EMDR Intensives
EMDR Intensives: Focused, Deep, and Transformational Healing
Sometimes weekly therapy just isn’t enough to create the momentum you need for meaningful change.
EMDR Intensives are designed for individuals who wish to move through healing more efficiently and deeply —
in a condensed, focused format that allows for uninterrupted processing and lasting relief.
What Is an EMDR Intensive?
An EMDR Intensive is an extended therapy experience — typically a half-day, full-day, or multi-day session — that allows you to work through specific memories, challenges, or emotional patterns without the stop-and-start rhythm of weekly sessions.
During this time, your therapist guides you through the same evidence-based EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) process, but within a structure that gives you the time and space to go deeper, integrate more, and experience results more quickly.
Why Choose an Intensive Format?
An EMDR Intensive may be right for you if you:
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Feel ready to address a particular trauma, loss, or life event in depth
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Want to make meaningful progress in a shorter timeframe
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Have already done therapy and want to build on that foundation
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Prefer an immersive, retreat-like approach to healing
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Have scheduling constraints that make weekly appointments difficult
Intensives are especially helpful for people navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, relationship distress, or major life transitions.
Is an EMDR Intensive Right for You?
An intensive may be a good fit if you’ve done some therapeutic work already and feel emotionally stable enough for deeper processing.
If you are currently in crisis or need long-term support, your therapist may recommend ongoing weekly therapy before scheduling an intensive.
Is an Intensive Safe?
Safety and emotional readiness are our top priorities. Your therapist will ensure that you have the tools and resources to manage strong emotions before any reprocessing work begins.
You will remain in full control of the pace and intensity of your experience.
What Makes Our Intensives Unique
At Lesley Hartman & Associates, EMDR Intensives are facilitated by skilled clinicians with specialized EMDR training and deep experience supporting trauma recovery.
We tailor each intensive to your needs — balancing depth and safety with thoughtful pacing. Your therapist will ensure you are well-prepared before you begin and will provide follow-up support to help you integrate insights afterward.
A Supportive, Structured Process for Deep Healing
Every EMDR Intensive at Lesley Hartman & Associates follows a three-phase process — before, during, and after your intensive — designed to ensure that you feel safe, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
Pre-Intensive Preparation
The Intensive Experience
After the Intensive
Before your intensive begins, you’ll meet with your EMDR therapist for a thorough consultation and planning session.
Together you will:
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Clarify your goals and areas of focus
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Review your history and identify priority targets for reprocessing
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Learn grounding and stabilization techniques to help you stay regulated
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Develop a personalized plan for your intensive schedule
You’ll also receive a short preparation guide to help you get the most from the experience.
Your EMDR Intensive is typically scheduled as a half-day (3 hours), full-day (6 hours), or multi-day program, depending on your needs and goals.
During this dedicated time, you’ll work one-on-one with your therapist in a calm, private setting. Sessions include regular breaks, light refreshments, and flexibility to support your comfort and wellbeing.
The format allows for:
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Extended EMDR processing without time pressure
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Integration between processing segments
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Use of creative and somatic techniques where helpful
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Immediate feedback and reflection with your therapist
Healing continues after the session ends.
To help you integrate and maintain progress, we include:
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A follow-up session (usually within 1–2 weeks)
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Guidance for continued self-care and grounding
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Referrals or recommendations for additional support, if desired.
Many clients find that one intensive produces significant change; others choose to schedule additional intensives later in the year as part of their growth process.
EMDR Intensive Resources
Would you like to see a therapist?
Please click here to be directed to our self-referral form. Submit this form to have your information sent to our team of intake professionals, who will contact you to briefly discuss your referral and possible appointment times.
Not ready to see a therapist, but have questions?
Please feel free to give us a call, send us an email, or fill in the form below, and we will get back to you shortly.
PHONE NUMBER: (902) 431-1721
EMAIL: ask@lesleyhartman.ca