1
Please read these 2 documents and keep a copy for your records:
2
The below Intake Form Packet requires a PDF reader on your computer:
(Acrobat Reader or Apple Preview).
You can download the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
If you have difficulty filling out this form please call Pam
at 512-328-2563.
Instructions for filling out form:
- Please click the Intake Form Packet link below to open it in your browser.
- Then export/save the this PDF to your desktop.
- Then open this downloaded PDF in Acrobat Reader or Apple Preview.
- To fill out the form place cursor in light gray field and double click to start typing. After completing this form be sure to save, and with a copy of your driver’s license and insurance card, (if you are using insurance), email to:
forms@pamelagatescounseling.com
3
If I, Pamala Gates, request: The Release of Information Form (Below).
Download and follow the same instructions as the Intake Form Packet (above)
and email to:
forms@pamelagatescounseling.com
I look forward to meeting you and starting our work together!
Please call me at 512-328-2563 if you have questions.
What is EMDR?
Sober Austin
Breathing Mindfully
Allow your body to settle and relax. Let your attention come to rest at the place in your body where you can feel the sensations of your breath coming and going most easily. Maybe at the tip of your nose, at your chest or at your belly. For this exercise, no place is better than another. All are good. Rest your attention where it is easiest for you to feel the breath sensations coming and going. Notice the sensations of breathing . Pay attention to your breathing, nothing more. Don't force or push your breathing. Don't try to make it deeper or change its pattern.
As you practice letting the sensations of breath come and go, you may notice your mind wanders to other sensations, to sounds, or to thoughts or feelings. When this happens, you have not don't anything wrong. Be kind to yourself and be patient. Gently bring your awareness back to the breath whenever your attention wanders, telling yourself, "Return to the breath".
You may notice that your mind is busy with thoughts. That's OK. Buddhist meditators refer to it as the "monkey mind". Our thoughts can get very loud with much chatter and, like monkeys, our thoughts are just doing what they do. Notice them. Allow them to be as they are and gently let your attention open back to, and settle on, the breath sensations.
As you continue to practice, you will find that a sense of inner space and stillness deepens, opens and contains all you are experiencing including thoughts, feelings, sensations and sounds. Practice resting in that space. Let yourself abide here in this space, in the present moment. Do this as often as you like for as long as you like. End your practice by opening you eyes if they are closed and gently moving your body.
Sail Away
Sit comfortably, rest your eyes and connect with the breath.
Imagine that you are sitting comfortably at the edge of a small gently rolling stream. You have come to this place to acknowledge any fears and worries you are experiencing. Make a list of the fears and worries as they surface now.
Notice that around you there are fallen leaves from a nearby tree. Imagine each fear and worry being inscribed on a leaf and collect a pile of worry leaves. Pick the leaves up one by one and set them carefully on the surface of the water allowing the current to take them away. You are letting your fears and worries wash downstream, moving further and further away from you. Observe them until they are completely out of sight.
When you are ready, open your eyes, stretch and gently return to the present moment.
Source: Brantley, J. and Millstine, W. 2008. Daily Meditations For Calming Your Anxious Mind. Oakland,CA. New Harbinger Publications.
