EMDR Intensive Therapeutic Sessions: Focused, In Depth Trauma Treatment
EMDR Intensives offer an alternative to traditional weekly therapy by creating space for deeper, more focused healing in a shorter period of time. Rather than working in 45 or 55 minute sessions, intensives allow us to dedicate extended, uninterrupted time to processing, integration and stabilization.
This approach is especially helpful for individuals who feel “stuck” in therapy, are working through a specific trauma, or are looking for a more efficient and immersive treatment experience.
My approach to intensives is grounded in nervous system regulation and paced processing. We move toward the work thoughtfully, ensuring that your system feels supported rather than overwhelmed.
What to Expect:
Each EMDR intensive is structured to support preparation, safety and meaningful progress:
Pre-Intensive Session (90 Minutes)
We begin with a comprehensive assessment and preparation session. This includes identifying targets, understanding your history, and building the internal resources needed for deeper processing.
Intensive Session (6 hours)
A structured EMDR session with built in breaks, allowing for extended processing while maintaining regulation and stability. The pacing is tailored to your nervous system and clinical needs.
Post Intensive Integration Session (60 minutes)
A follow up session to support integration, reflection, and continued stabilization after the intensive experience.
Clinical Summary
You will receive a written summary of the work completed, including themes, progress and recommendations for next steps.
Who Are Intensives For?
EMDR Intensives may be a good fit if you:
-Feel stuck in traditional weekly therapy
-Want to focus on a specific target or memory.
-Are navigating muliple related expereinces
-Prefer a more focused and efficient approach
-Are looking to deepen ongoing therapy work.
Choosing the Right Intensive
The length of your intensive will depend on your goals, history, and nervous system capacity.
Some clients benefit from a single day focused on a specific target, while others benefit from a multi-day intensive when working with more complex or layered experiences.
We will determine the most appropriate structure together to ensure the work is both effective and supportive.
Investment:
1 Day EMDR Intensive: $2,300
Includes pre-session, 6 hour intensive, post-session, and clinical summary.
2 Day EMDR Intensive: $4,000
Designed for clients working with multiple targets or seeking deeper processing.
3-Day EMDR Intensive: $5,700
Recommended for more complex or developmental trauma work requiring a slower, more layered approach.
Custom Multi-day intensives are available based on clinical need.
A Different Approach to Trauma Work
More time does not always mean pushing harder or faster. The goal of an intensive is to create enough space to move through the work while staying within your window of tolerance.
This means we prioritize regulation, pacing and integration just as much as processing.
If you are interested in an EMDR Intensive, you can schedule a consultation to determine if this approach is a good fit for you.
EMDR Intensives vs. Weekly Therapy
Both weekly therapy and EMDR Intensives can be effective approaches to trauma treatment. The difference lies in the structure, pacing, and depth of work within a given period of time.
Weekly Therapy
Weekly sessions offer a steady, ongoing space for support, insight, and gradual processing over time.
This approach may be a good fit for you:
-prefer a slower, more gradual pace
-Are building foundational coping and regulation skills
-Want consistent, ongoing therapeutic support
-Are not ready for extended trauma processing
Weekly therapy allows for integration between sessions, though deeper trauma processing may unfold over a longer period of time.
EMDR Intensives
EMDR Intensives are designed to create a more focused and immersive therapeutic experience.
By dedicating extended, uninterrupted time to the work, intensives allow for:
-Deeper access to target memories
-Less disruption between sessions
-Greater continuity in processing
-The ability to move through multiple layers of material
This format may be good fit if you:
-Feel “stuck” in weekly therapy
-Want to focus on a specific trauma or set of expereinces
-Have limited time and prefer a more efficient approach
-Are ready to engage in deeper, more concentrated work
A Thoughtful Approach to Both:
One approach is not inherently better than the other. The goal is to match the structure of therapy to your needs, goals and nervous system capacity.
Some clients use intensives as a standalone experience while others integrate them alongside ongoing weekly therapy for continued support and integration.
Together, we will determine the approach that feels both effective and sustainable to you.
Is An EMDR Intensive Right For You?
An EMDR Intensive may be a good fit if you:
-Feel ready to focus on trauma work in a more direct and intentional way
-Are able to stay present and engaged for extended periods of time (with breaks and support)
-Have some exisiting coping or grounding skills
-Are looking for a more focused alternative to weekly therapy
-Are motivated to make meaningful progress in a shorter period of time
An intensive may not be the best fit now if:
-You are currently feeling overwhelmed or in crisis.
-You are expereincing signficiant difficulty staying regulated or present
-You would benefit from building additional stabilization skills first
If you are not sure, we will determine together whether this approach is appropriate for you.
Getting Started
The first step is a brief consultation to determine whether an EMDR Intensive is the right fir for your needs.
During this conversation, we will:
-Discuss what you’re hoping to work on
-Explore whether an intensive or weekly therapy is the best approach
-Determine the appropriate length and structure of your intensive
-Answer any questions you may have about the process
If we decided to move forward, we will schedule your pre intensive session and begin preparing for the work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept Insurance for EMDR Intensives?
EMDR Intensives are private pay services and are not billed through insurance. Depending on your plan, you may be able to use Out-of-Network benefits for portions of the pre- or post-intensive sessions. I can provide a Superbill upon request if I am OON for your insurance. If I am an in network provider, I do not provide intensive services.
Why are Intensives structures this way?
Each component of the intensive is intentional. The pre-session helps ensure safety and readiness, the extended session allows for deeper and more continuous processing, and the post-session supports integration. This structure allows us to do meaningful work while staying grounded and regulated.
Will I feel overwhelmed during a 6-hour session?
The intensive is carefully paced with your nervous system in mind. We take breaks as needed, and the focus is on maintaining regulation rather than pushing through. Many clients find that having extended time actually reduces the stop and start feeling of weekly sessions.
How do I know if I’m ready for an Intensive?
Readiness depends on several factors, including your ability to stay present, your current level of stability, and your goals for treatment. We will assess this together during the consultation and pre-intensive session to ensure this approach is appropriate for you.
What if I am currently in weekly therapy?
Intensives can be done alongside ongoing therapy. Many clients choose to continue working with their primary therapist for additional support and integration. With your consent, I am also happy to collaborate with your therapist.
How many days will I need?
This depends on the complexity of what you’re hoping to work through. Some clients benefit from a single day focused on a specific memory, while others benefit from a multi-day intensive when working with more layered or developmental experiences. We will determine this together.
What happens after the Intensive?
The post-intensive session is designed to support integration and next steps. Some clients return to weekly therapy, while others schedule additional intensives depending on their goals.
Cancellations & Rescheduling Policy for EMDR Intensives:
EMDR Intensives require a significant reservation of time and preparation. The following policy is in place to protect both your scheduled time and the integrity of the work.
Do you offer Payment plans?
Yes, if you choose to not pay for the full amount at once, I offer AfterPay at check out which allows the client to pay overtime for Intensive sessions.
Deposit & Booking:
A non refundable deposit of 25% of the total fee is required to reserve your intensive dates. Your dates are not confirmed until the deposit is received.
Rescheduling:
You may reschedule your intensive with at least 7 days notice.
-The deposit may be applied to a new date if rescheduled within this timeframe.
-Rescheduled intensives must be completed within 60 days of the original booking.
Cancellations:
-Cancellations made with 7+ days’ notice:
The deposit is nonrefundable but may be applied to a future intensive if rescheduled within 60 days.
Cancellations made with less than 7 days notice:
The full fee for the intensive is due, as this time cannot be filled on short notice.
Illness or Emergency:
If you are experiencing illness or a genuine emergency, please reach out as soon as possible. Exceptions may be made at clinical discretion.
Late Arrival/Missed Time
If you arrive late, the session will still end at the scheduled time. Missed time cannot be extended or refunded due to scheduling constraints.
These policies are not intended to be punitive, but to honor the time, preparation and clinical energy required to provide this level of care.
