EMDR Intensives

EMDR intensives may not be suitable for everyone. Consider the following:

• Crisis situations: EMDR intensives are not recommended for individuals currently experiencing a crisis, such as active suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors.

• Medication considerations: Certain medications, like benzodiazepines, may reduce the effectiveness of EMDR. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your prescribing doctor. If you take benzodiazepines, discuss this with your prescriber before enrolling in an EMDR intensive.

• Medical conditions: If you have a history of or are currently dealing with eye problems, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or are at risk for conditions like stroke, heart attack, or seizures, consult your physician to ensure EMDR is safe for you.

• Legal considerations: If you are involved in an upcoming court case where testimony is required (e.g., as a victim or witness to a crime), it may be best to postpone EMDR treatment. The processing of traumatic material during EMDR can lead to changes in memory, which could impact your testimony.

As with most things, this varies from person to person.

• In general, half day sessions are considered more of an extended session of “the standard protocol.” These sessions can be helpful for those who have been engaging in therapy regularly and wish for more time to process painful memories than what is available in a standard 50 minute session.

• Full day sessions are best for a single issue, such as sexual assault, birth trauma, loss, etc. You may or may not currently be engaging with therapy about this problem or concern, and you want to deep dive into one focus.

• Two day sessions can sometimes be helpful for single issue concerns as well, especially if the concern is ongoing and/or feels connected to problems in childhood. Sometimes there are more than one target, and the focus may shift towards overarching themes.

Reach out! We can set up a time for a 20 minute phone consultation to chat about if an EMDR intensive session is an appropriate fit or if other services are needed. During this time we will briefly review your history, goals, and questions regarding clinical and logistical needs. If it feels like a good fit, we will schedule an initial assessment session.

An initial assessment is required to obtain thorough history, assess current needs & identify your goals for EMDR. If during this assessment, it is decided that an intensive is not an appropriate fit, you may choose to discontinue treatment, prioritize weekly sessions first, or seek alternative referrals. One of the other benefits of a separate assessment is that if something doesn’t feel right for whatever reason, you also aren’t out more money.

EMDR intensives are highly specialized based on the treatment goals discussed in the consultation and assessment. Often we will focus on specific targets, such as a traumatic event, or pervasive themes that create ongoing distress, such as “I am unlovable,” “I can’t trust anyone,” “I’m not enough,” etc.

Sessions are longer than traditional therapy appointments, allowing for deep, uninterrupted processing of distressing memories or current challenges. We will use bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or handheld tappers, to help your brain process and integrate experiences. The goal is to reduce emotional distress and promote lasting healing in a shorter timeframe than traditional weekly therapy sessions.

You are always welcome to adjust breaks during your intensives to fit your pumping schedule. Please let me know if you need this accommodation, and I can make sure you have a private space to pump and fridge access to store milk.

After an EMDR intensive, it’s important to prioritize rest and self-care as your mind and body continue to process the work you’ve done. It is not recommended to schedule work or social activities immediately after your session to give yourself time to decompress and integrate the experience.

Consider engaging in calming activities like journaling, gentle movement, or spending time in nature. Staying hydrated, nourishing your body with a healthy meal, and getting plenty of rest can also support your healing. We will go over additional aftercare recommendations tailored to your needs to ensure you feel grounded and supported.

You may choose to schedule an optional follow-up session one week after completion of your intensive session date. This time is used to connect the changes that you have made in your EMDR intensive program to difficult situations you anticipate encountering in the future.

Because intensive session appointments are reserved exclusively for you and require a large amount of time, 30 days notice are required to cancel or reschedule a session. For cancellations over 30 days prior to a scheduled session, there are no additional fees (minus the nonrefundable deposit). For cancellations 30 days or less prior to a scheduled session, there will be a fee that reflects the remainder of the agreed session fee.

However, both the initial assessment and the optional follow-up sessions follow a more flexible 48 hours cancellation policy outlined in the FAQ section of Wise Roots Therapy’s website.

All intensive sessions require a 50% deposit fee to book an appointment. All deposits are non-refundable. The remainder of the session cost is due on the first day of service. Services will not be rendered without payment. In general, intensive sessions are not covered by insurance. A card on file is required to book your session. You may use your HSA, credit card, or debit card for payment.

EMDR is a well-established and evidence-based therapy. It is shown to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, distressing memories, and other emotional challenges. While many people find EMDR to be highly effective and beneficial, the outcomes of EMDR intensives cannot be guaranteed, as results differ for each individual. Refunds are not provided for dissatisfaction with services.