EMDR Intensives

What are EMDR Intensives?

EMDR intensives are accelerated EMDR therapy sessions that allow clients to gain the same benefits of traditional weekly 45-55 minute EMDR sessions but in significantly less time – think weeks as opposed to months of therapy. EMDR intensives last between 90 – 120 minutes per session, allowing you to make more progress in less time.

Who are EMDR Intensives for?

  • Perhaps you need help, and a lot of it, and you don’t want to wait months to feel better.

  • You are willing to work intensely and efficiently to process your traumas.

  • You have been meaning to start weekly EMDR therapy sessions, but finding a weekly opening that will work over a period of months is overwhelming, given your busy schedule.

If you relate to any of these scenarios, EMDR intensives may be the right option for you. Clients who’ve experienced EMDR intensives have found relief from their PTSD, anxiety, panic attack, and trauma symptoms in less time than traditional weekly EMDR therapy sessions.

It’s important to note that EMDR intensives involve deep work, and it requires a great deal of emotional energy from both you and I to work through these sessions. I often tell clients that it’s an intense emotional workout. It’s best for people who are ready to dive deep into their traumas, work through them, and come out on the other side with insight and clarity about their processed trauma. It’s not a quick fix, like taking a pill. It’s intense one-on-one therapy, and often, you may need to process several memories to feel significant results.

 Have A Question? Send Me A Message!

Weekly EMDR Therapy vs EMDR Intensives

While individual progress is dependent on the client’s severity of symptoms, generally, weekly EMDR therapy can take approximately 6-10 sessions to process one traumatic memory using the 8 phase EMDR protocol (to learn more about the 8 phase protocol, take a look at my EMDR page). EMDR Intensives are designed to process one traumatic memory using the same EMDR protocol, but in approximately half of the time. We are not bypassing any EMDR steps or phases, we’re simply accelerating them.

EMDR intensives generally decrease treatment time because we are reducing some aspects of weekly therapy sessions, while focusing intently on the 8 phase EMDR protocol. We reduce time spent on checking in at the beginning of each session or working through that day’s concerns. We maximize our time together to process the memory and heal.

EMDR Intensives Session Format

EMDR intensives are available online at this time. A typical 90–120 minute EMDR intensive session may have this format:

  • 10-15 minutes discussing how you have been feeling since our last session or pressing matters you’d like to discuss

  • 55-75 minutes of EMDR protocol-focused work, with a 10 minute break in the middle of session

  • 10-15 minutes of cool-down/meditation to allow you to stabilize and return to your day

Processing for an extended period of time can be emotionally and physically tiring. Having a filling and nutritious meal before and after the sessions is important for your mind and body to have enough energy to fuel your deep work. I recommend that on the day of EMDR intensive sessions to take it easy for the rest of the day. You may be able to work on light projects, or even better, take a nap or take the rest of the day off. Your mind and body will need time and rest to integrate everything you processed in the session.

Rates for EMDR Intensives

Clients may be able to use their insurance benefits to pay for all or some of their EMDR intensive sessions. You can view the insurance plans that I am in-network with on my Insurance and Rates page. We can review your insurance plan’s benefits during our free 15 minute consultation. If you are not insured, you choose not to use health insurance, or I am out-of-network with your plan, the rate is $165 per hour.

Fast-Track Your Healing with EMDR Intensives

If you feel you are a good fit for starting EMDR intensives or have questions about how it works, please contact me or schedule a free 15 minute consultation!

Blogs coming soon!

EMDR Intensives
in Westmont, IL

Please note that all sessions are offered online only.
In-person appointments are not available.

825 N Cass Ave Ste 112

Westmont, IL 60559

Schedule a Free
15 Minute Consultation