EMDR Intensives are for those clients who are ready to do more focused work, outside the traditional weekly therapy structure.  Reasons a client might want to pursue this option could be that the trauma work is hefty and it would make more sense to approach it with longer sessions to be able to have more time to open and close matieral and to move through that material at a quicker pace.  Perhaps there is an event planned and client and therapist agree that working on material before the event would be beneficial, like a speaking engagement for example.  Whatever the reason, an EMDR Intensive just gives clients and therapists more options outside of the regular weekly therapy structure.  
 

EMDR Intensives are created between you and the therapist with whom you will be working with. The options for intensives range from half-day intensives to 3-day intensives.   You and your therapist will discuss the best option for you depending on your needs. All intensives include the components below.

• One 90-minute, pre-treatment interview (online available) to assess candidacy, gain insight, and identify obstacles. We will also begin to identify targets that cause unpleasant beliefs, body sensations, emotions, or images from which you are seeking relief.

• Assessments to identify symptoms you’d like to alleviate, your attachment style, areas of activation or triggers, strengths you’d like to enhance, and memories or experiences that still need attention and soothing

• Preparation for your intensive treatment experience and articulation of specific treatment goals

• Personalized treatment workbook, which allows you to work on your treatment goals before and after EMDR intensive sessions

•  Client-centered treatment consisting of EMDR resourcing and reprocessing with one of our clinicians in our Lisle or Naperville office

• One 90-minute, post-treatment interview (online available) to assess and support your adaptation to positive changes from treatment

 

Answers to commonly asked questions

​

Why an intensive instead of a normal 60-minute psychotherapy session?

EMDR intensives allow the opportunity to progress through your symptoms in a more succinct and focused way without the interruption of a 60-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.

 

If I’m already a weekly client, can I participate in an EMDR intensive?

Yes. EMDR intensives for current clients are available in modified formats and pricing. 

 

If I already have a primary therapist, can I do an EMDR intensive as adjunct therapy?

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 intensive therapy can help. We will identify what format is best for you during your initial consultation.

​

What can I expect to accomplish in a half-day intensive?

A half-day intensive offers a multitude of resources and can help to either increase performance and confidence, or significantly decrease the devastating effects of single event trauma (e.g. negative cognitions, disturbing emotions and body sensations). While significant healing can occur in one half-day intensive, Complex PTSD deserves more treatment than one half-day intensive. Many clients experiencing Complex PTSD may continue to work on their trauma histories through monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly half-day intensives.

 

What can I expect to accomplish in a 3-day weekday or weekend intensive?

Participating in a 3-day (weekday or weekend) EMDR intensive may create impactful change more efficiently than just weekly, 60-minute sessions or even one half-day intensive. We will identify what format is best for you during your initial consultation.

​

Can my insurance help pay for this program?

Yes. Many insurance companies reimburse a portion of the cost of psychotherapy. It's best to determine the exact details of your policy ahead of time, including what benefits are available regarding out-of-network providers and if your insurance will reimburse several hours of therapy in one day or one week. I will provide you with a Superbill for all direct contact therapy services included in the program.