EMDR Intensive Program

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is designed to help individuals process distressing memories and experiences that are contributing to psychological difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions.

The goal of EMDR therapy is to help individuals process traumatic experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and promotes adaptive resolution. Through repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, individuals may experience a gradual desensitization to the traumatic memories, allowing them to integrate these experiences into their overall life story in a more manageable and less distressing way.

EMDR Therapy can be safely done both in-person and within a virtual/telehealth setting.

What are EMDR Intensives?

EMDR intensives are extended and concentrated sessions of EMDR therapy that are conducted over a shorter period of time than traditional weekly sessions. Instead of spreading therapy out over several weeks or months, intensives involve multiple sessions scheduled closely together, often over the course of several consecutive days or a weekend.

During EMDR intensives, individuals typically receive several hours of therapy each day, allowing for deeper immersion into the therapeutic process and more rapid progress. This concentrated format can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are experiencing acute distress, have complex trauma histories, or are seeking to address specific issues within a shorter timeframe.

EMDR intensives may be recommended for various reasons, including:

  1. Rapid Relief: Intensives can provide quicker relief from symptoms compared to traditional weekly therapy sessions, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals in crisis or experiencing severe distress.

  2. Deep Dive: Intensives offer the opportunity to delve deeply into processing traumatic memories and addressing underlying issues without the interruption of long breaks between sessions.

  3. Logistical Considerations: For individuals who travel from out of town or have scheduling constraints, intensives can offer a more convenient option for receiving EMDR therapy within a condensed timeframe.

EMDR intensives are typically tailored to the individual’s needs and may vary in length and frequency depending on the severity of symptoms and treatment goals. It’s essential for individuals considering EMDR intensives to discuss their options with me to determine whether this approach is suitable for their specific circumstances.

While many clients eagerly anticipate participating in EMDR intensives, it’s essential to gently remind them that this form of therapy is indeed intensive. Throughout the EMDR Intensive, clients should prioritize self-care to ensure they can engage effectively in the therapeutic process. It’s common for individuals to feel fatigued after EMDR sessions due to the intense nature of the process, especially given the accelerated nature of intensives.

Research on EMDR Intensives

Research on EMDR Intensives is expanding, with ongoing positive findings.

A pilot study showed that intensive treatment may lead to a faster reduction in symptoms. You can read more about the study here.

This case series shows how patients with Complex PTSD can benefit from EMDR Intensives. The evidence suggests that more frequent scheduling maximizes treatment outcomes.

 

Meet our Intensive EMDR Therapists

Vanessa Gutierrez, LCSW
Licensed Trauma Therapist 

Patricia Alvarado, LPCC/LMHC
Founder, Clinical Director & Licensed Trauma Therapist

EMDR Intensive over 3 days (6 hours a day) in person in Pasadena, CA

Total Investment:

$5000

Investment Breakdown

Pre-Assessment: 60-90 min $250 
(for new clients & non-EMDR clients only)

Processing through each day: $4500

Aftercare: 30-60 min $250

*payment plans available 

Please note: complete payment is required on the first day of the EMDR Intensive

The 3-day Intensive Retreat spans over three days, with 6 hours of continuous processing each day. Planning your schedule carefully is crucial to ensure uninterrupted participation throughout the entire duration. Missing a day of intensive work can disrupt the process and hinder your goals. Please arrange your schedule accordingly to fully immerse yourself in the experience without any other commitments.

Schedule for the 3 day Intensive Retreat:

Start Time: 9am 

  • Check in on plan per the pre-assessment meeting
  • Processing throughout the morning.

     

Lunch time: 12pm – 1pm 

Continue Intensive Work: 1pm – 4pm

End Time: 4pm

During the day, we’ll take short breaks as needed. It’s advisable to bring items that make you comfortable, such as a weighted blanket or any preferred object. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks as well.

Each day, we will begin at 9am and end at 4pm. 

Most sessions will occur from Friday to Sunday, although alternative days are available upon request. Details regarding scheduling options can be addressed during our consultation call. Additionally, payment plans can be discussed and tailored to your needs during this call.

Aftercare will be scheduled 1-2 weeks after the intensive retreat. 

EMDR Intensive in 1 day (6 hours in one day) in person in Pasadena, CA

Investment:

$2000

Investment Breakdown

Pre-Assessment: 60-90 min $250
(for new clients & non-EMDR clients only)

Processing through each day: $1500

Aftercare: 30-60 min $250

*payment plan available

Please note: complete payment is required on the first day of the EMDR Intensive

The 1-day Intensive consists of 6 hours of continued processing with a one hour lunch break. Planning your day is crucial to avoid any interruptions throughout the day. It is advisable that you carve out the full time to obtain the most benefits from the experience. 

Schedule for the 1-day Intensive:

Start Time: 9am 

  • Check in on plan per the pre-assessment meeting
  • Processing throughout the morning.

Lunch time: 12pm – 1pm 

Continue Intensive Work: 1pm – 4pm

End Time: 4pm

During the day, we’ll take short breaks as needed. It’s advisable to bring items that make you comfortable, such as a weighted blanket or any preferred object. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks as well.

Details regarding scheduling options can be addressed during our consultation call to ensure proper planning. Payment plans can be discussed and tailored to your needs during this call.

Aftercare will be scheduled 1-2 weeks after the intensive retreat where we can determine if weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or an additional intensive is needed. 

EMDR Intensive in 1 day (4 hours in one day) can be done virtually or in person in Pasadena, CA

Investment:

$1500

Investment Breakdown

Pre-Assessment: 60-90 min $250
(for new clients & non-EMDR clients only)

Processing through each day: $1000

Aftercare: 30-60 min $250

*payment plan available

Please note: complete payment is required on the first day of the EMDR Intensive

The 4-hour Intensive consists of 4 hours of continued processing with a few short breaks in between. Planning your day is crucial to avoid any interruptions throughout our allocated time. It is advisable that you carve out the full time to obtain the most benefits from the experience. 

Schedule for the 4-hour Intensive:

Start Time: 9am 

  • Check in on plan per the pre-assessment meeting
  • Processing throughout the morning.


Short breaks throughout as needed.

End Time: 1pm

It’s advisable to bring items that make you comfortable, such as a weighted blanket or any preferred object. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks as well.

Details regarding scheduling options can be addressed during our consultation call to ensure proper planning. Payment plans can be discussed and tailored to your needs during this call.

Aftercare will be scheduled 1 week after the intensive retreat where we can determine if weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or an additional intensive is needed. 

MINIMIZE THERAPY SESSIONS & MAXIMIZE LIFE EXPERIENCES

EMDR intensives offer the possibility of swiftly addressing trauma symptoms that might otherwise take weeks or months to resolve. In traditional weekly therapy, valuable session time is often diverted to addressing immediate life issues, such as problem-solving, safety planning, or exploring emotions related to current situations. While these aspects are essential, they may not directly alleviate trauma symptoms like EMDR can.