EMDR AND INTENSIVES FAQ'S & INFO

WHAT IS EMDR?

The core principle of EMDR involves helping individuals process distressing memories or traumatic experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and enables them to integrate these memories more adaptively into their lives. This is achieved through a series of standardized procedures, including bilateral stimulation (such as following the therapist's hand movements with the eyes or listening to alternating sounds) while recalling traumatic memories or distressing experiences.

EMDR is believed to work by facilitating the brain's natural healing processes, similar to what occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, where the brain processes and integrates memories. By engaging in bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic memories, EMDR helps reprocess these memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and allows individuals to move forward with their lives.

EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma-related disorders by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Watch an informational video about EMDR here.

IS EMDR ONLY FOR TRAUMA?

While EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from various traumatic experiences, such as combat, accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, childhood abuse, and other traumatic events, there is so much more.

EMDR is also effective in treating

Anxiety Disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Depression, especially when it is rooted in traumatic experiences or negative self-beliefs.
Pain Disorders: EMDR may help alleviate chronic pain conditions.
Addiction: EMDR can be used as a complementary therapy for individuals struggling with addiction.
Dissociative Disorders: EMDR can be incorporated into the treatment of dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Phobias and Fears: EMDR can assist in treating specific phobias and fears by targeting the underlying memories or experiences.
Grief and Loss: EMDR may help individuals process traumatic or complicated grief associated with the loss of a loved one or other significant losses.

It's essential to note that while EMDR is highly effective for treating trauma-related disorders, it may not be suitable for everyone, and the effectiveness of the treatment can vary depending on individual factors.

EMDR Resources

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EMDR INTENSIVES
A Focused Alternative to Weekly Therapy

Traditional therapy often involves weekly sessions lasting up to an hour and may extend over many months. While EMDR can be effective in this format, limited session time can slow progress and make it difficult to maintain momentum between appointments.

EMDR Intensives offer a more focused approach. By working in extended sessions, clients have uninterrupted time to engage in trauma-informed EMDR therapy, allowing for meaningful therapeutic movement within the session rather than waiting week to week.

Why Choose an EMDR Intensive?

Concentrated, uninterrupted therapeutic time
Opportunity to process, stabilize, and integrate work in the same day
Reduced scheduling demands compared to weekly therapy
May be more efficient when considering time away from work, travel, and childcare

While outcomes vary, clinical experience suggests that a single multi-hour intensive session can accomplish more than several shorter sessions spread across weeks.

Cost Comparison (Example)

Weekly therapy at $175 per session for 6 months: $4,550
Weekly therapy at $175 per session for 12 months: $9,100

These figures reflect therapy fees only and do not include indirect costs such as time off work or travel.

Example: Two-Day EMDR Intensive Program

Programs are individualized. A sample two-day intensive may include:

Intake assessment and resourcing (90 minutes): $260
EMDR Intensive Session #1: $525
EMDR Intensive Session #2: $525
Follow-up psychotherapy session (60 minutes): $175

Estimated total: $1,485

Final fees are based on individual needs and program design and are reviewed after the intake assessment. All costs are disclosed in advance and provided in accordance with the No Surprises Act.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in EMDR Intensives, a 15-minute phone consultation is available to determine appropriateness and answer questions.

Schedule your consultation here.

Insurance for EMDR Intensives

Please see FAQ's

Rates for EMDR Intensives

90 minute intake session / $260
3 hour intensive session / $525
1 hour follow up session / $175