What are Therapy Intensives?

What is a therapy intensive and why would you want to do one? Many of us endure trauma symptoms for a long time and find ways to adjust to how it impacts our lives. We struggle to manage each day as our nervous systems derail our ability to function. If you have trauma, an hour a week in traditional talk therapy will take a long time to unravel the threads of trauma in our brains and leaves feeling inpatient or discouraged. Intensives can be several hours or days long of therapy to quickly reach results that bring more immediate relief to your life.

In my case, I practice the integration of EMDR (a research proven modality) and somatic practices such as breathwork, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. These types of sessions are as advertised: intense. Typically, I would consult with a client before considering booking an intensive and perhaps conduct an intake session to establish a plan and be sure this is the best course of action. Some steps before the intensive may be necessary such as a visit with your doctor or practicing some coping/regulation skills. Trauma can rule our lives sometimes and when we are eager to feel relief, the need for care becomes urgent. This is my preferred delivery of therapy because the results are so tangible. The client can return to regular life and follow up if and as needed. Just to note, EMDR works very quickly on single event trauma. It is also effective on complex trauma or chronic circumstances; however, the progress is much slower going. If you are considering this type of treatment, be sure to book with someone who is skilled in complex trauma. An intensive is great for recent trauma, as well as PTSD, CPTSD, Adjustment Disorder and some other diagnosis that have their origin in trauma.

Therapy intensives are in investment in your wellbeing and could very well give you your life back.