Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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A trauma intensive is an extended therapy format designed to provide focused treatment over a shorter period of time. Unlike traditional weekly therapy, intensives allow clients to engage in deeper therapeutic work with fewer interruptions between sessions. Trauma intensives may be helpful for individuals seeking accelerated progress, those traveling for treatment, or those who feel stuck in weekly therapy.

Both weekly therapy and trauma intensives can be effective. However, some individuals benefit from the momentum created by longer and more frequent sessions. Intensive therapy reduces the time spent reorienting each week and allows for more focused work on treatment goals. Research on several trauma-focused treatments suggests that more concentrated treatment schedules can be effective for some individuals.

Each intensive is individualized based on your history, symptoms, goals, and readiness for treatment. Depending on your needs, treatment may include EMDR, attachment-focused interventions, parts work, Brainspotting, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), nervous system regulation skills, and other trauma-focused approaches.

A trauma intensive typically includes assessment, treatment planning, trauma processing, skill building, and integration work.

Yes. Some clients travel from neighboring islands, the mainland United States, and internationally to participate in trauma intensives. Hawaii can provide an opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities, ongoing stressors, and environments that may not be conducive to healing.

A consultation is required before scheduling to determine whether a trauma intensive is clinically appropriate.

The investment varies based on the length and structure of the intensive. Options may include 3-hour intensives, multi-day intensives, and week-long trauma intensives.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach used to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing memories. EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.

EMDR is one of the most researched treatments for PTSD and has been recommended by organizations including the World Health Organization, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other professional organizations. Many individuals experience a reduction in trauma-related symptoms following EMDR treatment, although each person's experience and timeline may differ.

Yes. EMDR is commonly used to address childhood trauma, attachment wounds, adverse childhood experiences, and longstanding patterns that continue to affect relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional well-being in adulthood.

Treatment is tailored to each individual's history and needs.

Complex PTSD refers to the impact of repeated, chronic, or prolonged traumatic experiences, often occurring during childhood or within significant relationships. In addition to symptoms commonly associated with PTSD, individuals with Complex PTSD may struggle with emotional regulation, negative self-beliefs, relationship difficulties, shame, and feeling disconnected from themselves or others. C-PTSD is not officially recognized in the DSM-5-TR so while you can not officially be diagnosed with it, it is widely recognized in the field. 

Trauma-focused therapy can help individuals understand and heal these patterns.

Trauma therapy may be beneficial if past experiences continue to affect your emotions, relationships, self-esteem, sense of safety, or daily functioning. Some individuals seek trauma therapy after a specific traumatic event, while others recognize patterns such as anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, or chronic feelings of being "stuck."

A consultation can help determine whether trauma-focused treatment is an appropriate fit for your goals.

Currently, I only accept Aetna and HMAA insurance. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover intensives as they only cover 60 minute sessions. Aetna has also been making changes on another platform, limiting coverage to only 45 minutes. 

Many clients choose to use out-of-network benefits when available. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for psychotherapy services. Upon request, a superbill will provided for you to submit directly to your insurance company.

Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to inquire about out-of-network mental health benefits, deductible requirements, and reimbursement rates.