What to Expect in an EMDR Intensive: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ve probably read about EMDR intensives and thought, Okay, sounds great in theory… but what actually happens in one of these things?
That’s fair. An “intensive” can sound a little intense — especially if your nervous system is already running on fumes.
The truth? An EMDR intensive isn’t a bootcamp. It’s not about cramming months of therapy into one exhausting day. It’s about giving yourself the time, space, and support to heal without having to pause every 50 minutes or wait another week to pick up where you left off.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect — no guesswork, no surprises — so you can decide if this format is the right fit for you.
First: What Is an EMDR Intensive?
An EMDR intensive is a longer, more focused version of EMDR therapy. Rather than spreading sessions out weekly, you set aside dedicated time — usually 2, 3, or 6 hours — to work on a specific issue or memory in a more contained, supported way.
It’s ideal for moms and women who:
• Feel stuck, even after trying talk therapy
• Have a specific trauma or experience they want to address
• Are too busy or emotionally overwhelmed to commit to weekly sessions
• Want to move through something now, not months from now
It’s deep, yes — but it’s also gentle and paced with you in mind.
Therapist note:
I design each intensive to match your nervous system, not a fixed template. Some clients process a single memory. Others resource and regulate. The session fits you, not the other way around.
Step 1: A Free Consultation Call
Before anything is booked, we have a short call — no pressure, no commitment. It’s a chance for us to connect and talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to work on, and whether an intensive is a good fit.
You can ask questions. Share what you’re nervous about. We’ll talk through it together.
Step 2: Pre-Session Planning & Personalized Prep
If we move forward, I’ll send you some pre-work and schedule a brief virtual or phone check-in. This part includes:
• Reviewing your intake info
• Identifying the target memory, belief, or emotional theme
• Outlining goals for the day
• Introducing EMDR tools if you’re new to the process
• Getting clear on what safety, pacing, and support look like for you
We’re not diving in unprepared. You’ll know what to expect, and your nervous system will have the groundwork it needs to stay grounded.
Step 3: The Day of Your EMDR Intensive
Whether you’re coming in for a 2-hour deep dive or a 6-hour reset, we structure the session with care and flexibility. A typical intensive includes:
Resourcing
We begin with nervous system regulation, visualization, and resourcing tools — things like your “calm place,” bilateral movement, or grounding exercises to help you feel safe, anchored, and ready.
Reprocessing
This is the core EMDR work. You’ll identify a stuck belief, memory, or body sensation, and we’ll use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tappers, or tones) to help your brain reprocess it.
You don’t have to tell your story in detail. In fact, many clients are surprised by how internal and intuitive this part is. You share what feels right — I guide and support.
We pause, check in, and make space for whatever comes up. Nothing is rushed.
Integration
We close with gentle practices to bring you back to the present, integrate what came up, and support your transition out of the space. This might include journaling prompts, breathwork, movement, or a quiet moment to reflect.
🧡 “Healing doesn’t have to take years. Sometimes all it needs is space — the kind you haven’t had until now.”
Step 4: Aftercare & Follow-Up Support
You’ll leave with a personalized aftercare plan that may include:
• Integration prompts and journal exercises
• Calming tools for the days ahead
• Optional follow-up session or email check-in
You won’t be left hanging — and you won’t be expected to “get back to normal” immediately either. We build in care for your whole experience, not just the therapy hour.
EMDR Intensives at My Practice
Here’s what I currently offer:
• 2-Hour Deep Dive – $560
• 3-Hour Half-Day Intensive – $850
• 6-Hour Full-Day Intensive – $1,700
All include planning, aftercare, and personalized pacing — designed around your nervous system and goals.
Not sure if intensives are a better fit for you than weekly sessions? Start here →
Ready When You Are
Whether you’re working through birth trauma, childhood wounds, high-functioning anxiety, or just feel like you’re not yourself lately — you don’t have to carry it all into the next season.
EMDR intensives offer a chance to feel like you again — more quickly, more gently, and with more care than you’ve probably ever given yourself.