The Clinical Framework

Individualised Clinical Care

Your therapeutic work at the Shoal Bay Intensive is undertaken with Sam Solly, a Clinical Psychologist and Accredited EMDR Practitioner. Sam works collaboratively and compassionately, with a strong emphasis on psychological safety, the therapeutic relationship, and individualised care.

The retreat is not based on a predetermined therapeutic formula. The focus of therapy will depend entirely on your circumstances and goals. For some, this involves working with traumatic experiences or distressing memories. For others, it involves patterns that have become difficult to shift, chronic anxiety, dissociation, overwhelm, relationship experiences, or a desire to develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy used in the treatment of trauma and a range of other difficulties associated with distressing experiences.

EMDR supports the processing of memories and experiences that continue to influence how a person feels, thinks, or responds in the present. The retreat provides dedicated time for EMDR therapy, while allowing vital space afterwards for rest, movement, and integration.

Importantly, EMDR is not about forcing yourself to revisit difficult experiences before you are ready. Therapy is carefully paced, and preparation, stabilisation, and resourcing are fundamental parts of the therapeutic process.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Where clinically appropriate, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) may be incorporated into your retreat.

SSP is a nervous-system-based auditory intervention developed from the Polyvagal Theory framework. It uses specially filtered music to support biological regulation and cultivate a greater sense of safety and connection. SSP is individually tailored and is used alongside psychological therapy as part of a broader, holistic approach to supporting your nervous system.