EMDR Intensives

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their emotional charge. It’s widely used to treat PTSD, anxiety, grief, and related issues. In a standard EMDR session, we work in 50-minute blocks—but EMDR intensives go further: I offer 2–4 hour sessions, often scheduled over consecutive days, to support deeper, more focused healing. By maintaining momentum rather than stopping weekly, intensives often lead to faster, more transformative progress. In fact, research suggests that a week of EMDR intensives can lead to outcomes similar to a year of weekly therapy.

Who Can Benefit? EMDR intensives are geared toward teens (16+) and adults who need focused trauma work. This includes people who have experienced a recent trauma (e.g. a car accident, sudden loss of a loved one, etc.) or those with longer-term trauma (complex/Chronic PTSD). It also helps anyone struggling with anxiety, panic or depression rooted in past distress. If you’ve found weekly therapy too slow or have been “stuck” making progress, an intensive can jump-start your healing. In short, my 2-hour EMDR intensives are designed for trauma survivors and others seeking faster relief and deeper processing than the usual weekly hour can provide.

If you’ve just experienced a traumatic event—such as a car accident, physical or sexual assault, or sudden loss of a loved one—please contact me as soon as possible. EMDR can be especially effective within the first 24–48 hours of an incident, helping your nervous system process the event before symptoms take root. I do my best to offer short-notice appointments for early intervention and can often schedule an intensive the same week.

What To Expect In Your EMDR Intensive

I tailor each EMDR intensive to your unique needs, but the structure typically follows these phases:

  • Intake Session: Before the intensive day, we’ll meet to discuss your history, current struggles, and goals. We’ll identify the specific memories or beliefs you want to target and review coping skills (grounding, breathing, etc.) so you feel prepared. If you’re seeking support for an event that occurred in the previous 24-48 hours, this intake session may be kept minimal or done in conjunction with the next phases.

  • Resourcing & Preparation: When we begin the session, I start with grounding exercises to help you feel safe and centered. For example, we might use a “calm place” visualization, gentle breathing or other resourcing tools. This sets the stage for the reprocessing work.

  • Reprocessing (EMDR Work): The core of the session is EMDR processing. You will bring up a chosen target (a troubling memory, image, or stuck belief) and I will guide you through bilateral stimulation (eye movements or taps). This helps your brain reprocess and desensitize the target. You do not have to narrate your trauma in detail – many clients find this phase is intuitive and internal. We proceed at your pace, pausing frequently to check in. Over the course of a 2–4 hour session, we typically move through several EMDR phases—including assessment, desensitization, and installation—in one contained, supported space.

  • Integration and Closure: Toward the end of each session we gently transition out of the reprocessing work. We’ll do calming practices to help you come back to the present – for example journaling prompts, a soothing breathing exercise, or movement/stretching – and ensure you feel stable and grounded before you leave. This integration step helps cement the gains you made.

  • Aftercare & Follow-Up: You will receive a personalized aftercare plan. This typically includes coping tools to use in the following days (journal exercises, calming strategies, etc.). I also like to schedule a brief check-in about 1–2 weeks later to review what’s shifted and discuss ongoing care. During this follow-up, we review what shifted for you and decide if you want more sessions or support. You won’t be left on your own immediately after the intensive – I’m here to support your ongoing healing.

Each intensive is carried out in a safe, supportive setting. I provide a comfortable therapy space (or secure online room) and am attuned to your emotional needs. If at any point we need extra grounding or a break, we take it. The goal is deep healing, not pushing or rushing.

Preparing For Your Intensive

To get the most out of your EMDR intensive, it helps to plan ahead:

  • Rest & Scheduling: Try to avoid heavy work or appointments right before and after your session. Schedule a bit of downtime so you can focus fully on the work. During the intensive day, we’ll build in short breaks (for water or fresh air) so you don’t get overwhelmed.

  • Self-Care: In the days leading up to the intensive, prioritize good sleep, nutrition and gentle exercise. Doing a relaxing activity (like walking or meditation) before your session can help prepare your nervous system. After the session, plan some quiet time to unwind.

  • Support & Space: It can be helpful to let a trusted friend or family member know you’ll be doing an intensive, in case you need extra support. Make sure you have a private, comfortable space for therapy if participating virtually. Feeling safe and at ease in the environment contributes to a better experience.

By preparing in these ways, you set the stage for a powerful, transformative session. Remember, the intensive is for you – the pace and focus will be exactly what your mind and body need.

EMDR intensives are a unique way to accelerate trauma healing. I use my clinical training in EMDR to guide you gently but effectively through this process, and I’m committed to a warm, supportive atmosphere throughout. If you think an EMDR intensive might help you move past anxiety, trauma, or a recent crisis, I’m here to answer your questions and plan your work together.