Your Halifax EMDR Intensive Week - What I Recommend to My Clients to Optimize the Healing Process
When a client travels to Halifax for an EMDR Intensive with me, I love providing them with suggestions of how to optimize the deep healing work in session outside of the retreat-like setting. Whether you're looking for ultimate peace and relaxation, or some adventure - the East Coast of Canada is so rich in tradition, culture and gorgeous oceanic views. What you do outside of the intensive days can really make a difference in nervous system regulation. My suggestions are completely optional, and whatever you feel you need to do is best. Here are some ideas of what I suggest to my own intensive clients.
Two wheels move the body, four wheels move the soul
As a trauma therapist who specializes in military veterans and first responders, many of my clients share my passion for motorcycles, or enjoy quads, side by sides and cars. Many people find riding helps them use their mindfulness skills as they feel at their most present.
There are many beautiful, twisty roads for moto enthusiasts to twist the throttle while taking in picturesque scenery. There are many quick rides that would only take an hour or a few hours from the office, such as the Lawrencetown Beach/Eastern Shore loop, Cow Bay & Eastern Passage Loop, and the iconic Peggy's Cove Road. There are also several day trips you can take such as an adventure to the Valley Look-off in Canning, the South Shore (Queensland beach to Liverpool), and of course, the epic Cabot Trail if you wanted to see the Fall colours or exquisite Summer sights. Many riders stop at the Fall River Tim Hortons or Masstown Market to socialize with others and to grab lunch and stretch.
If you're planning one of the longer rides while in Halifax, I would save it for before or after your intensive days as you most likely will be quite mentally tired after 4-5 hours of EMDR.
Relax, rest and recharge
Many folks find massage therapy or acupuncture to be beneficial in between intensive days. The Dartmouth Wellness Collective is only a 10 minute drive down the road and has some excellent practitioners - I recommend booking your services with them at the same time as booking your intensive days as they may be booked up. If you are really looking to go all out with the pampering you deserve, talk to me about spa package options as we have a partnership with a local Nordic Spa-style AirBnB. Clients enjoy doing the nordic circuit (hot tub, saunas and cold plunge) in between intensive days and find this experience to be really rejuvenating.
Eat local and fuel your body
Many folks travelling from out of province are so excited for local fresh seafood. We have so many fantastic local options close to the office. My top recommendations within 10-15 minutes of the office are: The Wooden Monkey, The Canteen and Evan's Seafood. If you don't mind travelling across the bridge to Halifax (or taking the scenic ferry) there are some fine dining experiences right on the waterfront - Water Polo and Drift are some personal favorites for a more upscale experience.
Energy boost
As someone who has worked in healthcare for over a decade, I love my coffee (in moderation) and many of my clients do too. We have the convenience of having Selby's Bunker Cafe upstairs where they make a mean iced mocha and light fare - my go to order is a breakfast bagel on jalopeno cheddar sub pesto mayo. If you'd like to explore some other local coffee shops within a 5-15 minute drive, my top spots are Krust Haus (just up the road), The Cottage Cafe (overlooking Lake Banook) and Two if By Sea (Downtown Dartmouth). If you are going to be in the area on the weekend, the Alderney Farmer's Market or the Halifax Seaport Market are also fun spots to peruse local vendors while sipping your favorite coffee or tea.
Move your body
Francine Shapiro PhD, the developer of EMDR was inspired to research eye movements during her iconic 1987 walk in the park. Many people find gentle movement like walking to be helpful in between their intensive days. There are some beautiful trails just a few minutes drive from the office. I highly recommend the Salt Marsh Trail which is a 6.5km long (13km return) trail with gorgeous oceanic views, grabbing a coffee at The Cottage Cafe and walking around Lake Banook, or doing the Eastern Passage Boardwalk which is right on the ocean. Shubie Park is a great walk through the woods and ideal for bird and people watching. All these trails are less than 15 minutes drive from my office.
Where to stay
If you're looking at an affordable place to stay, the property owner actually runs an AirBnB just above our office and I'd be happy to connect you with him to book. If you are booking a spa experience with me, I can also help coordinate your stay with the AirBnB hosts, and we typically do the intensive in the spacious common area of the Nordic Spa-style AirBnB.
Option | Distance from clinic | Best for | Notes |
Selby's Bunker AirBnB | Upstairs | Convenience, affordability and simple logistics | Cozy loft with the basics for a short stay and you can't beat how close it is. Less than 10 minute drive to Rainbow Haven Beach. |
Nordic Passage AirBnB | 10.5km ~ 10-15 minute drive | Ultimate relaxation and spa experience | Premium spa experience with fire pit and full kitchen; lots of rooms if you are bringing a support person or family with you. |
Delta Hotel Dartmouth | 11km ~ 15 minute drive | Close to Dartmouth Crossing Shops and many restaurant options | Hotel has a gym and serves Starbucks coffee inside |
Frequently asked Questions
How long much time should I book off for an EMDR Intensive?
This is all client dependent, and we can talk about it in collaboration with your ongoing providers and/or your support circle. My standard intensive package is 3 full days (15 hours total with breaks) so I often recommend taking the week off work if possible as folks find the process to be rewarding yet mentally and emotionally fatiguing. You want to have time after your intensive to process the experience and rushing back into an intense work environment is not ideal. Many clients like to have a full day with no therapy sessions to enjoy the spa or explore before flying home.
Where is the closest airport?
Halifax Stanfield International Airport is only a 20-25 minute drive from Following Seas Psychotherapy under normal traffic conditions. Many folks can fly direct from Montreal, Toronto, St. John's and even Chicago!
What should I pack for my EMDR intensive in Halifax, Nova Scotia?
The weather in Halifax is known for being unpredictable. It would be wise the pack layers, swimwear for the summer or if you are planning to go to the spa or pool, sunscreen (it does get hot in the summer months), beach towel, water bottle, a weather-resistant jacket, comfort items, comfy clothes (sweatpants are totally acceptable for your intensive days!), toiletries, slippers, and walking shoes.
If you are curious if an EMDR Intensive is the right fit for you, reach out to me and we can discuss: followingseas.janeapp.com
Sam Sarty is an experienced trauma therapist specializing in healthcare professionals (a therapist for therapists!), first responders and military veterans. She also provides trainings and consultation to other therapists who are learning how to integrate EMDR into their practice or advance their clinical skills. You can learn more about intensives with Sam here: www.followingseas.ca/emdrintensives
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