EMDR Intensives
EMDR intensives offer a focused way to work on a specific traumatic event, stuck memory, trigger, or set of PTSD symptoms in a longer block of time than traditional weekly therapy.
Intensives can be used as a short-term standalone service or alongside ongoing therapy with another therapist.
What is an EMDR Intensive?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a trauma therapy used to help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to feel emotionally or physically activated in the present.
In weekly therapy, EMDR processing usually takes place within a standard therapy hour. An EMDR intensive provides a longer, uninterrupted block of time for preparation, identifying a treatment target, and trauma processing.
For some people, this format makes sense when there is a specific issue they want to address without spending months working on the same target in weekly sessions. The longer session also allows for more uninterrupted processing time and less time repeatedly opening and closing the work from week to week.
EMDR intensives are often a good fit when there is a specific treatment target you want to work on, such as:
A particular traumatic event
A memory that still feels emotionally “stuck”
A specific trigger or recurring reaction
PTSD symptoms connected to an identifiable experience
Intensives can also be used with more complex trauma histories. In that case, we may spend more time identifying the right treatment targets together and more than one intensive may be appropriate.
Not everyone is a good fit for intensive trauma work. During the consultation, we’ll talk about your history, current symptoms, goals, and support needs to determine whether this format makes sense for you.
Who might benefit from an EMDR Intensive?
What the Process Looks Like
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Intake and consultation
We begin with a 90-minute session to talk through what you want to work on, your relevant history, current symptoms, and whether an intensive format is a good fit. We’ll also begin identifying the treatment target and preparing for the processing session.
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Personalized treatment workbook
You’ll receive a personalized workbook to support preparation, reflection, and integration around the intensive.
The customized assessments and exercises will prepare you for the intensive and help me tailor my support to your unique needs.
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EMDR intensive
The intensive itself is a three-hour session. We’ll begin with preparation and a brief check-in, clarify the target for the session, and then move into EMDR processing. Time is also built in for grounding and closure before the session ends.
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Integration session
After the intensive, we meet for a follow-up session to review what came up, notice any changes since the processing session, and talk through what may need additional attention.
Some people complete one intensive, while others choose to do more than one. Multiple intensives can be scheduled consecutively or spaced out depending on your goals and the work we are doing.
EMDR intensives alongside ongoing therapy
An EMDR intensive can be used as a standalone short-term service or as an adjunct to therapy you are already doing with another clinician.
If you are currently working with a therapist, I’m happy to coordinate with them with your permission. This can help the intensive fit into your broader treatment and provide continuity before and after the processing work.
Research on intensive EMDR
Research on intensive trauma treatment is growing. Studies of concentrated treatment programs that include EMDR, as well as studies examining intensive EMDR specifically, have found reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms.
The studies use different schedules and treatment structures, so there is not one intensive format that is appropriate for everyone. The length and number of sessions should be based on the individual, the treatment target, and clinical assessment.
Selected research
Getting Started
EMDR intensives are available in person in Claremont, California, and by telehealth for clients located in California and Ohio.
We’ll begin with a consultation to talk about what you want to work on and whether an intensive format is a good fit for your needs.
Current fees and additional practice information are available on my Fees & FAQs page.
If you’re interested in an EMDR intensive, reach out to schedule a consultation.