What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help clients process and move past distressing memories or recent traumas that may have caused significant emotional or psychological distress. This approach enables clients to become “unstuck” from the hold of these memories, fostering healing and emotional resolution.

During an EMDR session, clients briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, auditory cues, or tactile taps. This process helps the brain form new neural pathways, gradually reducing the emotional intensity and disruptive impact of the traumatic memories over time.

EMDR is an extensively researched trauma therapy and has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms. Its ability to facilitate meaningful recovery has made it a trusted and transformative method for individuals seeking to overcome the lingering effects of trauma.

“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”

— Francine Shapiro (Founder of EMDR)

What is an EMDR Intensive?

The purpose of EMDR intensives is to address trauma directly through longer, focused sessions, offering the potential to resolve issues more quickly than traditional weekly therapy. While weekly one-hour sessions can be effective, they may not always be ideal for every client. The intensive format allows for a more personalized and efficient approach, helping to reduce symptoms in a shorter timeframe.

This model is especially beneficial for individuals with demanding schedules, such as busy parents, working professionals, or those in need of immediate support. EMDR intensives provide a streamlined, flexible solution to meet clients’ needs while minimizing the time and commitment typically required by traditional therapy formats.

Who are good candidates for EMDR Intensives?

• Those with limited time or who are unable to commit to weekly sessions.
• Individuals whose symptoms are disrupting day-to-day functioning and who are seeking faster results.
• People wanting to address a specific event, whether recent or past. (i.e. medical trauma, grief, assault)
• Individuals with complex trauma histories who may benefit from intense and focused processing.
• Those seeking accelerated healing and growth, with a desire for a more efficient therapeutic process.
• Individuals who have not been successful with traditional therapy methods and are looking for a different approach.
• Highly motivated individuals who are ready to engage in a more intensive format to heal and work through their trauma.

Benefits of EMDR Intensives

• Deeper and faster processing of traumatic events, potentially reducing the overall time spent in therapy.
• Significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, leading to greater emotional relief.
• Improved coping skills and psychological flexibility, enhancing your ability to manage life’s challenges.
• Increased ability to process and integrate traumatic experiences, fostering healing and resilience.
• Improved overall mental well-being, supporting emotional balance and stability.
• Condensed therapy time, which can result in potential cost savings for the client.

If you are currently working with a therapist, you do not need to stop! Learn more about adjunctive therapy options here.

Please note that not all individuals may be suitable for EMDR intensive therapy.

Why am I passionate about EMDR and EMDR Intensives?

As an EMDR-trained therapist, I have witnessed remarkable outcomes for my clients. Many who felt that traditional therapy or medications were not effectively addressing their challenges have found EMDR to be a transformative experience. It has allowed them to lower their distress levels, find peace, and move forward in their lives.

However, I have also observed that clients receiving EMDR on a weekly or biweekly basis often take much longer to experience significant symptom relief. Many times, I wished sessions could extend beyond the standard one-hour limit imposed by insurance, as continued processing within the same session would have been more beneficial.

While I deeply value the opportunity to work with clients in weekly sessions, the structure posed challenges in accommodating new clients seeking support. This inspired me to introduce EMDR intensives as a solution. By offering intensives, I aim to help more clients achieve meaningful progress and relief in a condensed timeframe, empowering them to improve their lives in just a few days.

Flash Technique with EMDR

A complementary intervention to EMDR is the Flash Technique, which is designed to reduce the distress associated with disturbing events or images. This approach allows for more efficient trauma reprocessing during EMDR sessions. I had the privilege of receiving training in the Flash Technique directly from its developer, Dr. Phillip Manfield, further enhancing my ability to support clients in their healing journey. You can learn more about Flash here.

Insurance and Fees

Unfortunately, EMDR intensive packages are not covered by insurance providers. Clients will be responsible for the full cost of these services. Prior to beginning sessions, clients are required to sign a waiver acknowledging and agreeing to opt out of using their insurance coverage for this service.

Why Invest in EMDR Intensives?

We often invest significant time and money in pursuits that promise to improve our well-being or bring us joy:

• Cosmetic procedures: Hundreds to thousands of dollars
• Vacations: Thousands of dollars
• Gym memberships: Hundreds of dollars annually
• Shopping, retail therapy, or daily indulgences like coffee runs: Hundreds to thousands of dollars

Yet, when it comes to our mental health, emotional well-being, and healing from trauma, we are often hesitant to make the same level of investment. Why is that?

What I do know is that EMDR works—it has the power to help people overcome challenges and heal. While EMDR intensives may represent a financial investment, many clients find the focused and accelerated nature of these sessions to be highly effective. In fact, the progress achieved through intensives often outpaces that of traditional weekly therapy, potentially reducing the overall cost and time commitment in the long run. Prioritizing mental health is one of the most valuable investments we can make in ourselves.

Informed Consent

Please be advised that there is no guarantee all traumatic events will be fully processed during an EMDR intensive session, which may range from 3–6 hours per day, nor that all eight phases of EMDR therapy will be completed within the allotted time. The processing of trauma is highly individual and varies from person to person. If additional time is required and mutually agreed upon, this can be arranged for an additional fee.

Pre and Post EMDR Intensives

Preparation for EMDR Sessions:

1. Location Requirement: You must be physically present in the state of New Jersey, where I am licensed, for all EMDR intensives. Most of my sessions are conducted virtually, and both the client and therapist must be located within New Jersey.
2. Completion of Paperwork: Please ensure that all electronic paperwork and assessments are completed and submitted by the due date provided.
3. Environment Setup: For virtual appointments, it is essential to choose a quiet, relaxing, private, and distraction-free space to ensure the best therapeutic experience.
4. Mental Health Retreat: Treat your EMDR intensive sessions as a mental health retreat. If possible, avoid scheduling sessions during times when you need to rush to work or school. Allow yourself dedicated time for treatment and healing. Plan activities that promote relaxation or enjoyment during this period, such as yoga, walking, reading, crocheting, or spending time in nature.
5. Communicating with Loved Ones: It may be beneficial to inform the people around you that you need this dedicated time and space to focus on your healing process. Since you are investing time and money into your mental health, creating an environment that supports your well-being will maximize the therapeutic benefits.

Post-EMDR Intensive Care:

It is common to experience emotional release, anxiety, or exhaustion following an intensive session, as your brain continues to process and integrate the experiences targeted during therapy. Self-care will be essential during the post-intensive period to support this integration process. While it may sound challenging, some emotional discomfort is a natural part of healing and moving toward a positive outcome. By the end of all intensive sessions, you should notice a significant reduction, or complete absence, of the disturbance levels you experienced at the beginning of therapy.

Please refer to the previous section on treating this process as a retreat. It is important to prioritize rest, relaxation, and activities that support your well-being during this time to maximize the benefits of your healing journey.

How is an EMDR Intensive Different from Weekly Sessions?

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Links about EMDR

Prince Harry and Evan Rachel Wood Do EMDR Therapy

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Healing Trauma” Public Awareness Film for EMDR Therapy (EMDRIA.org)

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How to get started..

To learn more about EMDR intensives and determine if this approach is the right fit for you, please feel free to email me at Kelly@unstucktherapyco.com