EMDR Can Be Intense (in the best way!)

Tara Kubik • August 2, 2024

What are EMDR Intensives?

EMDR Intensives

Days, not months


While EMDR Therapy can provide relief from symptoms regardless of which format it is presented in, EMDR intensives provide an opportunity for relief in days, not months or years.


EMDR Intensives are an investment in your well-being, just as any other medical treatment. Although you will make a larger investment upfront, the cost for an intensive is a definitive amount rather than the ongoing (and often undetermined) total for weekly therapy. The intensive format not only saves you time, but it also saves you money in the long run.


How many days should I plan for?


While a thorough assessment is necessary during intake, to determine which option is best for you, the following recommendations can give you an idea of what to expect:


Single-focus Intensive

Typically 1 - 3 days

Recommended for:

  • Individuals with one specific goal, event, or trauma that they would like to address/target
  • Individuals that have experienced recent trauma (in the past 6 months) and would like to address that event exclusively (i.e., assault, robbery, car accident, divorce, etc.)


Ongoing Traumatic Stress Intensive 

Typically 1 - 3 days

Recommended for:

  • Individuals in high-pressure and "helping" professions, where vicarious trauma is more likely (i.e., first responders, police officers, nurses, therapists, social workers, etc.)
  • Individuals that experienced a traumatic event in the past (+6 months ago), and are still affected by it in the present (i.e., car accident, domestic violence, natural disaster, an assault, etc.)


Story Clearing Intensive

Typically 4 - 5 days

Recommended for:

  • Individuals that want to "clear" multiple points throughout their life, such as childhood trauma, attachment wounds, ongoing relationship issues, complex trauma, multiple traumatic experiences, etc. 


 What will my investment be?


Intensives can be comprised of full days and/or half days. Packages start at $300 for weekday options.

Weekend options may be available upon request, for an additional investment.

Refer to Investment details below, for additional information

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Half-day Investment

$300 per half day (3 hours)

+ $100 (for a 1-hour follow-up session, post-intensive)

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Full-day Investment

$500 per full-day (5 hours)

+ $100 (follow-up session)

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"Weekender" Option


Similar to the Intensive options detailed above, but scheduled during the weekend for optimal relaxation.

Perfect for scheduling a yoga class, massage, and/or just some down time in-between your sessions.


Weekend Intensive typically consists of:

3 hours on Friday evening

4 hours Saturday

3 hours Sunday


Includes:

20-minute pre-intensive consultation call

Resources, assessments, and personalized "tools"

Customized treatment program

1-hour follow-up ~2 weeks after the intensive


The Weekender Option is a total investment of $1,600


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Deposit Policy

A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total Intensive cost is require

to schedule any type of Intensive service. This deposit will used towards your service cost,

and the remainder of the cost will be due on the first day of the Intensive.

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What is included in my investment?


I acknowledge that my clients are making an investment in their well-being when they seek services; not just from a financial standpoint, but from a time and energy standpoint as well. Rather than scheduling back-to-back clients all day every day, I emphasize the quality that each client receives. Keeping my caseload limited ensures that you receive quality services and that your investment in this intensive goes far beyond our scheduled time together.


Your Intensive Includes:


  • A 20-minute consultation call, prior to booking, to determine if an intensive is right for you


  • Resources, assessments, and personalized "tools" to assist in your healing


  • A customized treatment program, to address your specific goals


  • A 60-minute follow-up session, scheduled ~2 weeks after the Intensive,

to reflect on areas of insight, relief, and transformation, while also

exploring options for continued growth and healing



For more information, check out the Q&A below or email me directly today!


Q&A

  • Do you require a deposit to schedule an EMDR Intensive?

    Yes - a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total cost of the Intensive is required for scheduling. For example, if you are scheduling an Intensive that is 2 full days, you are required to pay a deposit of $550 to schedule ($500 + $500 + $100 = $1,100 for the total cost of intensive; half of $1,100 = $550) 


    *Please note, you are able to tentatively schedule your intensive after you have your consultation call. However, these dates will only be held for 48 hours. After that, the deposit is required to confirm and schedule the dates for your intensive.

  • That's quite an investment! Why are packages this rate?

    It is quite an investment! Similar to a medical procedure and/or a health retreat, you are investing time, money, and energy into your well-being. Your investment in these services not only includes your scheduled time - it also accounts for the therapist's time outside of session to prepare your personalized treatment plan, resources, and assessments, as well as complete any research, training, and/or consultations that may be necessary to ensure that you receive quality services.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Once a deposit is provided and dates are secured, clients are required to give at least 5 business days' notice of their need to cancel and/or reschedule. If 5+ business days' notice is provided, and the client desires to reschedule their intensive within the next 30 days, their deposit will be utilized towards their rescheduled service. However, if less than 5 business days' notice is provided, the deposit is forfeited and another deposit will be required for any future services. If the client's need to cancel/reschedule is due to emergency/extreme circumstances, it will be up to the counselor's discretion whether the deposit will be retained.

  • Are intensives right for me?

    Intensives are best suited for individuals who have previous experience with therapy and are hoping to dive deeper into their healing. Ideally, an individual should be at a point in their life where they are safe and stable enough to participate in such work. *This can be explored in more depth during a consultation call, as every situation is different! 


    Additionally, this is great for individuals who have participated in talk therapy in the past but are still experiencing discontentment, impairment, and/or symptoms that negatively impact their lives. 

  • Will an Intensive "cure" me?

    With any therapeutic process, "cures" cannot (and should not) be presented as the goal. While the efficacy of EMDR Intensives is evidence-based, research cannot guarantee that the Intensive format will work for everyone. Nor can it accurately predict what percentage of benefit it can produce for any particular trauma. 


    With that being said, the counselor makes every effort to collaborate with each client (from consultation and throughout the entirety of the intensive) to ensure that the process most appropriate fits your goals/needs. Adjustments will be made as necessary, to maximize benefits as much as possible. 

  • What if I chose one event to focus on, but then more "stuff" comes up during the Intensive?

    It is not uncommon for additional material (i.e., traumas, concerns, distressing memories, etc.) to emerge during an Intensive. If such occurs, the counselor will continue to focus on the main goals that the client set for this Intensive. If a client decides to address the additional material that emerged, they will be given the option to schedule additional time. 

  • What do I need to do to prepare for my Intensive?

    I love answering this question! I believe that no-prep is the best prep when it comes to an intensive. We will have plenty of time to explore your history once the intensive starts. 


    So, if possible, treat this time as a mental wellness retreat!  Read a good book, get a massage, explore outside, rest, etc.! Whatever will help you feel relaxed and refreshed for this process.

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