Your Guide to EMDR Intensives
What to Expect
If you’re reading this, you might be considering EMDR Intensive therapy and wondering what it’s really like. Maybe you’ve heard about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) from a friend, your psychologist or GP, or even social media, but the idea of an “intensive” format feels a bit mysterious. Let’s walk through what you can expect, in plain language, so you can decide if this approach feels right for you.
What Is EMDR Intensive Therapy?
EMDR Intensive therapy is a focused, short-term approach to healing trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Instead of spreading sessions out over months, you’ll work with your therapist in longer, more concentrated blocks—often over a few days or weeks. Think of it as a deep dive, rather than dipping your toes in the water.
The First Meeting
Warm Welcome: Your therapist will start by getting to know you—your story, your goals, and what you hope to get out of the intensive.
Setting the Pace: You’ll talk about what feels comfortable for you, and there’s no pressure to rush.
Explaining the Process: Expect a clear explanation of how EMDR works, what the sessions will look like, and how you’ll work together.
What Happens During an EMDR Intensive?
1. Preparation
Before diving into the deeper work, you’ll spend time building trust and learning coping skills. This might include:
Breathing exercises
Creating a “safe place” and “container” in your mind
Create a list of memories / moments that you wish to work on in order of priority (these are past memories that still cause you distress today)
2. Processing each memory using EMDR
This is where the real work happens. Here’s what it might feel like:
Guided Focus: Your psychologist will ask you to recall a specific memory or feeling while guiding your attention with eye movements (and other bilateral stimulation)
Emotional Waves: You may notice emotions, thoughts, or even physical sensations coming and going. It’s normal to feel a range of things—sometimes intense, sometimes surprisingly calm.
Aim for no distress and adaptive beliefs: Using Eye Movement, the aim is to Desensitise the distress which leads to an adaptive Reprocessing of the memory.
Support Throughout: You’re never alone in this. Your psychologist checks in regularly, making sure you feel safe and grounded. We go after each memory, one by one within the 3 hours intensive.
What Will I Feel Afterward?
Many people describe feeling lighter, clearer, or more at peace after an EMDR Intensive. Some notice changes right away, while for others, the benefits unfold gradually. It’s common to feel tired, unsettled, needing a quiet and slower pace of life 48 hours afterwards —emotional work is real work!
Is EMDR Intensive Therapy Right for Me?
You want results faster: If you’re eager to make progress in a shorter time frame, this approach can be a good fit.
You’re ready for focused work: Intensives require commitment and confidence in coping with emotional distress for a short amount of time but the payoff can be significant.
Final Thoughts
Choosing EMDR Intensive therapy is a brave step toward healing. It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but remember: you’re not alone. The process is designed to be safe, supportive, and tailored to your needs. If you’re curious, reach out for a chat—sometimes the first step is just having a conversation.
