Getting Past Trauma Faster: Why I Love EMDR Intensives

Let me tell you about trauma and how it messes with our brains. When something really bad happens to us, our brain kind of gets stuck - it's like a record that keeps skipping on the same part. This can show up as PTSD, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, or getting triggered by things that remind us of what happened. Even stuff that seems small can set us off - maybe a certain smell, a song, or just being in a place that reminds us of the bad times. It's rough, and I get it.

Have you ever noticed how trauma memories feel different from regular ones? They're more intense, more vivid, and they can hit you out of nowhere. That's because these memories get stored differently in your brain - they're raw and unprocessed, like a file that never got properly saved. Your brain is literally stuck in survival mode, always on the lookout for danger.

As humans, we naturally seek meaning in our experiences—especially in moments of trauma. Our brains often assign significance to these events on a subconscious level, shaping our self-perception in ways we may not even realize or control. For example, if you have a car accident (due to no fault of your own) it’s easy to understand how your brain could declare you can’t keep yourself safe when driving. 

So what's EMDR? It stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (I know, it's a mouthful!). Basically, it's a type of therapy that helps your brain unstick those memories, and make a new (more adaptive) meaning. The therapist guides your eyes back and forth (or sometimes uses taps or sounds) while you process the hard stuff. Think of it like finally getting to hit "save" on that stuck file - your brain finally gets to process what happened and store it as a regular memory instead of a live threat.

Here's what's really cool though - instead of doing EMDR the usual way (you know, one hour a week), you can do what's called an "intensive." You basically knock it out in a few longer sessions over a couple of days. It's like the difference between taking a semester-long class versus a weekend workshop - you're learning the same stuff, just way faster.

What Actually Happens in an EMDR Intensive?

First off, you'll spend some time with your therapist mapping out what you want to work on. They'll teach you some coping skills to help you feel stable and grounded - think of it as building your emotional toolbox. Then you'll dive into the actual processing work. Each session usually runs 3-6 hours, with breaks when you need them. You might work through several memories or focus deeply on one major event - it all depends on what you need.

Here are just a few reasons why I think EMDR Intensives are amazing:

• You can dive deep without having to stop just when you're getting somewhere

• Many people see huge improvements in just a few days instead of months

• You're not left hanging with heavy emotions between weekly sessions

• The therapist creates a plan just for you and your specific struggles

• You get to build momentum in your healing instead of starting and stopping each wee

• It can actually save you money compared to months of weekly sessions

• Unlike weekly therapy in which it can be hard to track your progress, in EMDR Intensives, you can easily see what you worked on and accomplished

Understanding what to expect in an EMDR Intensive can be anxiety producing. Especially if you are a person who needs details before you engage. Let's be honest - EMDR intensives aren't easy. You're doing some heavy emotional lifting, and you'll probably feel tired afterward. Some people get headaches or feel emotionally drained. But here's the thing - that usually passes pretty quickly, and most folks say it's totally worth it for the relief they feel afterward.

Who might want to try this?

Well, if you're dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, childhood stuff, or if you're just stuck and can't move forward in life, this could be perfect. It's also great if you're super busy and can't commit to weekly therapy for months on end. I've seen it work wonders for:

• People who've been in accidents or experienced assault

• Veterans dealing with combat trauma

• Adults still carrying the weight of childhood abuse or neglect

• Anyone who's been through something scary or overwhelming

• People who've tried regular therapy but still feel stuck

• Folks who need to process something quickly (like before a big life change)

Determining if you're ready for an EMDR intensive requires a thoughtful assessment of your emotional resilience, support system, and readiness to engage in deep healing work. As an expert in trauma recovery, I guide clients through this process by evaluating their current coping strategies, emotional stability, and ability to process distressing memories without becoming overwhelmed. If you’re curious about whether an EMDR intensive is the right next step for you, it’s essential to consider your capacity for self-regulation, your support network, and your commitment to the healing process. With the right preparation and professional guidance, an EMDR intensive can be a powerful tool for transformation.

Look, I know trauma can make you feel like you're trapped in the past. But I've seen how EMDR intensives can help people break free and get their life back. If you're tired of carrying around all that heavy stuff and want to try something that might help you feel better faster, think about giving EMDR intensives a shot. Find a good EMDR therapist and ask them about it - it could be exactly what you need to finally move forward.

What to Look For in an EMDR Intensive Therapist:

• Make sure they're fully certified in EMDR (not just "trained")

• Ask about their experience, specifically with intensives

• Check if they have experience with your type of trauma

• Make sure you feel comfortable with them - trust your gut

• Find out what kind of support they offer between and after sessions

Want to heal faster? EMDR intensives might be your answer. They sure were for a lot of people I know. Just remember - healing is possible, and you don't have to do it alone or take forever to feel better. Sometimes, the quickest way through is to dive deep, and EMDR intensives can help you do just that. Do you want to check and see if we would be a good fit?