EMDR Extended Sessions: A Faster, Focused Path Toward Healing
What is an EMDR Extended Session?
If you’ve been in therapy before—or even if you’re just starting—you might be wondering: Is there a way to make deeper progress without stretching it out over months or years? That’s where EMDR extended sessions come in, also commonly referred to as EMDR intensives.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a well-researched therapy that helps your brain process and heal from distressing experiences—whether that’s trauma, anxiety, panic, or moments that still feel “stuck.”
An EMDR intensive takes that same powerful approach and offers it in longer, focused sessions over a shorter period of time. Instead of meeting for 50 minutes once a week, you might engage in several hours at a time, over a few days.
Think of it like this: Rather than taking small steps each week, you’re giving yourself the space to take meaningful strides forward—without constantly stopping and starting.
Why do people choose an EMDR intensive?
Many people are drawn to EMDR intensives because life doesn’t always allow for slow, weekly progress. You might feel ready now to move through something that’s been weighing on you for years.
Here’s what makes intensives different:
1. Deeper Focus, Faster Movement
With extended time, we’re able to stay with your process instead of pausing just as things begin to unfold. This often leads to more noticeable shifts in a shorter amount of time. With weekly therapy often includes, 10–15 minutes checking in, 20–30 minutes of EMDR processing, 10–15 minutes closing, each week. Effective but can be slower and other distractions can come in and change focus of session.
2. Less “Starting Over” Each Session
Weekly therapy can sometimes feel like revisiting the same material again and again. Intensives reduce that stop-and-go feeling, allowing your brain to stay engaged in the healing process.
3. Space to Fully Process
You’re not rushing to wrap things up before the hour ends. There’s room to go at your pace, follow what comes up, and feel complete at the end of each session.
4. A Personalized, Supportive Experience
Intensives are tailored specifically to you—your history, your goals, and what you’re hoping to shift. It’s a collaborative and deeply supportive process.
Is an EMDR Intensive Right for You?
An intensive might be a good fit if you:
Feel ready to actively work through a specific issue
Want to make meaningful progress in a shorter timeframe
Have done some therapy before and feel “stuck”
Prefer a focused, immersive approach
You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting. Part of the process is helping you identify where to begin.
Investment
EMDR Intensives are offered in 3-hour blocks, with options for up to 6 hours per day over 1–3 days. To get started, we’ll schedule an intake session the fee is $205. Intakes are used to clarify your goals and create a personalized plan. The fee is $675 per 3-hour session, which includes a 30-minute follow-up session scheduled at a later date.
To reserve a spot a 50% deposit is required, remaining amount is due on date of service.
While the upfront cost can feel significant, many clients find intensives to be more cost-effective over time. Because the work is more focused and efficient, you may need fewer overall sessions compared to traditional weekly therapy.
EMDR intensives are typically not covered by insurance. The intake session may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement depending on your benefits, and you may be able to use HSA funds—please check with your insurance provider or plan administrator to confirm your coverage.