Intensive EMDR Treatment
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. It has been studied extensively, with outcomes published in peer-reviewed journals. Research suggests EMDR can be delivered effectively in an intensive format (multiple hours across a short period), with some studies reporting large reductions in PTSD symptoms (e.g. Van Woudenberg et al, 2018; Rentinck et al, 2025). EMDR Intensives may also be considered for anxiety, phobias, and other trauma-related symptoms when an assessment confirms they are appropriate targets. Results vary by person and by the nature of the trauma.
An EMDR Intensive is designed to help you make meaningful progress in a condensed timeframe, without the slow pace of weekly therapy.
What is an EMDR Intensive?
An intensive is a structured block of therapy delivered over one week or two weeks (depending on the package). It includes:
Intensives tend to suit best if you:
An EMDR Intensive is designed to help you make meaningful progress in a condensed timeframe, without the slow pace of weekly therapy.
What is an EMDR Intensive?
An intensive is a structured block of therapy delivered over one week or two weeks (depending on the package). It includes:
- a comprehensive assessment to confirm suitability and plan targets
- preparation and stabilisation skills (as needed)
- concentrated EMDR processing sessions
- follow-up to support integration and track outcomes
Intensives tend to suit best if you:
- want to work on a specific, clearly defined treatment goal
- have PTSD symptoms linked to a single incident or a small number of adult-onset events
- are highly motivated and ready to engage in focused therapeutic work
- have a busy schedule and prefer concentrated sessions
- already have a regular therapist and want intensives as an adjunct
How it works:
Step 1: Complimentary 15-minute phone call
A brief call to check fit, answer questions, and outline next steps.
Step 2: Assessment and treatment plan (50 minutes)
We confirm suitability, clarify targets, plan pacing, and establish your stabilisation and support plan.
Step 3: Intensive sessions
Concentrated EMDR sessions delivered across 2–3 days depending on package.
Step 4: Follow-up and integration
A scheduled follow-up supports adjustment to changes and helps plan next steps.
Step 1: Complimentary 15-minute phone call
A brief call to check fit, answer questions, and outline next steps.
Step 2: Assessment and treatment plan (50 minutes)
We confirm suitability, clarify targets, plan pacing, and establish your stabilisation and support plan.
Step 3: Intensive sessions
Concentrated EMDR sessions delivered across 2–3 days depending on package.
Step 4: Follow-up and integration
A scheduled follow-up supports adjustment to changes and helps plan next steps.
EMDR Intensive Packages
All packages include: structured screening, outcome questionnaires, and an EMDR Intensive workbook to support preparation, between-session regulation, and integration.
All packages include: structured screening, outcome questionnaires, and an EMDR Intensive workbook to support preparation, between-session regulation, and integration.
|
Focused Intensive (Most Popular) - $2,590
7.5 contact hours (plus complimentary intake call, questionnaires and workbook) Offering:
|
Deep Intensive - $4,590
13.5 contact hours (plus complimentary intake call, questionnaires and workbook) Offering:
|
Format, location, and scheduling
Payment schedule:
EMDR intensives are private fee-for-service and do not attract Medicare rebates.
Cancellation and rescheduling:
Key terms:
Day 1 = the first scheduled intensive EMDR session.
Assessment = the 60-minute suitability/planning session.
Deposit:
A $500 deposit secures your intensive dates.
The deposit becomes non-refundable once the assessment has been completed.
If you cancel (by written notice)
7 days to 48 hours before Day 1: you receive a refund of all fees paid excluding the deposit, minus a $90 administration fee.
Less than 48 hours before Day 1: you receive a refund of 80% of fees paid excluding the deposit.
Less than 24 hours before Day 1: you receive a refund of 50% of fees paid excluding the deposit.
If you need to reschedule due to illness or unexpected circumstances, discuss this as early as possible so alternatives can be considered.
Eligibility and safety screening criteria
Suitability for an intensive is confirmed in the assessment. Common criteria include:
Frequently asked questions:
What does an intensive day look like?
A typical day includes brief check-in, grounding, EMDR processing blocks with breaks, and a structured close to support regulation before you leave.
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Some people experience temporary increases in emotion, fatigue, vivid dreams, or sensitivity as the brain processes change. This is managed through pacing, stabilisation strategies, and an agreed support plan.
Can I drive or return to work straight after?
Plan for a quieter day. Avoid scheduling demanding work immediately after sessions. You may want to give yourself some time to settle after a processing session before you drive, or ask someone to pick you up.
Important note: Intensive trauma therapy can temporarily increase distress as material is processed. This is not a crisis service. If you need urgent support, contact emergency services (000) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
- Intensives are offered in-person or online (telehealth)
- Typical intensive days are Mondays and Tuesdays
- For interstate clients, sessions can be scheduled closer together when feasible, with follow-up provided remotely
Payment schedule:
- $500 deposit on the day the intensive dates are reserved
- 50% of the remaining balance due 7 days before the intensive starts
- Final balance due 1 business day before the intensive commences
EMDR intensives are private fee-for-service and do not attract Medicare rebates.
Cancellation and rescheduling:
Key terms:
Day 1 = the first scheduled intensive EMDR session.
Assessment = the 60-minute suitability/planning session.
Deposit:
A $500 deposit secures your intensive dates.
The deposit becomes non-refundable once the assessment has been completed.
If you cancel (by written notice)
7 days to 48 hours before Day 1: you receive a refund of all fees paid excluding the deposit, minus a $90 administration fee.
Less than 48 hours before Day 1: you receive a refund of 80% of fees paid excluding the deposit.
Less than 24 hours before Day 1: you receive a refund of 50% of fees paid excluding the deposit.
If you need to reschedule due to illness or unexpected circumstances, discuss this as early as possible so alternatives can be considered.
Eligibility and safety screening criteria
Suitability for an intensive is confirmed in the assessment. Common criteria include:
- Ability to recognise and manage high emotion states
- Capacity to ground and self-soothe when needed
- Adequate support outside therapy (at least one supportive person and/or supports in place)
- Commitment to your own safety during and after sessions
- No active addiction that would interfere with treatment
- No current suicidality and no recent psychiatric hospitalisations
- No major dissociative symptoms that prevent stable engagement in processing
- No current legal proceedings directly related to the target trauma (or this has been discussed and agreed with your legal team)
Frequently asked questions:
What does an intensive day look like?
A typical day includes brief check-in, grounding, EMDR processing blocks with breaks, and a structured close to support regulation before you leave.
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
Some people experience temporary increases in emotion, fatigue, vivid dreams, or sensitivity as the brain processes change. This is managed through pacing, stabilisation strategies, and an agreed support plan.
Can I drive or return to work straight after?
Plan for a quieter day. Avoid scheduling demanding work immediately after sessions. You may want to give yourself some time to settle after a processing session before you drive, or ask someone to pick you up.
Important note: Intensive trauma therapy can temporarily increase distress as material is processed. This is not a crisis service. If you need urgent support, contact emergency services (000) or Lifeline (13 11 14).