Intensive therapy is an accelerated format of EMDR therapy. EMDR, or Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a well-established therapy mental health treatment technique. The EMDR process involves processing traumatic experiences with the help of the therapist while using specific eye movements. EMDR is widely used and clinical trials show that EMDR can achieve results faster than other methods. For more information on EMDR, please see this resource page from the Cleveland Clinic, or this page from the Trauma Institute.
Intensive EMDR therapy uses the same proven EMDR techniques, but accelerated into several long sessions, instead of many shorter sessions.
Intensive EMDR therapy achieves the same results in less time. Your mental health affects your entire life, and the sooner you can reach healing, the better quality of life you will experience. Weeks or months of traditional one-hour, once-per-week sessions delay this healing. These traditional sessions are also less efficient, as both client and therapist must “restart” the process during each new session, wasting valuable time.
Many clients find that it is easier to book a short-term intensive session than to include a weekly session into their busy schedules. Vacation time or FMLA benefits may be used for the time necessary to complete an intensive therapy session.
Intensive EMDR therapy is used for the processing and resolution of trauma and traumatic experiences. These include:
EMDR therapy and intensive EMDR therapy is intended to help you process these experiences, and through processing, reduce or remove their negative effects on your well-being. During your initial contact with us, we will determine if EMDR intensive therapy is the right option for your unique circumstances. EMDR therapy is meant for adult individuals and children over the age of 12.
During your therapy sessions, your therapist will explore your traumatic experiences and help you to resolve them using the EMDR process. For an example of a therapist and client using the EMDR process, please see this video from the Lukin Center.
Your sessions are confidential and targeted to your unique needs. We create a quiet, calming atmosphere for your comfort. Your therapist will provide a suggested list of items to bring to your therapy session.
Sessions over six hours have a one-hour break for client and therapist lunch.
Heartspace provides two options for intensive therapy: In-person and online. In-person sessions will take place at our office in Winsted, Connecticut. Online sessions will be done through your computer. You will need to have a working camera, microphone, and speakers. Therapy sessions require quiet introspection and the ability to express yourself without hesitation, so you should choose a location with privacy and where you will not be disturbed.
Both therapy formats occur as a four-hour initial session, followed by at least 16 hours additional, in six or eight hour sessions. Six and eight hour followup sessions occur over two days, and for best results should occur sequentially. A typical therapy plan looks like the following, but we will work with your schedule:
Monday: Four-hour introductory session.
Tuesday: Eight-hour follow up session, one-hour break for lunch.
Wednesday: Eight-hour follow up session, one-hour break for lunch.
Coverage for mental health services varies widely between providers. Most providers do not provide any coverage for intensive therapy. You should be prepared to pay out of pocket. Typical rates for intensive therapy are $200 per hour. We accept prepayment by cash or credit-card for a discounted rate. Other discounts may be available depending on your unique financial situation. Please email or call us to discuss your options.