EMDR intensives offer a longer, more focused period of therapy than a standard weekly appointment. Sessions lasting two or three hours provide more time for preparation, processing and reflection.
I’m Rachael Fox, a BACP Accredited Psychotherapist. I offer EMDR intensives face-to-face in Swansea and online throughout the UK.
I had weekly EMDR therapy some time ago, and last year I had EMDR intensive sessions. I had an initial hour-and-a-half assessment session, and then I had two three-hour EMDR intensive sessions. Being busy as a mum, with work and life in general, the EMDR intensives were ideal for me because I completed six weekly sessions over two days. Another benefit for me was that I was worried I would have a session and avoid the following one. Doing it this way, I didn’t have the option to skip a session because I was there for three sessions, not one! It was tough going, and I felt shattered after, but the benefits were worth putting the work in.
If you’re considering an intensive, we’ll first discuss what you would like help with and whether this format is appropriate for your needs.
What Is an EMDR Intensive?
An EMDR intensive is an extended therapy appointment lasting either two or three hours.
Like standard EMDR therapy, it follows a structured and collaborative process. The difference is that we have a longer, uninterrupted period to understand what is affecting you, prepare for the work, and, where appropriate, begin or continue processing distressing experiences.
An intensive does not mean rushing into traumatic memories or trying to complete therapy in one appointment. The pace is still guided by your needs, and breaks can be taken throughout the session.
Why Choose an EMDR Intensive?
Some people find that standard 50- or 60-minute appointments feel too short, particularly once they have settled into the session and begun working with an important memory or experience.
A longer EMDR session may provide:
- More time to settle into the therapeutic work
- Fewer interruptions during processing
- Time for preparation and grounding
- Space to explore a specific issue in greater depth
- Time to reflect and feel settled before the session ends
- A more focused alternative to weekly appointments
An intensive may also suit people who have limited availability for regular therapy or who would prefer to set aside a dedicated block of time.
What Can EMDR Intensives Help With?
- Trauma and PTSD
- Distressing or intrusive memories
- Childhood experiences that continue to affect you
- Anxiety linked to past events
- Phobias and fears
- Shame, guilt or self-blame
- Low self-esteem connected to earlier experiences
- A specific event that still feels emotionally overwhelming
Suitability depends on your individual circumstances rather than your diagnosis alone.
Considering an EMDR Intensive?
Contact me to discuss two- or three-hour EMDR intensives in Swansea or online.
Contact MeWhat Happens During an Intensive?
Before booking an intensive, we’ll arrange an initial consultation and assessment. This allows us to discuss what you are experiencing, what you hope to work on and whether an extended session is likely to be safe and helpful for you.
Depending on your needs and where you are in the EMDR process, an intensive may include:
- Discussing your history and current difficulties
- Agreeing a clear focus for the session
- Preparation and emotional regulation strategies
- Identifying relevant memories, beliefs or triggers
- EMDR processing using bilateral stimulation
- Breaks when needed
- Grounding, reflection and planning before finishing
You remain in control throughout. You do not have to share every detail of what happened, and the work can be paused at any point.
Are EMDR Intensives Suitable for Everyone?
EMDR intensives are not automatically the best option for everyone. Some people benefit more from shorter sessions that allow additional time between appointments.
An intensive may not be recommended if more preparation, stabilisation or ongoing support is needed before processing begins. We will discuss this honestly during the assessment rather than trying to squeeze every person into the same format.
You can also read more about what happens in an EMDR session and whether EMDR is right for you.
Face-to-Face EMDR Intensives in Swansea
Face-to-face EMDR intensives are available from my therapy room at Sketty Therapies in Swansea.
EMDR intensives are usually carried out on Sunday mornings.
Online EMDR Intensives
I also offer online EMDR intensives to clients throughout the UK. You will need a private, comfortable space, a reliable internet connection and time after the appointment to rest and reflect.
We’ll discuss the practical arrangements and whether online intensive work is suitable for you before booking.
Book an EMDR Intensive
If you’re interested in a two- or three-hour EMDR intensive, contact me for an initial conversation. We can discuss what you would like help with, answer your questions and decide whether an intensive or standard EMDR session would suit you best.
Considering an EMDR Intensive?
Contact me to discuss two- or three-hour EMDR intensives in Swansea or online.
Contact Me