EMDR Intensives
EMDR lies on the foundation that our brains at their core want to heal. This can be offered through weekly sessions or through intensive sessions. Intensives are extended EMDR sessions offered in 1.5-hour, 3-hour or 6-hour blocks with the intention of offering relief “faster” since sessions are layered into one sitting versus being spread out over several weeks. They are also great tools to help prepare for an upcoming event that requires a time-sensitive approach. Through Marissa’s intensive work, people have been able to reduce their PTSD severity by as many as 35 points on the PCL-5 after just one 3-hour session.
Intensives are wonderful options to complement current work in therapy by offering an opportunity to shift in an intentional, supported way. Since intensives offer the freedom to do deeper processing than weekly EMDR sessions, you are given a choice in how you would like to approach your trauma therapy. After your intensive, Marissa will meet with you for a resource check in session the week following your intensive. This fifteen-minute check-in is to ensure you have the opportunity to follow up and reflect on any open channels. This check-in is included in the package price. For those already seeing Marissa for weekly appointments, this will take place during your regular session time.
If you would like to stay with your current therapist but are still interested in EMDR intensives, please feel free to learn more about collaborative EMDR here.
Would an emdr intensive be right for me?
It is always a good idea to speak with your current therapist about your interest in doing an intensive so you can ensure that you are well-cared for and feel prepared before launching into an extended therapy session.
Before you choose to pursue EMDR intensives, you will want to have a solid foundation of support as well as coping strategies you feel resonate with you in place. I will work with you to develop your coping skills should that be a barrier to pursuing your healing journey.
In addition to your coping mechanisms, you will be a wonderful candidate for an EMDR intensive if you are free from any suicidal ideation involving plan or intent for the last three months. Finally, EMDR intensives will be a wonderful opportunity for you if you have not experienced any medication changes or housing instability in the last three months.
What Can I Expect from an emdr intensive?
You will be asked to complete intake forms to get a pre-intensive gauge on your experience. Once your forms are in, I will meet with you for an intensive intake when I will ask several questions about the experience you wish you focus on based on the PCL-5, an assessment tool to gauge PTSD severity, that we will use to track improvements around what you choose to process. .
Should you choose to meet with me while you continue to work with your primary therapist, I will also collaborate with your therapist to ensure your support network is on the same page and with the aim to minimize any additional correspondence on your part so you can just focus on your well-being. Once we meet and you both decide you have all the resources in place that you would like, you can set up your intensive. A 50% deposit is required to book an intensive to ensure that all available slots are open for those who are interested. Intensives are held on Fridays with the intention that you may have a restful evening after your intensive session.
During your intensive there will be several opportunities for short breaks, including a lunch break if you are pursuing a 6-hour intensive. You are encouraged to have a full breakfast before your intensive and plenty of water throughout the day.
Following your intensive, we will schedule your 15-minute check in for the following week. You will also be asked to complete the PCL-5 one week after your intensive to measure progress.
Fee Transparency for Intensives
90- Min Session- $400
3-Hour Session- $800
6-Hour Session- $1600
The package price includes the 15 minute resource check-in after your intensive. Please note the price does not include your intake session or resource sessions, should you need them, leading up to your intensive.