EMDR Intensives
EMDR intensives provide focused trauma treatment in blocks of sessions scheduled over a shorter period of time.
Rather than attending one standard appointment each week, suitable clients complete a carefully planned block of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy over several days. Assessment, preparation and follow-up are included in the treatment plan.
This format may allow you to work on a clearly identified treatment goal while reducing the interruptions that occur between weekly appointments.
What Is an EMDR Intensive?
An EMDR intensive is a structured course of treatment that generally includes:
A comprehensive assessment of your history, current circumstances and treatment goals
Screening to determine whether intensive trauma processing is appropriate
Extended EMDR processing delivered over two or more days
Strategies for managing distress and supporting recovery between sessions
Follow-up to review your response and consider any further treatment needs
The work is organised around a defined area of concern. A treatment plan is developed before the intensive begins, although it may need to be adjusted in response to what emerges during processing.
Who May Benefit from an EMDR Intensive?
An intensive may be considered if you:
Want to work on a specific treatment goal
Have post-traumatic stress symptoms associated with a discrete incident or a limited number of experiences
Are highly motivated and ready to engage in focused psychological work
Have sufficient stability and support to manage extended trauma-processing sessions
Prefer concentrated treatment because regular weekly appointments are difficult to accommodate
Already have a regular therapist and want to undertake a defined period of EMDR processing as an adjunct to that therapy
Suitability cannot be determined from a diagnosis or brief description alone. Your psychological history, current symptoms, available support and capacity to remain present during emotionally demanding work all need to be considered.
When an Intensive May Not Be Appropriate
An intensive may not be recommended when there is:
An acute mental health crisis or current risk that requires more intensive support
Active substance dependence that is likely to interfere with treatment
Recent psychiatric hospitalisation or significant current instability
Dissociation that prevents sustained and stable engagement in trauma processing
Limited capacity to regulate intense emotional states or recover between sessions
Lack of practical or interpersonal support during the intensive
Ongoing exposure to the situation being targeted
People with complex trauma or significant dissociation may require a longer period of preparation, adapted EMDR treatment or a different trauma-processing approach.
How the Process Works
Step 1: Complimentary 15-Minute Matching Call
The initial call provides an opportunity to briefly discuss what you are seeking, whether an intensive might be worth exploring and the next steps in the assessment process.
Step 2: Assessment and Treatment Planning
A 60-minute assessment is completed before intensive dates are confirmed. We review your current concerns, relevant history, treatment goals, existing supports and capacity to manage concentrated trauma work.
The assessment also considers the proposed treatment targets, preparation requirements, pacing and your plan for support and recovery between appointments.
Assessment does not guarantee that an intensive will be recommended. If another form of treatment appears more appropriate, this will be discussed with you.
Step 3: Preparation
Preparation is tailored to the individual. It may include understanding patterns of activation and shutdown, developing regulation strategies, identifying internal and external resources and planning how you will manage the periods before and after each session.
Step 4: Intensive EMDR Sessions
Extended EMDR sessions are scheduled across two days or more, depending on the agreed treatment plan.
Each day includes a check-in, preparation, focused processing periods, appropriate breaks and a structured close intended to support regulation before you leave the session.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Integration
A follow-up appointment provides an opportunity to review your response, discuss changes that have occurred and consider whether any further treatment is indicated.
EMDR Intensive Packages
All packages include suitability screening, pre- and post-treatment questionnaires and an EMDR Intensive workbook to support preparation, regulation between appointments and integration following treatment.
Focused Intensive — $2,590
The Focused Intensive includes 7.5 hours of clinical contact:
Complimentary 15-minute matching call
60-minute assessment appointment, in person or by telehealth
Pre- and post-treatment questionnaires
Six hours of EMDR therapy delivered within one week, usually over two three-hour sessions
EMDR Intensive workbook
30-minute online follow-up appointment
Referral options if further therapy is recommended or desired
Deep Intensive — $4,590
The Deep Intensive includes 13.5 hours of clinical contact:
Complimentary 15-minute matching call
60-minute assessment appointment, in person or by telehealth
Pre- and post-treatment questionnaires
Twelve hours of EMDR therapy delivered over one or two weeks, usually across three four-hour sessions
EMDR Intensive workbook
30-minute online follow-up appointment
Referral options if further therapy is recommended or desired
A package provides a defined amount of treatment time rather than guaranteeing that a particular memory, symptom or concern will be fully resolved. Treatment outcomes and the amount of processing completed vary between individuals.
Format, Location and Scheduling
EMDR intensives are available in person in North Sydney and by telehealth where clinically appropriate.
Intensive appointments are generally scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays. For interstate clients, sessions may be scheduled closer together when feasible, with follow-up provided remotely.
It is advisable to keep the remainder of each intensive day relatively quiet and avoid scheduling demanding work or major commitments immediately afterwards.
Fees and Payment
A $500 deposit is required when your intensive dates are reserved.
The payment schedule is:
$500 deposit when the intensive dates are reserved
Fifty per cent of the remaining balance seven days before the intensive begins
Final balance on the day of the first intensive session
EMDR intensives are provided on a private fee-for-service basis and do not attract Medicare rebates.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
The deposit becomes non-refundable once the assessment has been completed.
If you cancel in writing:
Between seven days and 48 hours before the first intensive session, fees paid will be refunded excluding the deposit and a $90 administration fee
Between 48 and 24 hours before the first intensive session, 80 percent of fees paid excluding the deposit will be refunded
Less than 24 hours before the first intensive session, 50 percent of fees paid excluding the deposit will be refunded
If illness or unexpected circumstances affect your ability to attend, please make contact as early as possible so that available options can be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an intensive day involve?
A typical intensive day includes a brief check-in, preparation or grounding, periods of EMDR processing with breaks and a structured close. The precise structure is adjusted according to the treatment plan and how you are responding on the day.
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Trauma processing can temporarily increase emotion, fatigue, sensitivity, physical sensations or vivid dreams. Preparation, pacing and a support plan are used to help manage these responses, but temporary discomfort cannot always be avoided.
You should contact your treating clinician if you have concerns about your response following a session.
Can I drive or return to work afterwards?
Plan for a quieter period after each intensive session. It is generally best not to schedule demanding work or significant responsibilities immediately afterwards.
You may want to allow time to settle before driving or arrange for someone to collect you, particularly after the first extended session.
Can I undertake an intensive while seeing another therapist?
In some circumstances, an intensive can be undertaken as a defined adjunct to ongoing therapy. With your consent, communication with your regular therapist may be recommended to clarify roles, coordinate preparation and support continuity of care.
Taking the Next Step
If you are considering an EMDR intensive, you can book a complimentary 15-minute matching call to briefly discuss your treatment goals and whether an assessment may be appropriate.