Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EMbody Trauma Recovery Program?

The EMbody Trauma Recovery Program is a three-month, trauma-focused program that combines EMDR therapy and yoga therapy in a coordinated, one-on-one format. It is designed for people who need more structure than weekly therapy but do not need the intensity of an IOP. The program helps clients process trauma safely while learning body-based tools for self-regulation, emotional balance, and daily stability.

How is this different from regular weekly therapy?

Weekly therapy often focuses on talking through experiences, building insight, and changing behaviors or thought patterns, as in CBT. The EMbody Trauma Recovery Program takes a different approach.

Many people already understand their behaviors and even know where they come from. They may be able to explain their trauma and recognize the patterns it created, yet still feel anxious, disconnected, or reactive. Insight alone doesn’t always change the body’s response. The goal of the program is to help you regain a sense of control and agency over behaviors and reactions you may or may not fully understand.

EMbody focuses on healing the nervous system and brain patterns that drive these reactions at a deeper level. The brain naturally knows how to process experiences, but trauma can disrupt that process, leaving memories or sensations unresolved. Clients work with both the body and mind to resolve unprocessed memories and restore a felt sense of safety. As the nervous system begins to regulate, behaviors often shift naturally, without needing to force change or rely on willpower. Together, EMDR and yoga therapy help restore the brain and body’s natural ability to process and integrate those experiences as they were meant to.

How is this different from an IOP?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) often involves several hours of group sessions each day. EMbody is individualized and private, with two to three focused sessions per week, either via telehealth or in-person, or a combination of the two. It offers a level of structure and accountability similar to IOP, but with the flexibility and personal attention of one-on-one care.

What does a typical week in the program look like?

Most clients meet twice each week: one EMDR session lasting 90 to 120 minutes and one yoga therapy session lasting 60 minutes. Each week builds on the last, beginning with stabilization and preparation, then moving into trauma processing and integration. You will also have short home practices to reinforce what you learn.

How long does the program last?

The active phase lasts three months, with a fourth month available for make-up or follow-up sessions if needed.

How many hours per week should I expect to commit?

Plan for about 3 to 4 hours per week, which includes both sessions and brief daily home practices.

Is this a group program or one-on-one?

All sessions are one-on-one. This allows your care team to tailor every part of the program to your needs, comfort level, and progress.

Who leads the sessions?

You will work with two licensed and certified professionals: an EMDR clinician from the Held Center for Healing and a yoga therapist from Yoga Therapy Associates. They communicate weekly to ensure your care is fully integrated.

Where are the sessions held?

Our program is designed to be as flexible as possible. We offer virtual options, in-person options, and hybrid options.

In-person yoga therapy sessions are available in Watertown and Madison, CT. In-person EMDR sessions are held in Madison or Farmington, CT only.

Some clients like to start in person to get a feel for their providers and the space, then continue by telehealth for convenience. Others prefer to come in person throughout, and some prefer virtual sessions for the entirety of the program. The format is flexible and can be shaped around your needs and schedule.

Do you offer virtual or in-person options?

Yes. Clients can do any combination of in-person and telehealth sessions. Yoga therapy can be offered virtually to anyone, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection and a private space to meet. EMDR sessions are also available by telehealth, but only to clients who live in Connecticut due to clinician licensing laws.

When are the sessions held?

Sessions are offered Monday through Friday during regular business hours EST, with occasional evening appointments available in special circumstances.

Many clients find it easy to fit the program into their schedule. Some receive care virtually from their workplace, guidance office, or another private setting during a lunch break or free period. Your care team will work with you to find times that feel realistic and supportive for your routine.

What types of therapy are included in the program?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Yoga Therapy. Optional adjuncts may include integrative care coordination, trauma-sensitive group support, or other wraparound services.

What is yoga therapy?

Yoga Therapy offers a unique, evidence-based approach to healing that supports both mental and physical health. Yoga therapists teach clients a range of practices including movement, breathing, chanting, affirmations, and meditation. These techniques are clinically supported and tailored to reduce suffering, restore balance, and build resilience. The yoga therapy process begins with an in-depth assessment where the yoga therapist learns about your health history, concerns, and goals. Based on this information, your therapist creates a personalized plan using yoga-based techniques that address your specific needs. During each session, you’ll practice with your therapist’s guidance, who checks in throughout to ensure comfort and safety. Practices are always adapted for your abilities and current condition. Between sessions, you’ll receive an individualized home practice plan to continue the benefits of therapy in your daily life. These home practices are usually brief, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes per day, and are prescribed at specific times to support real-life moments, such as easing morning anxiety, improving focus before work, or unwinding before sleep. Your yoga therapist will help you find the best times to practice and make sure each sequence fits naturally into your day. Through this steady, personalized practice, yoga therapy helps retrain the nervous system after trauma. The work teaches the body and brain to recognize safety again, easing the overactive stress response that keeps many trauma survivors in fight, flight, or freeze. As the nervous system begins to regulate, clients often notice more steadiness, emotional balance, and a renewed sense of connection to themselves.

What is EMDR and what does it stand for?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapy that helps the brain heal from the root causes of distress rather than only managing symptoms in the present. Many people find that even after years of therapy or self-awareness, certain reactions such as panic, shame, or shutting down keep repeating. EMDR helps identify and resolve the unprocessed memories that drive those reactions. During a session, your therapist guides you to bring a difficult memory or belief to mind while using eye movements, tapping, or sound to engage both sides of the brain. This process activates the brain’s natural ability to reprocess old experiences so they can be stored as past events, not current threats. Instead of just learning to cope, EMDR helps the nervous system and mind recognize that what once felt dangerous is now over. As the brain completes this unfinished processing, long-standing coping patterns such as overachieving, emotional numbing, perfectionism, conflict avoidance, or using substances or social media to escape often begin to ease on their own. Many people describe it as a quiet shift that happens without forcing change or relying on willpower, as the body and mind finally agree that it is safe to live differently.

Can EMDR be done virtually?

Yes. EMDR can be done online and it works well for many people. Your therapist follows the same EMDR steps as an in-person session, just adapted for video. For example, you might:

• follow their fingers or a light bar on the screen
• listen to alternating tones in your headphones
• do self-tapping that the therapist guides you through

You only need a private space, a device with video, and a stable internet connection. Many clients like virtual EMDR because they can do it from a place where they already feel safe. If virtual EMDR is not the best option for you, in-person sessions are available.

What if I get eye strain doing EMDR?

That is not a problem. Eye movements are only one way to do EMDR. If your eyes get tired or uncomfortable, your therapist can switch to another form of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping on your legs or arms, using a handheld object, alternating tones in headphones, or simple movements you can do without tracking the screen. You will never be asked to push through discomfort. There are many options, and your therapist will help you choose the one that feels easiest and most comfortable for your body.

How are yoga therapy and EMDR integrated?

In the EMbody Trauma Recovery Program, yoga therapy and EMDR work together as coordinated care. Research shows that trauma is held in the body, which means lasting recovery requires body-based work to fully heal. EMDR helps the brain reprocess unhealed memories, while yoga therapy supports both the body and mind in rebuilding a sense of safety, agency, and inner connection. Yoga therapy sessions are interwoven throughout EMDR treatment to help clients stay grounded during trauma memory processing and manage any new sensations, emotions, or thoughts that arise between sessions. Through guided movement, breathwork, and mindful awareness, yoga therapy helps retrain the nervous system to recognize calm as its natural state. It is a body-centered way of teaching the brain how to feel safe again. Because clinicians collaborate closely, coping skills developed in yoga therapy such as grounding through the feet, lengthening the exhale, or using a simple body-based anchor can be incorporated directly into EMDR sessions. This shared framework allows EMDR to be adapted to each client’s comfort level and nervous system needs, creating a trauma processing experience that feels both safe and empowering. Together, these two approaches create a complete healing framework. EMDR resolves the roots of traumatic memories, and yoga therapy builds the stability, self-regulation skills, and nervous system resilience that make that work possible.

Do I need previous experience with yoga to participate?

No. The yoga therapy in this program is designed for beginners and customized for each person’s comfort, abilities, and energy level. Every technique can be done sitting, standing, or lying down, with no prior yoga experience needed.

What if I’m not flexible enough to do yoga?

Flexibility is not required. Yoga therapy focuses on breath, awareness, and nervous system regulation, not on physical performance. Your therapist will adapt every practice so it feels accessible and safe in your body. Yoga therapy is not limited to postures and movement. Your yoga therapist will work with you to determine what yoga practices will be most effective for you. These practices include breathwork, meditation, philosophy, and lifestyle change.

Is EMDR safe for someone who has never done trauma therapy before?

Yes, if readiness is established. Each client completes an onboarding process and stabilization phase before EMDR begins. You will have grounding and self-regulation tools in place so you can move through the process safely.

How do you make sure this program is trauma-informed?

Every aspect of the program is designed with trauma sensitivity in mind. Sessions emphasize safety, pacing, and choice. Clinicians coordinate weekly to ensure each client’s experience is supportive, empowering, and appropriate for their nervous system.

What kinds of issues or diagnoses is this program designed for?

The EMbody Trauma Recovery Program is designed for people recovering from trauma-related conditions, including PTSD, C-PTSD and complex trauma, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. It also supports early recovery from depression, eating disorders, and those engaged in substance use recovery for at least six months when trauma is a contributing factor.

Are there people for whom this program would not be a good fit?

This program is not appropriate for individuals in active crisis, those with active psychosis, severe dissociation, those new to addiction recovery within the last six months, those who are medically unstable, and those diagnosed with schizophrenia. Participants must have the ability to attend scheduled appointments and access to outside support such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or trusted person if needed.

What if I get triggered during a session?

Getting triggered is a normal and often unavoidable part of trauma recovery. Triggers are not setbacks. They are information. They show us where the nervous system still needs support and they offer opportunities to practice the skills you are learning. If you become triggered during a session, your care team will help you understand what is happening and guide you in learning from the experience with compassion and support. You are never forced to continue, and you can always pause or end the session if you need to. If that happens, we’ll be here and ready to begin again next time. Feedback is an ongoing part of the process. Together we adjust the pacing and approach so the work fits your learning style, comfort level, and tolerance for present moment awareness. For some people, stillness or body awareness can feel challenging at first, so we might begin with just a few seconds of stillness or shift attention to something outside the body instead. You never need to feel embarrassed or stuck if you become uncomfortable. There’s always another way forward. These moments are expected, supported, and part of how healing unfolds. Program participation continues as scheduled, even if a session ends early, since consistent engagement is part of the therapeutic process.

How is progress measured?

Progress is monitored through regular check-ins, self-report measures, and shared goal tracking between your EMDR clinician and yoga therapist. You will review changes in symptoms, functioning, and overall regulation throughout the program.

Is this program effective?

Yes. EMDR and yoga therapy are both evidence-based approaches for trauma recovery and nervous system regulation. The integration of the two has been shown to improve emotional stability, sleep, focus, and resilience, with many clients reporting lasting change.

What happens after I finish the program?

You will complete a final session to review progress, receive a personalized self-regulation plan, and discuss next steps for ongoing care. Some clients continue with yoga therapy or transition to talk therapy, while others join optional alumni or maintenance sessions for continued support.

Who is eligible to join this program?

Adults and young adults 18+ who are struggling with trauma-related symptoms and want a structured path toward recovery. You do not need to feel fully stable or functioning to begin. Many participants start the program while feeling dysregulated, overwhelmed, or unable to manage daily routines consistently. What matters most is that you have enough support to participate safely and are open to engaging in the process with guidance from your care team. Clients must be able to engage in virtual EMDR sessions from a Connecticut location. This program is not a good fit for people with the following criteria:

• Diagnosis of Schizophrenia, unmanaged Dissociative Identity Disorder, or unmanaged Bipolar Disorder
• Suicide attempt within the last 12 months
• Medically critical advanced stages of eating disorders
• Less than 6 months since beginning addiction recovery for the first time

Do I need a referral from a clinician?

No. You can apply directly without a referral. However, referrals from therapists, psychiatrists, or IOP programs are always welcome and help us coordinate care.

Can parents enroll their young adult children directly?

Parents may reach out to begin the conversation, but each participant completes their own intake and consent process to ensure readiness and autonomy in care.

What age range do you work with?

This program is designed for adults and young adults ages 18 and older.

Do you accept clients who are currently in another therapy program?

Yes, if the care is coordinated. Some clients begin EMbody while stepping down from IOP, while others continue seeing their existing therapist or psychiatrist during the program. Our team communicates with other providers as needed to maintain continuity and safety.

What if I have already completed one or more IOPs?

This program was designed exactly for that. EMbody is often the next step for people who have completed IOP or another intensive program and are ready to continue healing with more individualized support.

Can someone with co-occurring conditions join the program?

Yes. Many participants have co-occurring substance use and mental health diagnoses. Many participants also experience anxiety, depression, or physical health conditions related to trauma. These conditions do not need to be resolved to participate. In yoga therapy, we specialize in helping clients manage complex health issues and can coordinate with your medical or mental health providers to ensure care feels cohesive and supportive.

Can someone with chronic health conditions join the program?

Yes. Our yoga therapists are trained to adapt practices for complex health histories. Yoga therapy is well-suited for people with autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, mobility issues, and neurological conditions.

Do I need a support system in place before enrolling?

Yes. Every participant should have at least one form of support outside the program, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or trusted person in their life.

What level of functioning do I need to have to qualify?

You should be able to manage basic daily responsibilities and maintain safety between sessions. The program is not intended for individuals in active crisis or those requiring daily supervision or stabilization. We do not provide on-call services.

How motivated do I need to be to succeed in the program?

You do not need to feel fully ready or confident to begin. It is normal to feel hesitant about parts of the process, especially when starting trauma-focused work. What matters most is a willingness to try and a desire to feel better. There are no requirements for what your participation has to look like. Some clients engage more through conversation and reflection, while others connect best through body-based or mindfulness practices. Some never do physical postures and instead focus on affirmations or breathing. Others feel uncomfortable with breathwork and find body scans more helpful. The common thread is the desire to engage in some way and the hope of finding relief and steadiness over time. Motivation often grows naturally as clients begin to experience change and feel more at ease within themselves.

How much does the program cost?

The EMbody Trauma Recovery Program begins with a $450 onboarding process. This includes a full health history review, a 90-minute yoga therapy consultation with an initial home practice plan, a 90-minute EMDR onboarding session, and a scheduling consultation where your personalized three-month program calendar is created. Within 48 hours you receive a complete treatment plan so you can review, approve, and reserve your schedule.

Once you accept your plan, the program fee is $6,500 for the full 12-week program. This covers all EMDR and yoga therapy sessions, personalized home practice plans, weekly care coordination between providers, progress monitoring, and a customized plan to maintain gains after the program ends.

Payment in full is required within 48 hours of receiving your finalized schedule.
Communication with outside providers, written reports, or coordinated meetings may be billed separately if a higher level of coordination is required.

Is insurance accepted?

The program is not billed through insurance because it combines two types of care that fall under different codes and regulations. This also provides your providers with the most flexibility for providing care.

We accept credit and debit cards as payment.

You may be able to use HSA or FSA funds to cover the cost of the program.

Do you offer payment plans, and are scholarships or financial aid available?

At this time, we do not offer extended payment plans. The program begins with a $450 onboarding process, which allows you to work directly with both of your providers for 90 minutes each before deciding whether to enroll. After onboarding, you receive a full treatment plan and personalized schedule to review. If you choose to continue, the remaining program fee of $6,500 is due in full within 48 hours to reserve your schedule. We accept all major credit cards and HSA cards.

The EMbody program provides a highly customized level of care, with weekly provider collaboration and a treatment plan designed specifically for you. While this is a private-pay program, we are proud to offer a high level of individualized, one-on-one care that is competitive with other boutique recovery and integrative treatment programs.

We understand this may be a barrier for some clients, and we are working toward needs-based financial options in the future.

What technology is required for virtual participation?

For telehealth sessions, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, a private space where you won’t be interrupted, and a device with video and audio capability such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. Headphones can help increase privacy and focus during sessions.

Can I still work or go to school while in the program?

Yes. Many participants continue their work or school routines while completing the program. Sessions are scheduled flexibly, and many clients meet during lunch breaks or between classes. Home practices are short and designed to fit easily into daily life.

How flexible is the schedule?

The program offers flexibility within structure. Appointments are typically held three times per week, depending on your needs, and your team will coordinate scheduling with you. Some evening hours may be available when needed.

Your full three-month schedule will be set during your onboarding process so you can add all appointments to your calendar in advance. Every effort will be made to select days and times that fit your life and routine. While a commitment to show up and engage in the work is a key part of the program, we also understand that life happens. The program includes detailed rescheduling policies designed to balance flexibility with accountability and support.

Can I pause or restart if something comes up?

In some cases, clients may pause and resume their program as long as all sessions are completed within four months of the start date. This policy helps us maintain the high level of service and attention we dedicate to each participant while keeping space available for those currently under our care. Details about program attendance are outlined in our policies.

What happens if I miss a session?

Consistent attendance is essential for progress, so all sessions are scheduled at the start of the program to keep treatment on track. You may reschedule up to four sessions total during the 12-week period. All sessions must be completed within 14 weeks of your first appointment, and rescheduled sessions may need to occur at a different time, day, or format depending on availability.

Missing more than four sessions (about 10 percent of the program) can disrupt your clinical progress and may result in dismissal from the program. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the session is considered a no-show. One no-show will lead to a supportive check-in and a plan to prevent future absences. Two no-shows result in dismissal from the program without refund, as consistent engagement is key to healing.

How do I start the enrollment process?

You can start by completing an interest form on our website or by contacting us directly where we will schedule a 20 minute introductory call. This step helps make sure the program is clinically appropriate before you pay anything. If it does not appear to be a good fit, we will provide referral options for other services or levels of care.

If the screening suggests the program may be appropriate, you will be invited to begin the $450 onboarding process. Onboarding includes a 90-minute yoga therapy consultation and a 90-minute EMDR onboarding session, giving you the chance to meet and work with both providers before deciding to enroll. Within 48 hours, you will receive a personalized treatment plan and 12-week schedule to review. If you choose to move forward, payment is submitted and your schedule is reserved so you can begin right away.