New Zealand's First Residential EMDR Intensive Programme

A breakthrough in trauma treatment—combining clinical excellence with immersive healing

At Turning Tides, we offer residential EMDR intensives that go beyond traditional weekly therapy. Led by Clinical Psychologists Stacey Lim and Ampara Bouwens, our programme combines cutting-edge trauma therapy with a nature-rich, integrative healing environment.

As New Zealand's first residential EMDR intensive programme, we bring the highly effective Dutch model to Aotearoa. Our tranquil Auckland locations provide the ideal setting for deep therapeutic work, supported by our status as approved ACC providers.

Who We Work With


Defence Force Personnel & Veterans

First Responders including police, paramedics, and firefighters

ACC Sensitive Claims Clients, through your lead provider

Private Clients seeking intensive trauma therapy

What is EMDR?


Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a clinically proven therapeutic intervention that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences.


  • EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or audio tones—to activate the brain's natural healing processes. This helps you process traumatic memories that may be "stuck" in your nervous system, reducing the emotional charge and allowing integration.

    Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require detailed discussions of every painful experience. Instead, it accesses the brain's information processing system directly, helping transform how traumatic memories are stored.


  • EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organisation, American Psychological Association and other leading health organisations as a first-line treatment for PTSD and trauma. Research shows it can bring significant relief in a shorter timeframe than many conventional therapies. Studies on EMDR intensives specifically show that more then 70% of participants experience complete resolution of PTSD diagnosis, with 85 % showing clinically meaningful improvement after intensive treatment formats.


Why Choose EMDR Intensives?

Faster Breakthroughs

Transform months of weekly sessions into days of deep, focused healing. Our intensive format allows continuous processing of multiple trauma memories in a supported environment.


Reduced Retraumatisation

Unlike weekly therapy, our intensive approach minimises the emotional toll of repeatedly opening and closing traumatic memories. You'll process experiences fully, with constant support throughout.


Immersive and Holistic Healing

Step away from daily stressors into a dedicated healing environment. Our residential setting combines therapy with movement, nature, and community support for comprehensive healing. You can bring support people to accompany you on your journey.


Evidence-Based Results

Our approach is backed by international research and results: 70% of participants no longer meet PTSD criteria after completing an intensive programme. We maintain ongoing collaboration with leading EMDR institutes worldwide.


Our Impact

Since bringing the innovative Dutch model of residential EMDR intensives to New Zealand, we've seen transformative results across diverse client groups:


30+

Individuals treated from diverse backgrounds


230+

EMDR sessions conducted in our intensive format


96%

Of participants report symptom reduction after completion


Get in Touch

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We look forward to hearing from you!