EMDR Intensives can be a powerful option if traditional weekly therapy doesn’t fit your current season of life. You might benefit from working intensively if your schedule is too full for ongoing sessions, if a recent event has made it clear you need relief now— not months from now, or if you have a limited window of availability, like a school break, parental leave, or time off work. Intensives are also ideal if you’re hoping to do deeper work ahead of a major life change, such as a move, new job, or growing your family. If you’re already in therapy but facing trauma-related concerns your current therapist isn’t equipped to address, an EMDR intensive can serve as a short-term, focused supplement to the work you’re already doing.
What are the benefits of EMDR Intensives?
Flexibility in Scheduling
For some, taking a few days to focus on healing may be more realistic than committing to weekly therapy sessions.
Additionally, since state licensing requirements ask that you be physically located in the state(s) in which your therapist is licensed, EMDR Intensives may give some the chance to travel to Illinois or Washington in order to receive EMDR treatment.
Efficiency in Progress
In an intensive, we focus less on addressing the week to week occurrences of your life, and more on addressing the root issue that may be keeping you stuck. While timelines vary, this format allows us to work toward your goals more directly and efficiently.
Collaboration with Other Providers
EMDR Intensives can serve as a powerful supplement to the therapy you’re already doing. If you have a trusted therapist but need targeted trauma work to address lingering PTSD symptoms or deeply seated negative beliefs, an intensive can provide focused support that enhances your ongoing treatment.
How is an EMDR Intensive formatted?
One Day
Meeting for 3-4 hours to help you make significant and efficient progress.
Two Days / Multiple Days
Meeting multiple days in a row or week, or weekly to continue the progress you’re making.
A 90 minute intake session is conducted, typically the week before.
Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR Intensives are $225/hour. Please note that intensives are not covered by insurance at this time, and will not qualify for out-of-network reimbursement in the same way that weekly sessions will.
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Please schedule an initial 15 minute consultation. This will give us the opportunity to connect about whether and EMDR Intensive is right for you at this time.
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A 90-minute intake session is completed before the intensive, usually the week before. This session will allow us to clarify your goals for your intensive and what we plan to address.
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EMDR Intensives take place either in person in Alissa’s office within the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, or virtually in either Illinois or Washington.
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EMDR Intensives are not suitable for those who:
Are looking for regular, weekly therapy appointments— but feel free to reach out to book those here.
Are struggling with issues that need stabilization before EMDR can begin. Such issues might include being in crisis, suicidality, self-harming behaviors, substance abuse, or significant issues with dissociation.
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No— EMDR can be integrated into regular weekly sessions, as well as in a combination of weekly sessions and intensives, depending on your needs.