What to Expect Before, During, and After an EMDR Intensive
At EMDR Indiana, where we specialise in immersive trauma-therapy using IFS-informed EMDR, you’ll find a unique, accelerated path to healing. Our “Immersive EMDR Intensives” offer a focused opportunity to deeply engage the nervous system, reprocess challenging memories, and move toward meaningful change.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect before, during, and after an EMDR Intensive, along with the usual steps involved at our clinic.
Before the Intensive
Initial consultation – Before any intensive begins, you’ll have a brief phone consultation to assess if the format fits your needs.
Paperwork & preparation – You’ll complete intake paperwork (typically 48hrs in advance) so we can hit the ground running on the day.
Goal-setting and intake discussion – On the day of the session, we begin by clarifying the target(s) for processing: historical trauma, anxiety triggers, somatic symptoms, etc. This is a collaborative phase.
Comfort & logistical readiness – You’ll want to dress comfortably, bring any comfort items (water bottle, journal, sweater), and ensure you have reliable transportation or support afterward.
Mind-body preparation – Because EMDR intensives engage your nervous system deeply, you may be invited to ground and stabilise ahead of time (sleep well, eat lightly, arrange a safe follow-up). Good self-care beforehand makes the process smoother.
During the Intensive
Extended session format – At EMDR Indiana, the intensive format is a three-hour session (or a series of three such sessions) incorporating multiple rounds of EMDR processing with breaks in between.
Grounding and check-in – The session begins with a check-in: review of goals, current state, and establishing relief or grounding strategies. Then we dive into the processing.
EMDR reprocessing rounds – Using EMDR protocols, your therapist guides bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or auditory cues), while you attend to distressing memories, thoughts, sensations, or triggers. Because it’s an intensive, the time allows deeper processing than typical weekly 50-minute sessions.
IFS-informed integration – Given our IFS-informed approach, we address the internal “parts” or inner system of the psyche, helping you safely access and integrate the experience, rather than just reprocess the memory.
Breaks and self-care during the session – The extended format includes planned breaks for rest, hydration, and reflection to help you maintain regulation and capacity.
After the Intensive
Integration time – After the intensive work, you’ll need to give your nervous system space to settle. This might mean a gentle evening, avoiding heavy tasks, and maintaining self-care. You’ll reflect on what arose during the session.
Monitoring progress and next steps – Depending on your goals, a single intensive may suffice, or a series of three sessions may be recommended for more comprehensive change. At EMDR Indiana, a single three-hour intensive is one option, or a series of three three-hour sessions scheduled on non-consecutive days for more in-depth work.
Sustaining change – The work doesn’t end when the session ends. A key part of the model is practicing grounding, embodiment, new beliefs, and behavioural shifts to maintain the healing momentum.
Review and adjust – Together with your clinician, you’ll review what was effective, what remains, and whether additional intensives or regular therapy are the next best step.
Why Choose an Intensive with EMDR Indiana?
We focus on immersive EMDR, extended sessions designed to rewire the brain, process trauma effectively, and create lasting change. If you’re looking for accelerated healing, deep integration, and a therapeutic experience that moves faster than traditional weekly therapy, our intensive format may be a strong choice.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to invest in meaningful progress and would like to explore whether an EMDR Intensive is right for you, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with EMDR Indiana.
Visit our Immersive EMDR Intensives page here to learn more and “Get Started.” Whether you choose a single 3-hour intensive or the series of three, we’ll help you design the best path for your healing journey.
Your transformation begins now. Book your consultation today.