Intensives
“Hope dies last.”
—François de La Rochefoucauld, French author
An hour a week of therapy may not be sufficient to reverse what could be decades of emotional pain. If you wish to expedite the process, I invite you to consider participating in intensives. I offer online Brainspotting intensives, and I advocate for in-person intensives with other providers.
I have either collaborated professionally with, or participated in, intensive programs at the following sites and had positive experiences. I earn no commission in making these referrals and cannot guarantee that your experience will be positive:
Experiential Healing Center Memphis, TN 🔗
My No.1 recommendation for therapeutic intensives in North America, EHC Memphis offers a comprehensive range of programs that include individual and group somatic therapy, equine therapy, trauma intensives, and couples’ workshops. Gavin is trained in SomEx, which EHC Memphis founders Michelle Rappaport and Kent Fisher developed. Similar to the more widely known Somatic Experiencing, it is more concerned with attachment trauma. It is progressive, incorporating the latest research and theories such as Neuroception and Emergence.
Hazel House Holistic Healing, TN 🔗
Dr. Lindsay Vaughn and her team offer trauma-informed, residential intensives that comprise somatic therapy and experiential group activities. They are among the best value in the country.
Kathy is one of the most experienced somatic psychotherapists in North America. She offers 3+ day intensives in Sherwood, OR for individuals and couples.
Pia Mellody, who was a pioneer in the treatment of codependence and love addiction, was clinical director of The Meadows and her influence is still keenly felt across its various 5-day residential intensives. The Meadows also offers inpatient treatment for a range of addictions as well as eating disorders, and can help with insurance reimbursement.
Awakened Roots, MN (and online) 🔗
One of the country’s leading Brainspotting trainers, Mariya Javed-Payne offers 2-5 hour trauma healing intensives. Awakened Roots is a holistic practice and also offers Ketamine assisted psychotherapy, breathwork, and Craniosacral therapy.
Cherie Lindberg, WI (and online) 🔗
Cherie is a leading Brainspotting trainer and coach who works directly with its founder David Grand. She offers Brainspotting intensives, both in-person and online, that are designed to effect transformational growth, including ancestral healing.
Vipassana Meditation, multiple locations globally 🔗
10-day silent meditation retreats, known as introductory courses, are offered throughout the world, with 14 centers across the United States, including in Onalaska, a two hour drive from Seattle. The courses, which fill up quickly, are complimentary, with a donation encouraged if you have a positive experience. The meditation that is practiced here focuses on both breathing and full body scans. Accommodation may be shared.
A favorite of mine, I have attended multiple courses at this center, about 70 minutes from Chiang Mai. The center, which is complimentary (donations are invited at the end of the course), welcomes visitors from around the world for stays of no less than seven days. Their “basic course” lasts 21 days. The type of meditation that they teach involves both walking and sitting meditation. “Noble silence” is observed, except for when meeting with your teacher, and all students are given private rooms.
The Phuket Meditation Center, Thailand 🔗
Tobi Warzinek has decades of experience as a meditation student and teacher and offers 5-day meditation courses on the beautiful island of Phuket, Thailand. Connected to nature, these courses are a gentler entry into the world of meditation retreats than the above-mentioned Vipassana courses, with participants staying in hotels and silence being optional.
I do not have first-hand experience of the following facilities and have heard encouraging reports:
The Bridge to Recovery, KY 🔗
Onsite, TN 🔗
The Ranch, TN 🔗