EMDR Intensives
What is it?
EMDR intensives are a more flexible way to deliver treatment to provide you with the support you need in a short period of time, typically a weekend, and where multiple EMDR sessions per day are completed. An EMDR Intensive is 3 or more sessions at a time, typically no more than 12 hours in a week
Research Is Positive on Intensive EMDR
New research shows that intensive therapy for trauma and stress can be extremely effective on symptom reduction.
- Intensive application of trauma-focused therapy is seemingly well tolerated in individuals with PTSD, enabling quicker symptom reduction with similar, or even better, results, while reducing the risk of dropping out prematurely. (1)
- Intensive EMDR treatment is possible and suggests reliable improvement in PTSD symptoms in a short time frame. (2)
- The intensive format can decrease treatment time, because time is not spent on a check in at the beginning of each session, addressing the most current crises and concerns, focusing on stabilizing and coping skills that may not be needed after trauma healing, or helping the individual to regain composure at the end of the session.
Benefits
- Research shows that clients completing intensive treatment can make as much progress in the condensed format as in standard weekly sessions. This can eliminate weeks or months of living with trauma symptoms, and with the toll this takes on work, relationships, marriages, parenting and general wellbeing.
- Research shows that clients completing intensive treatment can make as much progress in the condensed format as in standard weekly sessions. This can eliminate weeks or months of living with trauma symptoms, and with the toll this takes on work, relationships, marriages, parenting and general wellbeing.
- Intensives have much shorter wait times, as clients are through in the same week they start.
- Intensives are being studied in the literature as a state of the art modality for trauma.
Who might be a good candidate for intensive work?
While many individuals are good prospects for an intensive, some may do better with an ongoing therapeutic relationship. In my experience, individuals with long-term childhood abuse or neglect, who have had years of traumatic events, I typically advise to not do an Intensive.
Some exceptions can be made for if you are currently under the care of a trusted provider that you can return to. Individuals with long-term abuse or neglect, with years of traumatic distressful events can make progress on particular parts of events, but often are not finished with treatment and need to continue with their regular therapist following the intensive.
Ideal candidates are those who have had a single distressful or traumatic event, such as an assault, fire or car accident, or for performance enhancement (sports, brides, expecting moms, professionals, depositions, etc.).
Clinical Structure
Preparation Phase
First, you will come in for a 60 minute session and I will conduct an assessment, and begin to build rapport with you.
I may also provide you with written assessment materials (typically a questionnaire) to help pinpoint targets for EMDR and your goals, as well as gather additional information about your background and history. I will also want to view relevant previous mental health records, and staff with your current therapist (if you have one).
Treatment Phase
The treatment phase of the intensive is typically three 1.5 hour sessions per day over 3-4 weekdays over a weekend. There will be breaks in between for meals, rest and self-care.
EMDR Intensives, as part of a straightforward application/ process to therapy, helps us resolve old, erroneous stories that no longer serve you.
You get options for Intensive work!
The first three options are working intensively; you can schedule around your schedule as often as you want.
Intake Process
Intake Process If you’re considering intensive therapy, the first step is to contact me by completing the screening form; I will contact you via email to arrange a phone call to further discuss your situation and if you are likely to benefit from intensive therapy or provide guidance if I am not a fit for you. Further, the purpose of the consultation is to: obtain an estimate of number of treatment days needed answer any questions you may have.
From there, you’ll schedule a meet and greet, review paperwork, and ask questions. It is an opportunity to determine if you want to work with me after meeting in person. If you should decide that I am not a good match for you, you will be charged for one session. If you decide to work with me, we will schedule the retreat, you will complete any assessment or paperwork, credit card authorization form and hold your slot with a non-refundable payment of half of the total retreat fee. The remaining balance will be due at the beginning of the first session of the retreat intensive.
Cost & Payment Cost will depend on the number of treatment days involved. If the full time scheduled for intensive is not used, you will be refunded, or if more time is needed that will be discussed and planned. NOTE: You are responsible for your travel-related costs. Unfortunately, most insurances do not yet cover this service. Payment will not be processed until time of service, at which time you can pay by debit or with credit card (MC/VISA), cash, or check.
- National Library of Medicine: Effectiveness of intensive treatment
National Library of Medicine: PTSD and Cognitive Therapy - National Library of Medicine: EMDR treatment for PTSD