Knowing what to expect can calm some of the fear that comes with doing deep healing work.
Dear Survivor,
Many survivors feel nervous before starting an EMDR intensive. That’s natural. You might be wondering how it works, what you’ll have to talk about, or if you’ll be emotionally overwhelmed. These are common questions, and they deserve gentle, honest answers.
An EMDR intensive is designed to give you uninterrupted time to process trauma in a safe, structured setting. It often spans two to four days, with sessions lasting several hours each day. You’re never alone in it. A skilled trauma therapist walks beside you, checking in often and adjusting the pace based on what your nervous system can hold.
EMDR Therapy intensives provide a calm, focused space for trauma survivors to engage in deep healing without interruption.
Before your intensive begins, there’s usually a thorough intake session. You’ll talk through your history, current challenges, and what you hope to gain. The therapist will explain the EMDR process, answer questions, and help you build grounding tools to use during and after the intensive.
Each day of the intensive follows a rhythm. You begin with regulation techniques to settle your body, followed by EMDR reprocessing work that gently activates your trauma memory in a controlled, supported way. After each round, there’s time to reflect, breathe, and come back to the present.
There are breaks throughout, and you always have a say in how far to go. No part of your story is forced. This is your healing, on your terms.
Some survivors feel lighter right away. Others notice shifts over time. Either way, the experience often brings relief, clarity, and a renewed sense of agency.
If you’re curious whether this path is right for you, the Recovery Roadmap can help you explore the next step. It’s a gentle, empowering guide to support you in making the decision that best serves your healing.
You are allowed to want more than survival. You are allowed to want peace.
Blessings and healing,
Catrina
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