Frequently Asked Questions

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EMDR therapy is a research-proven form of therapy that has helped million around the world. It stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.” It is several decades old, and now has dozens of controlled studies proving its effectiveness. While talk therapy can be helpful, EMDR takes therapy to a deeper level, healing trauma and old insecurities at their source by tapping into the brain’s natural ability to heal. It is an 8-phase, comprehensive process that addressing past, present, and future. 

Are you experiencing high stress, anger, irritability, hopelessness, lack of motivation, or avoidance? Do you have any painful memories that you avoid thinking about? Do you have any old insecurities that continue to spin in your head or bring you down? Are you irritable with your wife or kids, or find yourself being oversensitive? Have you experienced anything traumatic that you haven’t fully processed? If you answered “yes” to any of these things there’s a good chance EMDR can help you. It gets at the root cause of all these issues, by reprocessing dysfunctionally stored memories that, when triggered, spill into your present. Often, Mark’s clients begin therapy because they feel anxious, stressed, angry, or depressed. Often, they’re struggling with addictions or bad habits that are catching up with them. Whatever your issue, if it involves emotional regulation or the quality of your relationships EMDR could probably help. 

No. Although people can get tripped up by the eye movements component of EMDR, it is not hypnosis, and you are fully conscious and in-control for the entire process. EMDR has been around for over 3 decades, has helped over 7 million people, and has been validated by over 3 dozen controlled studies. It is even endorsed by organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization. 

No. Mark is private pay only. If you need to use your insurance, you'll need to search for another therapist.

In-Person 3-Day EMDR Intensive is = $3,950.00 (includes 12 hours of EMDR therapy spread between 3 days)

In-Person 3-Day EMDR Personal Wellness Retreat = $4,950 (Includes 12 hours of EMDR therapy, 4 hours of Certified Wellness Coaching, Spa Treatment, and Gift Basket)

Online 3-Day EMDR Intensive is = $3,950.00 (includes 12 hours of EMDR therapy spread between 3 days)

Online Virtual EMDR Wellness Retreat - $4,600 (includes 12 hours of EMDR therapy and 4 hours of Certified Wellness Coaching)

Rather spread out your sessions? Standard, 55-minute sessions are available at $500/intake and $400/hour after. 

*Mark's rates are on the upper end of what therapists charge because of his unique combination of education, experience, and credentials. The clients that make the commitment to work with Mark find it well worth the price, and for this reason his availability is limited. If your budget doesn’t allow you to see Mark, a web search will help you find other EMDR therapist near you.

EMDR is research-proven, and has helped millions of people around the world. While it’s famous for curing PTSD, it is also effective for a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, relationship problems, stress management, and more. Mark Odland will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals. It is a focused therapy that gets to the  source of issues so they don’t resurface down the road.

If you want EMDR therapy, you should be mentally committed to at least 12 sessions to give you the best chance of success. This is why Mark Odland structures his intensives for 4 hours of EMDR per day for 3 days. For clients that choose to do regular, weekly sessions with Mark (1-hour appointments), they typically work with him for 3-6 months. Of course, every person’s situation is different. While EMDR requires more than a few sessions, its not the kind of therapy you’ll be in for years on end unless you have significant complex trauma and dissociation. 

Other than filling out your paperwork ahead of time, there’s not preparation for EMDR. Mark will guide you through the process using research-proven methods. There’s also no homework between sessions. 

Duluth, Minnesota is a harbor town on Lake Superior, and is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Twin Cities metro area. Many will choose to fly into the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and then drive to Duluth for their intensive. For a greater price, one may be able to fly directly into Duluth’s much smaller airport.

Lodging is up to you and is not included in the cost of the intensive or wellness retreat. This allows you to personalize your experience to your unique preferences. Duluth has plenty of hotels to choose from, as well as additional options through websites like AIRBNB and VRBO. You could choose a standard hotel with amenities, rent a condo on majestic Lake Superior, or a log cabin in the woods! If you’re hoping to stay within walking distance of Mark’s office, you’ll want to find a hotel in the downtown area. Mark’s office is located on  the 5th floor of the Technology Village Building at 11 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802.

Duluth, MN is famous for its outdoor adventures and its beautiful views of Lake Superior. In beautiful Canal Park you can walk by the lake, shop at one of the many gift stores, or enjoy one of the fine restaurants or craft breweries. You may even see one of the big ships enter the harbor after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Across the iconic lift bridge where the ships come in, there’s actually a 7 mile-long island with a sand beach! For a city of only 80,000, it’s bustling with high quality arts, entertainment and fine dining. Of course, it is Northern Minnesota. So in late fall or winter you’ll want to pack appropriate clothing. If you enjoy being active, there are downhill ski resorts, cross country skiing trails, and of course, there’s always cozying up to the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate.

The biggest “side effect” of EMDR is a calmer nervous system... a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and perspective. The “D” in EMDR stands for “desensitization.” This means the process eventually calms painful memories and insecurities down permanently. However, the path to get there can involve re-experiencing disturbing emotions, images, thoughts, and body sensations connected to the original trauma. However, Mark is an expert in making sure that this doesn’t become too intense for you, and will guide you through the process in a way that feels safe and controlled. Unlike hypnosis, with EMDR you are 100% fully conscious and in-control the entire time, and you can stop at any point. After an EMDR reprocessing session, some clients simply feel calmer. Others will feel very tired, and may have related thoughts, feelings, or dreams for a day or two after. This is because the brain is organically continuing to heal and make connections after the session ends. While there’s no homework between sessions, clients are given the optional task of recording any of these things in a journal and are invited to practice their calming strategies if needed.