with childhood abuse, neglect, adverse family experiences, and repeated interpersonal trauma.
Each individual completes a clinical screening before placement. Not everyone will be appropriate for group processing, and individual EMDR or other treatment may be recommended.
Online participation requires:
- A private location.
- A secure internet connection.
- A device with working audio and video.
- The ability to participate without interruption.
- An established emergency and safety plan.
Online group availability depends on the specific protocol and clinical assessment.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Schedule an individual consultation
Discuss your concerns, treatment history, and interest in EMDR group therapy.
Step 2: Complete clinical screening
Your clinician will assess whether a group intervention is appropriate.
Step 3: Select the appropriate group
Your placement will be based on the nature of your experiences and the protocol that best fits your clinical needs.
Step 4: Review informed consent and group expectations
You will receive information about confidentiality, participation, treatment expectations, and fees.
Step 5: Begin your EMDR group experience
Participate in a structured, clinician-guided intervention while working privately on your own experiences.
You Might Still Have Questions About EMDR Group Therapy…
Will other participants know what happened to me?
No personal trauma narrative is required. Participants work privately on their own experiences. We ask everyone to respect confidentiality.
Do I have to talk in the group?
You may participate in general introductions and ask questions, but you are not required to describe your trauma.
How many people are in an EMDR group?
Our private-practice groups generally accommodate approximately 4–8 adults. Actual enrollment depends on the protocol and staffing requirements.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the selected protocol. G-TEP may involve 1–4 sessions, IGTP-OTS may involve 1–6 sessions, and ASSYST Group is structured according to its specific intervention and clinical requirements. Additional assessment or treatment may be recommended.
Can I participate online?
Some protocols have online delivery options and research support. Availability depends on the protocol, clinician training, state regulations, and clinical suitability.
Is EMDR group therapy appropriate for complex childhood trauma?
Some adults with ongoing childhood-trauma-related stress may be appropriate for IGTP-OTS. Others may need individual EMDR, stabilization, or additional treatment before participating in a group.
Does insurance cover EMDR groups?
Our group fees are out of pocket. Insurance may be accepted for the IGPT-OS group. Participants would have to verify benefits and coverage before enrollment.
Begin Your Healing Journey
You do not have to carry the weight of difficult experiences alone. You also do not have to share your personal story with a room full of people to seek help.
Services are provided by appropriately trained and licensed clinicians. Participation is subject to clinical screening, protocol eligibility, and informed consent.
Sign up for our upcoming January 2027 groups
JANUARY 2027 ENROLLMENT
A New Year. A Space to Heal.
Adult EMDR Group Therapy
Specialized trauma recovery groups using G-TEP, ASSYST Group and IGTP-OTS
Have difficult experiences continued to affect your life, relationships, health, or emotional well-being?
Join a specialized adult EMDR group designed to help you work privately on your experiences in a structured, supportive therapeutic setting.
Our January Emdr treatment groups
Sexual Assault Survivors
A supportive, trauma-informed approach to recovery.
Medical & Health-Related Trauma
For adults experiencing distress related to illness, hospitalization, medical procedures, and health challenges.
Recent Loss & Traumatic Grief
For adults coping with sudden loss and traumatic bereavement.
Childhood Trauma & Ongoing Stress
For adults experiencing the lasting emotional effects of childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, and adverse early experiences.
Participants work privately on their own experiences through structured EMDR exercises with guidance from a trained clinician.
Small adult groups
Individual screening before enrollment
Privacy-focused treatment
In-person and select online options
Insurance and private-pay options, subject to coverage
Beginning January 2027
Individual screening is required.
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