Treatment
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction.
EMDR therapy is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the American Psychiatric and Psychological associations, and in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
overview
Complete privacy. Complete care.
Located within our 13-hectare private estate, La Casita is a secluded two-bedroom residence with its own entrance and gardens. It provides an unparalleled environment for clients who need total anonymity, personalised care, and the reassurance of 24-hour on-site medical support.
Set in northern Ibiza, far from the island’s party scene, La Casita’s tranquil surroundings and natural beauty seep into every part of the recovery journey.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy is a structured approach to psychotherapy that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and bilateral stimulation to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on verbal processing, EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones, to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories.
If an individual suffers a shocking or harrowing event, it can make them feel stunned and emotionally paralysed, with their brain unable to completely process the situation. This can mean they are stuck with a powerful, disturbing memory that they can’t move on from, sometimes experiencing flashbacks or nightmares. Any later recall of the event is with the full impact of when it occurred, meaning they repeatedly relive all the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that went with it.
EMDR aims to help the brain process the memory properly, so it is no longer so extreme. By asking the person to recall the event whilst engaging in a form of bilateral stimulation, moving their eyes side to side or listening to sounds in alternate ears, it seems to unstick the memory and enable the individual to process it normally.
What is EMDR used to treat?
After extensive research, EMDR therapy is recognised as an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, in the late 1980’s, as a therapy method for sufferers of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In more recent years it has been proved successful in the treatment of chronic pain, and those struggling with addiction and other mental health conditions.
How does EMDR work?
Other forms of therapy work on adjusting the emotions and behaviours caused by painful experiences, EMDR targets the specific memory to alter the way it is stored in the brain.
EMDR consists of eight phases; history, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure, and evaluation; and happens over a succession of 60-90-minute sessions.
These steps typically include:
What’s included
A carefully composed programme of care and comfort
From the moment you arrive, you are met by our expert clinical team for a full physical and psychiatric evaluation. Together, we design a tailored programme of care to address both the immediate challenges and the deeper emotional or psychological issues underlying them.
Dedicated care team
A personal team of medical staff available around the clock to provide constant support and reassurance.
Comprehensive health screening
Full assessments including blood work, personalised nutrition planning, and a tailored fitness programme.
Specialised therapies
One-to-one counselling, EMDR, equine-assisted therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), selected according to individual needs.
Complementary practices
Restorative activities such as yoga, Pilates, mindfulness, massage, and spa services to support overall wellbeing.
Nutritional excellence
Time to relax and reflect within our 13-hectare private grounds, surrounded by orchards, gardens, and Mediterranean tranquillity.
Total discretion
The choice to receive therapies privately within La Casita, or to join the intimate community of up to 12 residents in the main house.
Every element of your programme is designed around you —flexible, private, and adaptive to your individual needs.
Clinical
Alternative
Physical
Our approach
How Ibiza Calm will help!
Whilst EMDR therapy is considered safe, it can lead to heightened awareness following a session, which can cause some unsteadiness and intensely vivid dreams. Sessions need to be facilitated by properly qualified and licensed practitioners. They can help the individual properly manage any triggers that are unlocked during sessions and correctly process the emotions and feelings that are exposed.
Here at Ibiza Calm, we use EMDR alongside other treatments, including individual and group therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and equine-facilitated treatment, to help our clients struggling with addiction, compulsive disorders, and mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Overseeing all the therapeutic care at the rehabilitation clinic is our Medical Director, Dr Manuel Rodriguez. He is qualified in several models of psychotherapy, including relational psychoanalysis, strategic therapy, psychodrama and EMDR.
One-to-One Therapy
Different types of therapy used at the treatment centre
There are over 50 types of therapeutic approaches available; some will work better for specific conditions, whilst others can help with a broad range of issues.
Here are a few examples of the methodologies used at the treatment centre by our highly experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists. Each method is tailored to address specific issues and preferences.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Psychodynamic therapy
Explores how past experiences and unconscious emotions influence current thoughts and behaviours, aiming for deep self-awareness and insight.
Logotherapy
A form of counselling which focuses on finding meaning, recognising a positive life purpose, life values, and clear goals. Guiding the client towards identifying these within themselves.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Targets relationship issues and interpersonal conflicts to improve communication skills and enhance social support networks.
Person-centred therapy
Also known as client-centred counselling, is a humanistic method that focuses on how individuals knowingly perceive themselves, rather than how a counsellor interprets their unconscious thoughts and actions. It focuses on the individual’s natural self-healing process.
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
Integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive-behavioural strategies to help individuals manage intense emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Gestalt therapy
A psychotherapeutic approach that emphasises personal responsibility, awareness of the present moment, and the integration of mind and body. Helping clients to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past experiences, or worrying about the future.
Motivational interviewing
Employs a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to address ambivalence and enhance motivation for change, particularly in addiction treatment.
EASY STEPS TO IBIZA CALM
Admission process
step 1
Phone call
A family member or a patient calls, we will explain the time frame, suitability, our costs, and answer any other questions.
step 2
Admission assessment
An initial telephone assessment with the client.
step 3
Set a date
We give each client a date for admission and everyone is greeted by our clinical team on arrival.
You’re not alone on this journey.
The path to recovery starts with a small first step.