WHAT ARE EMDR INTENSIVES?

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Has weekly talk therapy or EMDR therapy sessions not worked the way you expected?

  • Perhaps you’ve been engaged in therapy for some time, yet each session feels more like a brief update than meaningful progress. Despite weeks—or even months—passing, it may seem as though little has changed since you first began.

  • You might be interested in starting weekly therapy, but with a demanding schedule, it can start to feel more like an obligation than a supportive option. And of course, the long waitlists for consistent weekly appointments can make it even more challenging.

  • Alternatively, you may be seeking more immediate support and are reluctant to wait months—or even years—in traditional weekly therapy before noticing real improvement.

  • Or maybe you're new to therapy and are drawn to a more focused, immersive approach right from the start.

EMDR INTENSIVES in Burnaby, BC:

Immersive, Focused EMDR Therapy with a Licensed Psychologist to treat Trauma, Anxiety, and other Mental Health Concerns.

If you've tried therapy before but didn’t get the results you hoped for—or if you're simply looking to feel better, sooner—EMDR intensives may offer a more focused and effective path forward. Unlike traditional methods that can take months or years, EMDR intensive sessions condense progress into an immersive three-day experience, enabling faster, deeper healing. You’ll also gain coping tools to help manage emotions and stay in control, ensuring a smoother process—many of which you won’t need anymore once we’ve healed your triggers.

WHY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EMDR INTENSIVES

After shifting to exclusively offering EMDR Therapy in my practice, I noticed a distinct difference in effectiveness between weekly EMDR sessions and Intensive EMDR sessions. For more than half of my clients, weekly sessions often had setbacks—life would get in the way, and progress would slow down. As well, emotional recovery after each session could take days, causing disruption in clients’ lives week after week. While some recovery is necessary, the intensive approach I adhere to minimizes these after effects, creating a faster, more balanced healing experience.

Intensive EMDR sessions offer the space and focus for deep healing, accelerating progress. What typically takes months of weekly sessions can be accomplished in just three weeks with a focused approach.

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WHY WEEKLY EMDR THERAPY SESSIONS CAN BE LESS IDEAL?

  • Sickness, vacations, deadlines, and other life events can slow or stall the EMDR process.

  • The emotional recovery after each session can be disruptive week after week.

  • Processing becomes less efficient as momentum is lost and needs to be regained each week.

  • Unforeseen life circumstances may force the premature discontinuation of treatment.

WHY DO EMDR INTENSIVE SESSIONS?

  • You don’t want life to get in the way of your healing.

  • You want to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for a big life event.

  • You have a significant issue you want to address that you’d prefer to resolve quickly.

  • Your schedule does not allow for consistent weekly therapy.

HOW IT WORKS

What EMDR Intensives Include?

Pre-Intensive Session

A 75-minute initial session to clarify your goals for the intensive, define your desired outcomes, and fully prepare for the experience. We’ll work together to identify the painful memories, beliefs, and emotions you want relief from, setting the stage for a transformative experience.

Customized Treatment

The 3 EMDR Intensive sessions are held over 3 weeks, with 4 hours each day dedicated to the process. These sessions are customized to you, featuring targeted treatments and resourcing activities, ensuring a deeply effective and supportive experience.

Post-Intensive Session

A 50-minute session to debrief your experience and discuss the insights, relief, and transformation you’ve experienced. Together, we’ll create a clear plan for your next steps, setting you up for continued growth and healing long after the sessions end.

FAQs:

What others have wondered about intensive EMDR sessions

  • Intensives are concentrated treatment sessions, typically lasting part of a day over several days. Unlike weekly therapy, which is limited to a 50- or 75-minute sessions, they allow for deeper exploration and usually more efficient resolution of the root cause of issues.

  • Intensive EMDR sessions are effective for those ready to explore how their past has shaped their life, especially if they have done preparatory work (e.g., prior therapy, other personal growth endeavours). However, they may not be suitable for individuals in crisis, experiencing severe dissociation, or managing complex mental health issues. During our initial consultation, I'll assess the best approach based on your unique needs.

  • Intensive EMDR sessions may feel long, but time passes quickly because of how your brain stays engaged. While the first hour can be intense, the intensity usually fades as processing continues. You'll likely feel lighter, though a bit tired, as old memories and limiting beliefs are released. You'll be amazed at how quickly you start seeing real progress.

  • Research supports that intensive EMDR therapy is well-tolerated by clients and promotes faster symptom reduction, often yielding better outcomes. It reduces treatment time by focusing directly on trauma healing, without spending time on life updates, current crises, stabilization, or session recovery. Research shows that this approach is both effective and economically valuable for addressing the root causes of mental health issues.

  • Yes, intensives can help accelerate progress and complement your traditional weekly therapy. If needed, we can coordinate with your current therapist to ensure a smooth continuation of your healing journey.

  • Your results depend on the nature of your trauma or the issue being addressed. The intensive package is designed to equip you with the skills to maximize our work, allowing for deep, meaningful changes. While I can’t guarantee complete resolution of all symptoms, client’s generally experience accelerated healing and significant, lasting transformation in various aspects of their life..

  • EMDR intensives are a premium service, and my current rate is 350/therapy hour. While the cost may seem significant, it is often more cost-effective than traditional weekly therapy. Weekly sessions are limited to 75 minutes, which includes time for check-ins and coping skills, while intensives provide a dedicated 4-hour block to focus solely on your concerns. This allows for faster progress, often achieving the same results in just a few days.

  • You just need to be in the province of BC or the Yukon in order for me to work with you. If you're out of province, you can travel to BC or the Yukon for the Intensive, and many people enjoy the experience as a getaway focused on healing and growth.

  • We'll start with a 50-minute session to discuss your goals. Once you're ready to proceed, we'll schedule all your sessions at once for convenience.

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