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Revive your Spirit

A powerful and effective treatment for trauma and stress, designed because we can’t outthink or outtalk our experiences—so instead, we process and shift states to heal.

Embrace your journey to resilience

Shift Change provides a sanctuary when you’re drowning under the weight of stress. Our approach is accessible, anonymous and scientifically proven to release conscious and unconscious experiences that negatively impact our daily lives.

Once we understand how stress is stored in the mind and body, we realize we can’t out-talk or ignore it.

Find your calm waters and regain clarity.

The Assyst is a 1-hour online session where only the therapist can see you. During the session, you'll be guided to process and release stressful or traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, our approach allows your brain to process stress and trauma without the need to talk or revisit painful memories.

Experience the benefits after a single session.

We welcome you to try a free session to discover how EMDR therapy can help you navigate life’s challenges.

The Assyst Protocol significantly reduces the risk of long-term psychological distress when applied within 90 days of a traumatic event.

For Individuals

Our specialized support caters directly to the challenges faced by your high-stress roles. For those that prefer a discrete approach to mental health support, our anonymous group sessions allow you to stabilize and heal without concern for exposure.

For Organizations

Cultivate a workplace where mental health is prioritized as a critical aspect of overall wellbeing. Our evidence-based approach has been proven to help prevent burnout, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall productivity and morale by ensuring your teams can leave their stress at work and return home rejuvenated.

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Gentle, Effective Relief

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a science-backed therapeutic approach that helps your brain and body process and release stress, trauma, and emotional pain. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to relive or analyze difficult memories in detail. Instead, it uses gentle, bilateral stimulation (like light, sound, or tapping) to activate your brain’s natural ability to heal.

The Assyst Protocol: Impactful EMDR group therapy backed by neuroscience and endorsed by the World Health Organization.

Kara Kalin

founder of Shift Change

Recognized thought leader and compassionate advocate in the field of mental health.

Drawing from her experience as a national-level athlete and coach for the Canadian National Team, Kara has a unique perspective on resilience under pressure. Her transition into mental health as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified EMDR Therapist was inspired by her firsthand understanding of stress and its profound impact on individuals in high-pressure environments.

Kara’s dedication to supporting those navigating life’s toughest challenges—whether on the front lines of care or in the everyday struggles we all face—has positioned her as a trusted voice in trauma recovery and resilience building. Through Shift Change, she combines cutting-edge therapeutic practices with deep empathy, creating a safe space for healing and personal growth.

KaraKalin.com

200

Participants

25

Assyst Sessions

10

Organizations Served

10

Programs Facilitated

Words from the Community

  • As a therapist, I frequently encounter vicarious trauma. Despite years of effort to manage this, it continues to affect me deeply. Kara’s vision for group EMDR to support those with trauma exposure is a fantastic initiative, providing regular access to essential self-care. Experiencing EMDR firsthand, having only been trained in it before, was eye-opening. The rapid shifts in my body through this process were truly remarkable.

  • Loved the experience today, it really is amazing how quickly EMDR can elicit changes in the body and to be able to do this process in a group setting allowing multiple people to have an opportunity of change is truly amazing.

  • Experiencing the ASSYST protocol firsthand was really helpful. I noticed a reduced emotional reaction to my experience and felt more regulated. The first session eased the intensity, and I believe a second session will bring even more regulation.

  • I had been recovering from the aftermath of post-exam burnout, and Kara provided me with a space where I could reconnect with my body and listen to what it really needed. Even though we were in a group setting, it was anonymous, confidential, and I felt safe to explore my stress and emotions. At the end of the session I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on the rest of my week.

  • I'm so thankful for the opportunity to heal with you. I would have simply "moved on" from this T and ultimately I know that would not have worked. Change isn't easy so thinking that I would NEED to heal or face a situation head on while tapping my body is foreign. Now, after feeling the positive side effects I'm excited for more!

  • I have never experienced something like this before. My body is usually held tightly in control. It is powerful and simple. The connection between mind and body has always been more of a theory for me, a well understood theory but not really felt - and this session was the first time I experienced how my thoughts shifted without my willing them to, and without feeling strained. It happened with ease and spontaneously. Thank you for the gift of this and for holding it so gracefully, lovingly and calmly.

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Healing shouldn’t be overwhelming, and you don’t have to do it alone. Start with a free session to see how Shift Change can help you leave the stress behind and embrace a lighter, brighter future.

FAQs

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy treatment that has been extensively researched and proven effective for those who have experienced stress and trauma. It is especially beneficial for first responders as it helps to process these experiences without needing to verbalize them, which can reduce the stress of reliving the trauma. Learn more about EMDR here.

  • Shift Change is designed for first responders, healthcare professionals, and community/employment support workers who experience high levels of stress and trauma in their jobs. This includes paramedics, nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, emergency dispatch personnel, community advocates, outreach workers, and any other roles where vicarious trauma impacts.

  • Shift Change specializes in supporting high-stress professionals through online EMDR group therapy. Our approach is confidential, allowing participants to maintain anonymity in group sessions.

  • Shift Change provides ongoing support following EMDR group sessions. For those who need additional assistance, further 1:1 sessions can be scheduled.

  • Yes, Shift Change works closely with organizations to integrate our services into existing wellness programs. We offer tailored solutions that fit the needs of your team, aiming to enhance overall workplace well-being, reduce absenteeism, and improve productivity.

  • Our therapy sessions are held with the utmost confidentiality. In online group settings, we use technology that ensures participants' identities and discussions remain anonymous. This allows individuals to share and heal without concerns about privacy or exposure.

  • Therapy sessions last for 1-hour and can vary in frequency depending on the needs of the individual or the organization. 

  • Many individuals experience relief after just one session of EMDR therapy. However, the number of sessions needed can vary based on the individual's circumstances and the severity of their stress or trauma. Our therapists work to customize treatment plans that provide effective, timely results.

  • You can schedule a discovery call by contacting us directly through our contact page. This initial call will help us understand your needs and discuss how our services can best support you or your organization.

  • The costs of our services vary depending on the type and frequency of therapy required. During your discovery call, we can provide more detailed information about pricing based on your specific needs and the customized plan we develop for you.

  • Yes, absolutely. We provide customized offerings for organizations, as well as providing online access to our existing group therapy programs for individuals. Contact us for more information.