What is EMDR Intensive Therapy? And How Does it Differ From EMDR therapy?
EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach that was developed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. It involves a structured eight-phase protocol that includes specific techniques to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories.
EMDR Intensives are a more concentrated and focused form of EMDR therapy. In traditional EMDR therapy, sessions are typically held on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, with each session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. In an intensive format, multiple sessions are scheduled within a shorter timeframe, often spanning a few weeks. This condensed schedule allows for a more concentrated and immersive therapeutic experience.
The main difference between EMDR and EMDR intensives lies in the frequency and duration of the therapy sessions. While both approaches utilize the same core principles and techniques of EMDR therapy, intensives provide a more accelerated and concentrated treatment experience.
Benefits of EMDR Intensives:
Concentrated and focused experience: EMDR intensives offer a more concentrated and focused treatment experience. With consecutive sessions held over a few days or weeks, individuals can delve deeper into their traumatic experiences and process them in a more immersive manner.
Accelerated progress: EMDR intensives may be particularly beneficial for individuals who have complex trauma or multiple traumatic experiences. The condensed schedule allows for more rapid progress, as clients have the opportunity to work through multiple targets and process traumatic memories more efficiently.
Comprehensive healing: EMDR intensives provide a comprehensive healing experience, as individuals can remain in a therapeutic mindset for an extended period. This immersive approach fosters continuity and deepens the therapeutic connection, leading to more profound insights and transformative experiences.
EMDR intensives are particularly useful for individuals who may benefit from a more focused and immersive therapeutic experience. They can be beneficial for clients with complex trauma, multiple traumatic experiences, or those who are seeking more rapid progress in their healing journey. However, it's important to note that the suitability of EMDR intensives should be assessed on an individual basis, as it may not be suitable or appropriate for everyone. Consulting with a qualified EMDR therapist can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach for an individual's specific needs.
While EMDR intensives can be highly effective for many individuals, it's essential to consider certain factors before embarking on this treatment approach:
Individual suitability: EMDR intensives may not be suitable or appropriate for everyone. An assessment by a qualified EMDR therapist is crucial to determine if an individual is ready for an intensive treatment experience and can benefit from it. At Lakeside Counseling we offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to determine if EMDR is the right fit for you.
Emotional readiness: Intensive therapy can be emotionally demanding, and individuals should be emotionally prepared for the intensity of the process. It's important to have the necessary support systems in place to cope with any emotional challenges that may arise.
Integration and aftercare: Following an intensive therapy experience, it is vital to have a plan for integrating the insights and changes that occur. Aftercare, such as regular therapy sessions or support groups, can help individuals maintain their progress and continue their healing journey.
EMDR and EMDR intensives both offer valuable therapeutic approaches for processing and healing from traumatic experiences. While EMDR follows a standard protocol with weekly or bi-weekly sessions, EMDR intensives provide a more concentrated and immersive treatment experience. Understanding the differences between these approaches and consulting with a qualified EMDR therapist can help individuals determine the most appropriate treatment path for their unique needs. Whether one chooses traditional EMDR or the more accelerated EMDR intensives, both approaches offer the potential for healing and growth on the journey to recovery.
If you’re looking to start EMDR intensives, we offer both in-person and online therapy for those based in and outside of the United States.
Please contact Lakeside below to set up a consultation to discuss the next steps for scheduling an EMDR intensive. Alternatively, you can call us at (608) 889-7173 or email us at therapy@lakesidecounsel.com.