Preparing for Your

EMDR Intensive

Guidance to help you feel informed and at ease.

Schedule a Consultation

Welcome- I’m so glad you’re here.

Whether you’ve already scheduled your EMDR Intensive or are simply exploring if it’s the right fit, this guide will help you feel grounded and prepared.

Here, you’ll find what to expect before, during, and after your intensive, along with answers to common questions — all designed to help you feel supported every step of the way.

Consultation and Preparation

EMDR Intensives are designed to give you focused, intentional space for healing. A little preparation can help you feel more at ease and ready to make the most of your time. Some of that preparation we will do together, and some of it will be you preparing your environment for before and after the intensive session.

Consultation Call

  • We will have a free 15 minute pre-intensive consultation call to discuss your goals and make sure this format feels like the right fit .

  • Together, we will outline what you want to work on through the intensive

  • You will then receive the client workbook to complete prior to our first Preparation Session.

    Preparation Session

  • At the 90 minute preparation session, we will practice skills that will be used during the intensive session to assist you in calming your nervous system. This session can be virtual or in person.

  • We will also discuss support you may need after the intensive.

  • You will be given “homework” and asked to practice grounding or calming skills prior to our intensive

Before Your Intensive

How to Prepare

  • Get a good night’s rest before your intensive.

  • Have a nourishing meal beforehand and bring snacks or drinks for breaks.

  • Wear comfortable clothing and layers

  • Plan for a slower day or two after your intensive- do not plan major events or commitments in the days following

During Your Intensive

  • We will start with a grounding exercise to help quell the before reprocessing jitters (those are normal!)

  • Expect breaks about every hour unless they are needed more frequently. Enjoy the nature surrounding our office during a break!

  • With full day session or multi day sessions, a lunch break will be scheduled in

  • We will always end with deactivation techniques and grounding to prepare you for your evening.

After Your Intensive

Reprocessing can continue after the session ends. You may feel tired, emotional, or run down after the session which are all normal responses. Your brain just ran a marathon after all!

  • Plan for quiet rest and relaxation after the session

  • Plan for childcare help even when you are home in case you do not feel up to parenting tasks.

  • Fill your kitchen with easy grab and go, nourishing foods, so you don’t feel like you have to cook

  • Look forward to a check in from me a day or two after the Intensive.

  • Our 60 minute post intensive session will already be scheduled about a week after your reprocessing session. At this session we will discuss any further needs including weekly therapy or even another intensive depending on your goals.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • An EMDR Therapy Intensive is perfect when you are ready to dive deep and get results faster. One intensive is equal to weeks if not months of traditional weekly therapy.

  • Yes! There is no indication that EMDR Therapy is unsafe for pregnant or postpartum individuals. I will meet you where you are and monitor your emotional state throughout the process. We will take breaks as needed and move at your pace.

  • Yes! I will work closely with your traditional therapist to update them on your progress with the intensive so there is a smooth transition back to your weekly sessions.

  • EMDR Therapy Intensives are not covered by insurance and is a private pay service. A nonrefundable deposit of 50% is required to reserve your Intensive dates. The remaining 50% will be due on the first day of your intensive.

  • You must be physically located in Ohio during the intensive. You can make a self care weekend out of it and decompress after your intensive in a local hotel. Ask me for recommendations!

Continued Support

Healing doesn’t stop when your intensive ends. If you are not already linked with a weekly therapist and are interested in one, visit Emily’s group practice, Sequoia Therapy Group. We have many qualified therapists who can walk with you and support your continued healing.

Schedule a Consultation