Okay, so, you’ve decided you want to do EMDR therapy. That’s great! But wait… what are the differences, pros, and cons for doing regularly scheduled EMDR sessions on a weekly or biweekly basis versus an EMDR intensive format?

Let’s break it down.

Weekly or Biweekly EMDR Sessions
This is typically what people think of when it comes to doing EMDR therapy sessions. Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes (this may be different among EMDR therapists) and there is a gradual and predictable pace of sessions week to week.

Pros
A consistent and predictable pacing of sessions can help the client and therapist develop more trust and a sense of security over time. This can be really great for the therapeutic relationship.

From a financial aspect, especially if a client has a copay-based insurance plan or the deductible has been met for the year, weekly or biweekly sessions may be more cost effective (i.e., $20-$50 per session, depending on the insurance plan).

Cons
By doing EMDR therapy weekly or biweekly for about 50-60 minutes, this may feel as though the healing process is taking longer or is moving forward at a slower pace. This may result in clients feeling stuck or sometimes “right on the edge or something” but due to the time constraint, the session has to wind down until next time.

EMDR Intensive Format
Different EMDR therapists may offer different formats or lengths of time for an intensive session. Some even offer weekend retreat-style intensive formats that may include yoga, massage therapy, and other services.

Typically, intensive sessions involve multiple hours of EMDR reprocessing in one day/sitting (i.e., up to 4-6+ hours). This can be spread out to once or twice a month. This approach aims to process trauma quickly by providing a deep immersive experience. An intensive format can also be helpful to address not only a history of complex trauma history but also specific singular traumatic events. Through an intensive format, trauma symptoms can be addressed quickly.

Pros
Clients may see faster progress and relief through an intensive format. Being able to reprocess a lot of traumatic or impactful content in a shorter time frame per month may result in clients experiencing significant emotional breakthroughs.

For some folks who have been struggling with highly distressing symptoms, the intensity and focus of an EMDR intensive format can lead to quick relief in just one session. The relief may be almost immediate.

Scheduling appointments and managing all of life’s things can be challenging. With an intensive format, there is more ease and flexibility with scheduling only one, maybe two sessions in a month when it's convenient.

Cons
EMDR intensives can be emotionally exhausting and may lead to moderate fatigue or feeling extremely drained after the sessions.

Because insurance companies do not reimburse therapy sessions beyond 60 minutes, EMDR intensive formats are typically based on out of pocket pay rates and are not billed to a client’s insurance. This can contribute to some financial constraints.

Which Approach is Best?

The choice is ultimately up to the client as well as the therapist’s assessment of the client’s ability to remain present and within their window of tolerance. If a client would benefit more from a slower, gradual approach or cannot fully tolerate intensive trauma reprocessing, the weekly/biweekly therapy approach is a good call.

The EMDR intensive format works well for folks who are ready to deep dive into their concerns and are able to withstand reprocessing for a couple of hours at a time. Additionally, if a client has experienced EMDR therapy before or has had extensive resourcing, an EMDR intensive may be a good fit.

If you would like more information on my EMDR Intensive services, you can click here.

If you are curious to learn more about EMDR or are interested in beginning your EMDR therapy journey, please reach out to me via the Contact Me page on my website. You can also learn more about EMDR as well as additional EMDR therapists in your area by visiting the EMDR International Association’s website here.

Reminder: these blog posts are meant to be purely educational and/or entertainment tools and do NOT replace psychotherapy and/or other medically necessary treatments.