Understanding EMDR Intensives
A painful experience can feel far away in time and still feel close in everyday life. You may be interested in working through it, but unsure what treatment involves—or how to fit it into your schedule.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic experiences. An EMDR Intensive uses longer appointments to create dedicated time for this work, with a schedule tailored to the individual.
Here is what to know about EMDR therapy, how an intensive differs from weekly treatment, and what to expect before getting started.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
During memory processing, a therapist guides you to focus on an upsetting memory and related thoughts or physical sensations while also paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound. The goal is to reduce the distress associated with the experience. [1]
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been identified as one of the most effective PTSD treatments. That evidence does not mean every person or every concern calls for EMDR; an assessment helps determine whether it fits your needs. [1]
The conversation starts with your goals and current needs. Before memory processing begins, your clinician takes time to understand your history, coping resources, and support system and determine what preparation may be needed.
What is an EMDR Intensive?
An EMDR Intensive provides EMDR therapy through extended sessions rather than a standard weekly appointment schedule.
These longer appointments allow time to check in, engage in the planned work, and close with grounding and a plan.
Our intensive sessions may last 90 minutes to three hours. Session length depends on your ability to participate and what your clinician determines is clinically appropriate.
An intensive may involve two to three sessions per week over approximately four to six weeks. Other schedules—including longer sessions less frequently—may be appropriate. The frequency, length, and overall duration are individualized and can change as treatment progresses.
How does an intensive differ from weekly EMDR therapy?
The main difference is how treatment time is organized.
Weekly EMDR therapy spreads appointments across a regularly spaced schedule.
An intensive creates a more concentrated period of work through longer appointments and, in some cases, more frequent sessions.
Both formats require assessment, preparation, and ongoing clinical evaluation. Longer appointments do not guarantee faster results or a shorter overall course of treatment. The amount of treatment needed varies from person to person.
An intensive may appeal to someone who wants to reserve dedicated time for a particular concern, has difficulty attending ongoing weekly appointments, or wants focused EMDR work alongside existing therapy.
Who might consider an EMDR Intensive?
You may want to ask about an intensive if you:
- Have a specific memory or painful experience you would like to address.
- Prefer to set aside concentrated time for EMDR work.
- Have limited availability for ongoing weekly therapy.
- Already work with a therapist and would like to explore EMDR as additional treatment.
You do not need to know exactly which memory to focus on before contacting us. Assessment and planning help clarify your goals and identify appropriate treatment targets.
An intensive is not appropriate for everyone. Your clinician will consider your current stability, relevant history, medical needs, coping resources, and available support. A central question is whether you can safely tolerate concentrated trauma processing with the supports available to you.
What to expect at Anxiety Institute
Assessment and Preparation
The process begins with two assessment and planning sessions. Your clinician explores your goals and history, discusses the treatment format, and evaluates whether an intensive is appropriate. Additional preparation may be needed before memory processing begins. Completing the assessment does not automatically mean you are ready to start processing.
An Individualized Treatment Plan
If an intensive is appropriate, you and your clinician develop a plan for session length, frequency, and treatment focus. Your readiness and response to treatment guide the pace. The plan can be adjusted if new needs emerge.
Coordination With Your Current Therapist
You do not have to leave your current therapist to participate. EMDR Intensives may be offered as adjunctive treatment. With your permission, your Anxiety Institute clinician can coordinate with your primary therapist to support continuity of care.
EMDR Intensives in Connecticut and New Jersey
Anxiety Institute offers EMDR Intensives in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Madison, New Jersey.
Our team can help you explore whether this format fits your goals and explain the assessment process.
When contacting admissions, mention that you are interested in an EMDR Intensive. You can also ask about scheduling, session fees, and any information you may need to discuss potential reimbursement with your insurer.
EMDR Intensive FAQs
How long is an EMDR Intensive session?
Sessions may range from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on your needs and clinical appropriateness.
How many weeks does an EMDR Intensive take?
A possible schedule is two to three sessions per week for approximately four to six weeks. Your clinician may recommend a different schedule or additional preparation.
Can I continue seeing my regular therapist?
Yes. You can continue with your current therapist, with permission-based coordination between clinicians.
Do I need to identify a specific memory before calling?
No. Assessment and planning can help you clarify the focus of treatment.
How do I know whether an intensive is right for me?
Start with a conversation with our admissions team. Clinical assessment is needed to determine whether the format is appropriate and how it should be structured.
Explore Whether an EMDR Intensive is Right For You
You can take the first step without having every answer.
Contact Anxiety Institute to learn about EMDR Intensives and discuss the assessment process.
Telehealth appointments are also available for individuals in New York and Connecticut, making specialized care more accessible and convenient.
Source
[1] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/emdr.asp
