About the Program
The program uses a method called the Group Traumatic Events Protocol (G-TEP) from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. This method has been proven to reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. It helps people feel more balanced, calm, and in control.
The program will guide you through steps to help manage your emotions, set up calming resources, and process difficult experiences so they feel less upsetting. You’ll use a worksheet to follow along with these steps.
How It Works
The program is offered in a group setting, but you follow along on your own worksheet. You won’t have to share anything with the group, which is very different from traditional talk therapy groups.
The program is designed to be both cost-effective and time efficient. It can be done as a stand-alone group or as a complimentary process to individual therapy. Many people feel improvement after just one group session, but you might benefit even more from multiple sessions.
Who Can Join
Before joining group sessions, there is a screening process to make sure the program is right for you. To participate in the group, participants need a basic level of safety in their life and the ability to utilize calming exercises.
*Individual therapy is the best fit for people who are severely emotionally unstable, actively suicidal, or actively self-harming in life-threatening ways.
Program Steps
1. First Steps – Forms and Phone Meeting
Fill out an intake form in Jane before your phone appointment.
Your forms will be reviewed by Alyssa Ryan, the supervising Registered Psychologist, to ensure the group is right for you.
Complete a 30-minute phone meeting with a mental health clinician where you will:
- Learn a calming exercise.
- Learn how to do self-tapping as bi-lateral stimulation.
- Confirm that the group is a good fit for you.
- If the group is not a good fit for you, you will be given a list of services that may be better for you.
- Get program details and ask questions.
After this meeting, you can sign up for any Reprocess, Release sessions.
2. Attending Sessions
Each session is 1.5 hours and meets in-person at Kells Psychology in South Edmonton. Please come early – as the group starts promptly at the scheduled time. In the session, you will:
- Practice the calming exercise you learned in the phone meeting.
- Strengthen positive feelings and thoughts.
- Think about an upsetting experience while using side to side tapping and eye movements called bi-lateral stimulation. We call this “reprocessing”. It helps your brain make sense of the experience and lower distress.
- Be invited to share positive thoughts if you want to.
- End with activities that help you feel calm and balanced
You won’t be asked to share difficult experiences.
The group leader and supporting clinician will check on you during the session to make sure it’s going well for you.
Preparation for Your Session
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a water bottle
- Eat a light meal beforehand
- Plan for some downtime after the session
Good to Know
You might feel tired after EMDR reprocessing – this is normal because your brain is doing a lot of work! Take care of yourself after the group by:
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking enough water
- Eating good food
- Moving your body
- Relaxing
Program Staff
This program is led by Alyssa Ryan, a Registered Psychologist and Senior Professional with Kells Psychology. Your first phone meeting will be with either a student therapist or another Kells staff member, if no student therapist is available. During group sessions, there is a lead therapist and at least one other therapist who helps support participants. A Registered Psychologist or Provisional Registered Psychologist who is trained in EMDR therapy will always be present during group sessions.
Key Highlights
- Unique Format: The program is guided as a group, but you do your own individual work on your worksheet. You do not need to share anything with the group. Sharing or talking through difficult experiences is not part of the program. This allows a high degree of privacy for participants while giving them the cost savings of a group program.
- Cost Effective:
- Initial Phone session: $25
- Group sessions: $127.50 per session (can be billed to benefits, depending on a person’s coverage)
- Schedule: Last Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:00 PM
- Location: Kells Psychology (Please go to the front desk upon arrival)
- Appropriate for: Experiences that range from mildly stressful events to severe traumatic events
How to Register or Learn More
Email: main@kellspsychology.ca
Phone: 780-430-GROW (4769)