Intensive EMDR therapy is a very effective and time efficient way of working through and resolving traumatic memories with EMDR. Often a single day of intensive EMDR can allow us to work through the same amount of traumatic material that would otherwise take 2–3 months in weekly sessions.
Flash Technique
The Flash Technique, developed by EMDR Trainer Phil Manfield, is a quick and safe way of processing disturbing memories without the need to feel these memories as intensely as you do with other approaches like EMDR. I often use Flash and EMDR in my work with clients suffering from PTSD or complex PTSD. The Flash Technique is particularly suited to intensive therapy, as it allows us to process multiple difficult memories at the same time, which can dramatically increase the speed of processing.
EMDR 2.0
EMDR 2.0 is an enhanced version of EMDR developed by Dutch psychologist Ad de Jongh, which can also speed up the process of EMDR and allow the client to process more disturbing memories without becoming emotionally overwhelmed. It involves setting additional practical or mental tasks alongside eye movements to place a greater load on working memory. Like the Flash Technique, EMDR 2.0 allows multiple memories to be processed at the same time to speed up therapy.
Who can benefit from intensive treatment?
- People seeking specific, focused trauma treatment
- People with single-event trauma who want to address it intensively
- People with constrained time who find it hard to fit weekly sessions into busy lives
- People who would like help with feared future events — for instance fear of flying or public speaking
The intensive therapy process
1. Assessment
There will be two or three 60-minute assessment sessions so that we can understand your symptoms, difficulties and treatment goals, and plan the intensive EMDR sessions.
2. Intensive EMDR sessions
Intensive EMDR will usually involve at least two longer 90-minute EMDR sessions in the morning of one day. Some clients also choose to book two further 60-minute sessions in the afternoon of that day. When there are fewer traumatic memories to process, one day of intensive treatment may be enough — but for most clients, two or more days will be needed.
For the best experience of intensive EMDR therapy I recommend attending face-to-face sessions at my practice in Stoke Newington, North London, though the treatment is similarly effective delivered online via Zoom.
3. Review appointments
After the intensive treatment days, we will plan 60-minute follow-up sessions to assess our progress and discuss whether further intensive treatment is needed.
Fees
Intensive EMDR sessions are charged at the same hourly rate as other sessions. See Fees for full details.
Research
Several research studies have added to the already substantial evidence base for EMDR therapy, with specific studies of intensive EMDR, including: