EMDR Therapy Intensives

The traditional model of weekly psychotherapy is shifting to meet your needs. Now more than ever, we need flexibility in how we get support.

Perhaps you’ve been meaning to get into weekly therapy for a while now, but your schedule has been so hectic and demanding that a weekly therapy appointment feels more overwhelming than supportive.

The intensive application of EMDR Therapy seems to be well tolerated in individuals impacted by trauma- and stressor-related experiences, and the economy for participating in therapy intensives is compelling: even compared to other trauma therapy, the intensive format may decrease treatment time, because of time not spent on:

  • Checking in at the beginning of each session

  • Addressing current crises and concerns

  • Focusing on stabilizing and coping skills that the client won’t need after trauma healing, or

  • Assisting the client in regaining composure at the end of the session. Learn more here.

So What Are EMDR Therapy Intensives?

EMDR Therapy intensives typically refer to concentrated and immersive therapeutic programs designed to address and process trauma and stressor-related experiences. These intensives are often more extended and focused than traditional weekly 45-60 minute therapy sessions, aiming to provide you with a more profound and comprehensive healing experience.

At Meadow Grove Counseling, EMDR Therapy Intensives primarily utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as the central trauma-focused modality. I also integrate other therapeutic approaches—such as Sand Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing—according to each client's unique needs and interests. Clients have access to all therapy spaces during their intensives, including the sand therapy room, multipurpose room, and talk space, creating an immersive and personalized therapeutic experience.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy Intensives

EMDR Therapy intensives offer several potential benefits for individuals seeking treatment for trauma, and related challenges. The key advantages of  therapy  intensives may  include:

  • EMDR Therapy intensives are designed to provide rapid progress in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional weekly therapy sessions. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who want to address their trauma and stressor-related experiences more quickly.

  • EMDR Therapy Intensives provide a concentrated therapeutic experience, allowing individuals to dedicate time to explore and process traumatic memories and associated emotions without daily distractions. These intensives typically include half-day and full-day therapy sessions, offering clients consistent support from a trained therapist, which is essential for fostering progress in their healing journey.

    Led by Vanessa Simmons, a certified EMDR Therapist, these sessions enable clients to dive deep into the core issues underlying their challenges and process memories that may have been difficult to address in standard sessions. This intensive processing can lead to a more profound understanding of their experiences and may facilitate a faster resolution of trauma and stress-related issues.

  • EMDR Therapy Intensives may address not only the psychological aspects of trauma but also the physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. Mind-body techniques and activities may be incorporated to promote holistic healing. Based on each person's preference, approaches such as movement and Somatic Experiencing can be integrated into their EMDR Therapy Intensive, further enhancing the therapeutic process and supporting a comprehensive healing journey.

  • While EMDR Therapy Intensives require a short-term commitment, they can be less disruptive to a person's overall schedule and responsibilities than weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions. Individuals can temporarily step away from their daily routines to prioritize their healing.

  • EMDR Therapy intensives often involve a customized treatment plan that is specifically tailored to the individual's unique needs and goals. This personalized approach can result in more effective and efficient treatment.

  • Experience a sense of empowerment as you actively engage in your healing process and perhaps move towards a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Is An EMDR Therapy Intensive Right for Me?

EMDR Therapy intensives are designed for individuals who are ready to focus on healing and make significant progress in a shorter amount of time. Consider a therapy intensive if you:

Struggle with trauma, stress, or anxiety and want to move beyond the overwhelm, seeking relief in a more concentrated, immersive setting.

  • Feel stuck in your healing journey and need a focused experience to gain momentum, rather than waiting for gradual progress.

  • Have experienced medical trauma that continues to affect your mental and emotional health, leaving you feeling unsafe or disconnected from your body and self.

  • Carry the weight of spiritual trauma that has left you questioning your sense of identity, faith, and trust in yourself or others.

  • Work as a first responder and face the emotional toll of traumatic events daily, with the pressure of not having enough time to heal amidst the demands of your job.

  • Are in the healthcare field, witnessing pain and suffering regularly, and feeling the strain of burnout, compassion fatigue, or emotional exhaustion.

Therapy intensives provide a compassionate, focused space to heal from these unique challenges. Whether you're dealing with past wounds or current stressors, this approach allows you to address and process these painful experiences at your own pace, with dedicated support for moving forward.

Your Path to Growth and Fostering Emotional Wellness

  1. Introductory Consultation 

I warmly invite you to arrange a 45-minute complimentary virtual consultation with me, Vanessa Simmons, a certified EMDR Therapist. In this session, I create a compassionate space as we will reflect on your treatment aspirations and determine whether an EMDR Therapy Intensive aligns with your unique needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for your emotional wellness.

2. Processing Options 

I offer two flexible formats for processing sessions to accommodate your preferences. You can choose a half-day session from 9 AM to 12 PM or a full-day session from 9 AM to 4 PM, which includes a one-hour break for lunch. Both options allow you to take self-care breaks whenever you feel the need.

3. Session Structure 

The first day begins with creating a treatment plan and cultivating inner resources—essential tools that foster safety, calm, and empowerment—laying the groundwork for deeper trauma exploration and healing.

The reprocessing phase is where transformative work happens. To support this process and when deemed helpful and welcomed by you, I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Sand Therapy, Internal Family Systems, expressive arts, movement, mindfulness, and polyvagal theory.

Our initial consultation will help identify an approximate session length for you, guided by your unique experiences, the nature of past traumas, and your specific goals for the intensive. It’s important to have follow-up care in place with a supportive therapist, and if it feels appropriate, we can coordinate with them by sharing relevant notes to ensure a seamless continuation of your care.

This intensive is a space for deep healing, tailored entirely to your needs and readiness. Let’s collaborate to create a transformative experience for your growth and well-being.

4. Extended Processing Sessions 

If you feel that additional sessions beyond the EMDR Intensive would be beneficial, please note that these are not included in the intensive fee. Currently, I am not accepting new weekly clients; however, for those dealing with complex trauma or multiple adverse experiences, further intensive work can be considered collaboratively.

5. Financial Investment 

If you are contemplating the opportunity for accelerated emotional growth through an EMDR Intensive with me, please fill out the form below to express your interest. I will connect with you promptly. Begin your journey of fostering relief with a personalized 45-minute complimentary consultation.

6. Intensive Fees 

The pricing structure for full-day EMDR Intensives is as follows: 

  • Half-Day (3 hours) - $525.00

  • One Day (6 hours) - $1,050.00 

  • Two Days (12 hours total) - $2,100.00

  • Three Days (18 hours total) - $3,150.00

7. Important Information 

Please note that, as of now, medical insurance does not cover EMDR Intensives. However, you are welcome to use HSA, FSA, and Care Credit Cards for payment.

The balance for your first day of treatment must be paid by credit or debit card at the time of scheduling of the intensive. Two weeks prior to treatment, your preferred card will automatically be charged for the remaining amount owed for scheduled treatment days.

I provide the option to integrate Internal Family Systems, Sand Tray therapy, Somatic Experiencing, along with Movement activities grounding time during the intensives. These modalities are always offered as possibilities and are never mandatory, allowing you to select what resonates best with you.

FAQs

  • EMDR Therapy Intensives address the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences.

  • EMDR Therapy Intensives allow the opportunity to progress through your symptoms in a more succinct and focused way without the interruption of a 50-minute session. An intensive format may decrease overall treatment time because of time not spent on: a) checking in at the beginning of each session, b) addressing current crises and concerns, c) focusing on stabilizing and coping skills that the client won’t need after healing, or d) assisting the client in regaining composure at the end of the session.

  • Yes. EMDR Therapy Intensives for current clients are available.

  • Yes. Perhaps you’ve a felt sense that something profound has yet to change, but you’re not quite sure how to shift all the way into a new experience of yourself with your current therapist. Maybe you now cognitively understand new things, yet your body is still confused, so you’re curious about how adjunct EMDR Therapy Intensives can help. We will identify what format is best for you during your initial consultation.

  • Full-day intensives offer a multitude of resources and can help to significantly decrease the devastating effects of single event trauma (e.g. negative cognitions, disturbing emotions and body sensations). While significant healing can occur in a 2-3 full-day intensive, Complex PTSD deserves more treatment than one 2-3 day intensive. Many of my clients experiencing Complex PTSD may wish to return for additional EMDR Therapy Intensive work in the future to continue to work on their trauma histories.

  • Participating in a 2-3 full-day EMDR Therapy Intensive may create impactful change more efficiently than just weekly, 50-minute sessions or even one half-day intensive. We will identify what format may be best for you during your initial consultation.

Take the Next Step

Call or complete the online consultation inquiry form to participate in a consultation call and to schedule your 90-minute Introductory Consultation.