EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that believes mental health concerns are due to the maladaptive encoding of and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing adverse life experiences.
Let me make this easier to understand: Research shows that our brains were made to heal themselves, in the same way our bodies naturally heal when we get a physical injury but trauma interrupts our brains natural healing process.
Through EMDR, resolution of traumatic and upsetting life experiences are accomplished with a unique standardized set of procedures and clinical protocols which incorporates dual focus of attention and alternating bilateral visual, auditory and/or tactile stimulation.
EMDR helps reprocess memories that have gotten “stuck” and are open wounds (metaphorically) in your brain so that they no longer elicit a current response (i.e. emotions, body sensations, negative thoughts). It does this through eye movements or tapping (aka bilateral stimulation).
EMDR is a body based approach, meaning that you don’t have to provide a lot of details about your experiences but you have to be open to thinking about and feeling emotions and body sensations associated with past memories.
EMDR Intensives
What Are EMDR Intensives?
EMDR Intensives are a focused, accelerated form of EMDR therapy designed to help you move through trauma, stress, or stuck emotional patterns more efficiently than traditional weekly sessions. Instead of spreading therapy out over months, intensives provide extended EMDR sessions over several days, allowing you to dive deeper, stay regulated, and experience meaningful progress in a shorter period of time.
How Do EMDR Intensives Work?
An EMDR intensive typically includes:
1. A Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your goals, history, and readiness for intensive work. Together we build a customized treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
2. Extended EMDR Sessions
Therapy sessions last several hours per day. This uninterrupted time helps you stay in the healing process without losing momentum between weekly appointments.
3. Follow-Up Integration
After the intensive, we schedule a follow-up session to support integration, track progress, and ensure you feel grounded and clear moving forward.
Who Benefits from EMDR Intensives?
EMDR intensives may be a good fit if you:
Want faster relief from trauma, anxiety, or emotional triggers
Have a busy schedule and prefer condensed treatment
Feel stuck with weekly therapy or want to deepen ongoing work
Are willing to self pay, as insurance doesn’t cover this format
Many clients report that EMDR intensives help them make weeks or months of progress in just a few days.
Why Choose an Intensive Format?
Faster movement: Longer sessions allow the mind and body to settle into the work.
Less disruption: You don’t lose momentum between weekly appointments.
Fits your life: A good option for those traveling or juggling busy schedules.