A Guide to EMDR Intensives: What They Are and Who They’re For

Apr 11

For many people struggling with trauma, traditional weekly therapy sessions can feel too short, too spaced out, or too slow to make meaningful progress. This can be especially true for those carrying the weight of unresolved trauma, persistent triggers, or overwhelming emotional patterns that just won’t shift. If you’ve been feeling stuck—or if weekly therapy hasn’t met your needs—an EMDR intensive might be the alternative you didn’t know existed.

As a trauma therapist trained in EMDR, I’ve seen firsthand how this approach can help people process painful experiences and move forward. And when it’s done in an intensive format, the results can be powerful.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what EMDR intensives are, how they work, who they’re ideal for, and why they can offer a deeper path to healing.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused therapy designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel triggering or overwhelming. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to help your brain process stuck trauma and replace negative beliefs with more positive, adaptive ones.

EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and so much more. Many people experience significant relief from symptoms in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy.

What Is an EMDR Intensive?

An EMDR intensive is a concentrated period of EMDR therapy offered over a longer session—or multiple sessions—in a shorter timeframe. Rather than attending therapy once a week for months or years, an EMDR intensive allows you to dedicate focused time to work through traumatic experiences in a safe, contained way.

A typical EMDR intensive might look like:

A single half-day or full-day session
Several consecutive days of therapy
A weekend format for those with busy schedules

In these extended sessions, there’s time to move beyond “catching up” and dive more deeply into processing. Sessions are paced with care and include plenty of time for preparation, integration, and grounding.

Why Some People Prefer Intensives Over Weekly Therapy

✅ You get to go deeper, faster

Weekly therapy sessions are often 50 minutes long—and by the time you check in, explore a topic, and regulate before leaving, there may not be much space for deep trauma processing. Intensives provide the time and space needed to do meaningful work without interruption.

✅ It’s easier to maintain momentum

With weekly sessions, it can be hard to stay connected to your therapeutic work. Life happens. You might spend one week making progress and the next just trying to catch up. Intensives help you build and maintain momentum, allowing for more consistent healing.

✅ It fits better into busy schedules

Some people don’t have the bandwidth for weekly therapy. EMDR intensives can be ideal for professionals, parents, caregivers, students, or anyone who prefers to focus their time and energy in a concentrated format.

✅ It’s a powerful option if you feel stuck

If you’ve already been in therapy and still feel like you’re hitting a wall, an EMDR intensive might be the missing piece. It allows for a deeper level of focus and support that may not be possible in a shorter, weekly format. You can also do an EMDR intensive as conjunctive therapy. In other words, you can keep your weekly therapist while doing an intensive for trauma healing.

Who Are EMDR Intensives For?

EMDR intensives can be incredibly supportive for:

Adults with childhood trauma or PTSD
People with a history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Those experiencing intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or persistent anxiety
Clients who feel they’ve plateaued in weekly therapy
First responders, healthcare workers, or professionals in high-stress roles
People navigating grief, loss, or recent trauma
Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression

It’s important to note: EMDR intensives aren’t for everyone. Some clients may benefit from building stability and safety first through weekly sessions. A trained EMDR therapist will assess readiness and help determine if an intensive is a good fit.

What Happens During an EMDR Intensive?

Every EMDR intensive is tailored to your needs, but here’s what the process often includes:

1. Pre-Intensive Assessment

Before the intensive, you’ll meet with the therapist to clarify goals, review history, and ensure that EMDR is the right fit. Together, you’ll create a plan for what to work on and how to stay grounded during and after the intensive.

2. Preparation and Resourcing

The intensive begins with building safety in your nervous system. You’ll learn and practice grounding tools to use during and after processing. This might include breathwork, somatic awareness, or visualization.

3. Target Identification

You and your therapist will identify the memories, beliefs, or patterns that are most distressing or central to your current struggles. These targets guide the reprocessing work.

4. EMDR Processing

This is the heart of the intensive. Using bilateral stimulation, your therapist will guide you through the reprocessing of the identified memories, helping your brain reframe and release stuck pain or beliefs.

5. Integration and Grounding

After processing, the focus shifts to integration—making space to reflect, regulate, and return to the present. Your therapist will help you feel resourced and supported before the intensive ends.

6. Follow-Up

Some therapists include a follow-up session to check in and offer additional support after the intensive. This helps ensure you feel grounded and can continue building on the insights gained.

Are EMDR Intensives Effective?

Yes—when done with an experienced trauma therapist and at the right time in your healing journey, EMDR intensives can lead to profound shifts. Research supports the effectiveness of EMDR in shorter timeframes. A 2007 study found that even a single EMDR session could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, and intensives are increasingly used in both clinical and retreat settings for lasting impact.

Clients often report:

Feeling lighter and more regulated
Reduced reactivity to old triggers
More clarity around personal patterns
Increased self-trust and emotional resilience

Final Thoughts: EMDR Intensives with Brea Giancaterino in Denver, CO

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. EMDR intensives offer a focused, compassionate, and effective way to address trauma that may be holding you back. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or are just beginning your journey, intensives can help you move through pain more efficiently—and with the support you deserve.

If you’re curious about whether an EMDR intensive might be right for you, I’d be honored to talk more about it. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to wait months or years to feel relief. Sometimes, a few dedicated hours can change everything.

Interested in exploring an EMDR intensive? Reach out for a consultation—I’m here to support you in finding the path that fits your healing best.

Learn more about EMDR Intensives with Brea, here.

Interested in EMDR but not ready for an intensive? Learn more here.