If you’re considering an EMDR Intensive, you likely have a lot of questions. Below, I’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions clients ask before investing in this type of therapy.

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1. What is an EMDR Intensive?

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An EMDR Intensive is a focused, extended therapy session designed to help you process trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress more efficiently than traditional weekly therapy. Instead of spreading sessions over months, you get to stay in the flow of healing and make significant progress in a shorter time frame.

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2. How is an EMDR Intensive different from weekly therapy?

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In weekly therapy, you work on healing little by little over time. With an intensive, you get uninterrupted time to dive deep, allowing for faster breakthroughs and symptom relief. It’s like condensing months of therapy into a single day or a few sessions.

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3. Who is a good candidate for an EMDR Intensive?

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An intensive is ideal for you if:

• You feel stuck in therapy and want faster progress

• You struggle with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, or negative self-beliefs

• You have a busy schedule and can’t commit to weekly sessions

• You want a more immersive, deep-dive healing experience

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4. Will I have to relive my trauma during an EMDR Intensive?

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No, you won’t have to relive or retell every detail of your trauma. EMDR allows your brain to reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge, without you needing to re-experience the pain.

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5. How long does an EMDR Intensive last?

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Intensives can range from a half-day (3-4 hours) to multiple full-day sessions. The length depends on your needs, goals, and processing pace. We will discuss the best approach for you before scheduling.

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6. How do I know if an intensive is right for me?

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If you’re looking for faster results, deeper healing, and a more immersive experience, an intensive could be a great fit. I’ll do a pre-assessment to ensure it’s the right choice for your specific situation.

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7. Is an EMDR Intensive safe?

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Yes! EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help your brain process difficult memories in a safe and controlled way. You are always in control, and we use grounding techniques to ensure you stay emotionally stable throughout the process.

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8. Will I feel drained or exhausted after an intensive?

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Some people feel lighter and relieved, while others feel mentally tired—similar to after an emotional workout. This is normal! Your brain has been doing important healing work. Rest, hydration, and self-care after the session can help.

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9. How many intensives will I need?

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It depends on your unique situation. Some people find significant relief after one intensive, while others may choose additional sessions for deeper healing. We’ll create a plan tailored to your needs.

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10. What types of issues can be addressed in an intensive?

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EMDR Intensives are effective for:

• PTSD & trauma (childhood, relationship, or single-event trauma)

• Anxiety, panic, and stress-related issues

• Negative self-beliefs and low self-worth

• Grief and loss

• Relationship challenges and attachment wounds

• Performance anxiety (public speaking, test-taking, sports, etc.)

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11. Will I cry or feel emotional during the session?

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It’s possible—EMDR can bring up emotions as you release past pain. However, the goal is to move through the distress, so by the end, you’ll likely feel relief, clarity, and a sense of peace.

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12. What should I do to prepare for an EMDR Intensive?

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Before your session:

• Get plenty of rest the night before

• Eat a nourishing meal

• Bring water and snacks for breaks

• Dress comfortably

• Journal any thoughts or concerns you want to address

 

13. What happens if I feel overwhelmed during the session?

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You are always in control. If emotions become too intense, we slow down, take breaks, and use grounding techniques. I’ll be there to guide you and ensure you feel safe.

 

14. How soon will I notice results after an intensive?

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Many clients experience immediate shifts in how they feel about past events. Others notice changes unfolding over the next days and weeks as their brain continues to process.

 

15. What if I don’t feel “healed” after one intensive?

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Healing is a process, and while many people see major progress, some need additional support. We can discuss follow-up options if needed. Even if full healing isn’t immediate, you’ll still likely notice meaningful shifts.

 

16. Do I need to continue therapy after an intensive?

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Not necessarily. Some clients find they no longer need regular therapy after an intensive, while others choose to continue with periodic check-ins or traditional sessions. It depends on your goals and what feels right for you.

 

17. Will I remember everything we process during the session?

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Most people do, but some describe their memories as feeling “distant” or “less intense” after EMDR. Your brain naturally reprocesses distressing memories, making them less intrusive without erasing them completely.

 

18. Is EMDR backed by research?

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Yes! EMDR is one of the most well-researched and evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD. Studies show that it can work faster than traditional talk therapy in reducing distress.

 

19. Can I do an EMDR Intensive if I’ve never done therapy before?

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Yes! You don’t need prior therapy experience. Whether you’re new to therapy or have been working on healing for years, an intensive can be an effective way to address what’s keeping you stuck.

 

20. How do I book an EMDR Intensive?

 

If you’re interested, the first step is a free consultation where we discuss your goals and see if an intensive is right for you. Reach out today, and let’s explore the best path for your healing!