Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) Intensives
EMDR Intensives
More time, more space, and support to work through what’s been weighing on you.
Sometimes, talking about something for 50 minutes just doesn't feel like enough time.
You might spend the first part of a session settling in, the middle working through something difficult, and the last few minutes trying to pull yourself back together before heading back into your day.
EMDR intensives offer a different way to approach therapy. With longer sessions and appointments scheduled close together, there's more time to focus on the things you'd like to work through, without quite the same pressure of watching the clock.
At Thought Well Therapy, I offer EMDR intensives for people who would benefit from having dedicated time for their therapeutic work, with careful attention to preparation, emotional safety and support along the way.
This isn't about rushing through your trauma or trying to fix everything in a day. It's about making space for the work you need to do, at a pace that's right for you.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences.
Difficult experiences can continue to influence how we feel, think and respond long after they have passed. EMDR helps reduce the emotional distress associated with these experiences, allowing you to develop more adaptive beliefs and responses.
EMDR is best established for treating PTSD and may also be helpful for other difficulties, depending on your individual needs and therapeutic goals.
The aim isn't to erase the past, but to help it have less power over your present.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is best established as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be considered as part of treatment for other difficulties, depending on your individual circumstances and therapeutic goals.
These may include:
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Complex trauma and adverse childhood experiences
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Distressing or intrusive memories
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Anxiety linked to past experiences
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Shame, guilt and persistent negative beliefs about yourself
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Difficult experiences involving relationships, loss or significant life events
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Specific fears associated with distressing experiences
The suitability of EMDR depends on your individual presentation. During an initial assessment, we can explore what you would like to work on and whether EMDR is an appropriate approach for you.
What is an EMDR intensive?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that can help you process distressing experiences and memories that continue to affect how you feel, think and respond in the present.
Sometimes, experiences from the past can feel as though they're still happening now. You might know logically that something is over, but your body, emotions or reactions haven't quite caught up.
EMDR helps you work through these experiences so they may feel less distressing and have less influence on your everyday life.
Most people access EMDR through regular appointments, often once a week. An intensive offers another option, with longer sessions that allow more time to focus on your therapeutic goals.
It's not necessarily a better fit for everyone, and it doesn't mean you'll resolve everything in a couple of appointments. But for some people, having more time together can be a helpful way to approach their therapy.
Who might benefit from an EMDR Intensive?
An intensive may be worth considering if you:
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Have experienced trauma that continues to affect your everyday life.
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Feel that past experiences are influencing your relationships, sense of self or emotional responses.
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Have been attending therapy and would like to dedicate more time to focused trauma processing.
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Find it difficult to settle into trauma-focused work within a standard appointment.
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Have a specific therapeutic goal you would like to work towards.
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Have the capacity and support to engage in more concentrated therapeutic work.
EMDR intensives aren't the right fit for everyone, and that's okay - your current circumstances, symptoms, support systems and ability to manage distress between sessions all matter when deciding on the most appropriate approach.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to work on before getting in touch. We can explore that together.
Why consider an intensive?
There's no one right way to do therapy. What works for one person might not feel right for someone else. For some people, weekly appointments are exactly what they need, but for others, a more concentrated approach may be worth considering.
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More time to settle into the work: it can take time to feel comfortable enough to explore difficult experiences. Longer sessions allow more room for that process, without needing to fit everything into a standard appointment.
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Less time between sessions: when appointments are scheduled close together, you have the opportunity to return to your therapeutic work within a shorter timeframe. This may help maintain continuity, although everyone's experience will be different.
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Space to focus on what matters to you: an intensive gives us dedicated time to work towards your therapeutic goals. The focus will depend on what you're experiencing, what you'd like to change and what feels clinically appropriate for you.
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Time to slow down when you need to: longer appointments aren't about pushing through distress or doing as much processing as possible. They're also about having time to pause, check in, regulate and make sure you're feeling sufficiently settled before you leave.
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A different way to access therapy: you might prefer the idea of setting aside dedicated time for your therapeutic work rather than spreading it across multiple shorter appointments. An intensive can offer that option, while still allowing for ongoing therapy if you need it.
What does the research say?
One of the questions I think is important to ask is whether having longer, more concentrated sessions actually makes a difference.
Research into intensive trauma-focused therapy has shown promising results for people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some studies have found substantial improvements following concentrated treatment programmes. Research comparing intensive daily EMDR with weekly EMDR has also found significant improvements with both approaches. This is encouraging because it suggests that effective EMDR treatment doesn't necessarily have to follow a traditional weekly format.
What we do know is that intensive trauma-focused treatment can be helpful for some people, and that there is value in exploring different ways of delivering therapy.
For me, the important thing is finding an approach that suits you, your circumstances and what you're hoping to work towards.
The aim isn't always to get through therapy as quickly as possible - it's to give you the time and support to do the work properly.
Is an intensive right for me?
You don't need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.
An intensive might be worth considering if you're experiencing distressing memories, trauma-related symptoms or patterns that continue to affect your relationships, emotions or everyday life.
You might have already done some therapy and feel ready to focus on particular experiences. Or you might be relatively new to EMDR and want to explore whether this format could work for you.
An intensive may be suitable for people experiencing PTSD, complex trauma and other difficulties where EMDR is clinically appropriate. But I also want to be honest about the fact that an intensive isn't the right fit for everyone.
EMDR can bring up difficult emotions and memories, and working with these experiences over an extended period requires careful consideration. We'll need to look at what's happening for you currently, how you're managing day to day, and what support you have around you.
For some people, spending more time building emotional regulation skills and developing a sense of stability is the best place to start. That's not a setback, and it doesn't mean you've failed at therapy - it simply means we're paying attention to what you need.
Before confirming an intensive, we'll meet to talk through your circumstances and decide together whether this approach is appropriate.
What does this process look like?
I don't want you to feel as though you're walking into an intensive without knowing what to expect.
There are a few steps involved, and each one has a purpose.
1. First, we'll get to know what's going on for you
Before booking your intensive, we'll have an assessment appointment to talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you're finding difficult and what you'd like help with.
We'll explore your history, current concerns and therapeutic goals, and consider whether an intensive is likely to be a good fit. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, talk through any concerns and decide whether you'd like to proceed.
There's no pressure to commit to an intensive simply because you've made an enquiry.
2. We'll make sure you feel prepared
Before beginning intensive therapeutic work, we'll spend time making sure you have the resources and strategies you need to manage difficult emotions and experiences.
Depending on your needs, this might involve practising grounding techniques, developing ways to regulate distress, identifying supportive resources and talking through what to expect during and after your sessions.
We'll also discuss what happens if things feel overwhelming and how you can let me know if you need to pause.
Some people need more preparation than others, and that's completely okay. We'll work out what's appropriate for you rather than trying to fit everyone into the same timeframe.
3. Your intensive sessions
Your intensive includes two three-hour sessions, ideally scheduled within the same week where clinically appropriate.
These sessions give us dedicated time to work towards your therapeutic goals.
Depending on your needs and readiness, we may undertake EMDR processing, continue preparation or focus on other therapeutic work that supports your treatment.
We'll check in throughout the sessions, take breaks when needed and pay attention to how you're responding.
There's no expectation that you need to process a particular memory or reach a specific outcome within the three hours. Sometimes the most appropriate work is different from what we initially planned, and that's okay.
We'll follow the work that is clinically appropriate for you.
4. We'll check in afterwards
Therapy doesn't end the moment you walk out of the room.
After your intensive, we'll have a follow-up appointment to talk about how you've been feeling, what you've noticed since the sessions and whether there's anything else you need.
Some people continue with additional EMDR sessions, while others benefit from further stabilisation or a different therapeutic approach.
We'll talk through the options together and make a plan based on your needs.
Your wellbeing matters throughout the process
I want you to feel informed, supported and comfortable asking questions throughout your treatment.
EMDR can sometimes bring up difficult emotions, memories or physical sensations during or after a session.
Everyone responds differently, and it's not always possible to know in advance how you'll feel.
We'll talk about this before your intensive and make a plan for managing distress between appointments.
Where possible, I recommend keeping the remainder of your session days relatively free from demanding activities and allowing yourself some time to rest.
We'll also discuss what support is available to you outside appointments and what to do if you become significantly distressed.
An intensive isn't a crisis service and doesn't provide continuous monitoring between sessions.
If you're currently experiencing acute mental health difficulties or need urgent risk management, we'll need to consider whether this is the right time for an intensive and what support would be most appropriate.
There is no benefit in pushing ahead with a treatment format that isn't right for you at the time.
What's included?
Your EMDR intensive package includes:
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A 30-minute initial consultation.
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Two three-hour intensive therapy sessions.
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A therapeutic focus tailored to your assessment and goals.
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An EMDR intensive workbook to support preparation, reflection and aftercare.
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Time for breaks, check-ins and appropriate closure during your sessions.
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An individualised aftercare plan.
Your assessment, preparation appointments and follow-up appointment are booked and charged separately. Depending on your circumstances, additional preparation or follow-up sessions may also be recommended.
Fees
EMDR Intensive Fees
I offer weekday and weekend options to provide some flexibility when arranging your appointments.
Weekday Intensive — $990
Two three-hour intensive EMDR appointments, scheduled within the same week, with both sessions held on weekdays.
Weekend Intensive — $1,200
Two three-hour intensive EMDR appointments, scheduled within the same week, with both sessions held on weekend days.
If your intensive includes a combination of weekday and weekend sessions, the applicable fee will be discussed and confirmed with you before booking.
Additional appointments
The following appointments are charged separately at $165 per hour, and are a requirement of the program:
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Initial assessment, 1-2 weeks before processing
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Preparation, resourcing and target planning, same wk as processing.
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Follow-up appointment, 7-14 days post- treatment. This appointment provides an opportunity to review your progress, discuss any changes or emerging concerns, assess your ongoing needs and determine the next steps in your treatment.
Follow-up appointments.
Additional appointments are arranged according to your individual needs and clinical recommendations.
Your fees and the expected treatment pathway will be discussed with you before you commit to the intensive.
If you're interested in an intensive, you're welcome to get in touch. We can talk about what you're hoping to work towards, answer your questions and explore whether this format is right for you.
Clinical hours and fee summary
Appointment Duration Fee
Initial consultation 30minutes Free
*Initial assessment 50minutes $165
*Preparation, resourcing and
target planning 90minutes $247.50
EMDR intensive session one 3hr session $495
EMDR intensive session two 3hr session $495
*Follow-up appointment 50minutes $165
Total investment: $1,567.50
*Please note: The assessment, preparation and targeting, and post-treatment follow-up appointments are mandatory components of the EMDR intensive pathway.
These appointments ensure appropriate assessment, preparation, resourcing and follow-up care to support safe and effective treatment.
Intensive EMDR Program FAQs
Who offers the intensive program?
Your EMDR intensive will be facilitated by me, Kate Woods, founder of Thought Well Therapy. I hold a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), a Master of Social Work, and am an Accredited Social Worker. With experience across acute public mental health and private practice, I established Thought Well Therapy to specialise in complex trauma presentations. My approach is compassionate, evidence-informed and tailored to your individual needs, providing a supportive space to work towards meaningful change.
Why choose an EMDR intensive?
EMDR intensives offer an opportunity to work towards your therapeutic goals at an accelerated pace, with extended sessions that allow for more sustained processing and less interruption between appointments. This concentrated approach can help you build therapeutic momentum, explore experiences more deeply, and work towards meaningful change within a shorter timeframe.
Intensives aren't about rushing the healing process, but creating dedicated space for focused therapeutic work at a pace that supports your individual needs.
Who may not be suitable for an EMDR intensive?
EMDR intensives aren't suitable for everyone at every stage of their therapeutic journey. Clients experiencing acute psychological instability, significant unmanaged risk or active substance dependence may benefit from stabilisation and preparation before intensive trauma processing.
Those with complex trauma histories may be suitable, provided appropriate supports and follow-up care are in place. If an intensive isn't right for you at this time, it doesn't mean you're broken or cannot heal. It simply means we may need to build the foundations for safe and effective trauma processing first.
What are the benefits of an EMDR isntensive?
Focused treatment: Dedicate extended time to working towards your therapeutic goals, with fewer interruptions between sessions.
Accelerated pace: Complete concentrated therapeutic work within a shorter timeframe, rather than spreading sessions across several weeks.
Therapeutic momentum: Spend more time working towards your goals, with less need to re-establish focus between appointments.
Convenience: Plan around work, family and other commitments with a more concentrated treatment schedule.
Cost and time: While the upfront investment is higher, completing treatment within a shorter timeframe may reduce the overall time and travel involved.
How do I prepare for an intensive?
Think of your intensive as dedicated time to focus on your wellbeing. Where possible, keep the days surrounding your sessions relatively free, prioritise rest, and plan activities that help you feel grounded, such as gentle movement, time in nature or other forms of self-care. Allow yourself space to process and recover without the pressure of everyday demands.
Can I claim a rebate for my EMDR intensive?
At this time, EMDR intensives at Thought Well Therapy are not eligible for Medicare rebates. The full cost of treatment is payable by the client.
If you have private health insurance, you may wish to contact your insurer to enquire whether any benefits are available for your appointments.
Are EMDR intensives evidence-based?
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emerging research suggests that intensive trauma-focused therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, offering an alternative to traditional weekly sessions.
One potential benefit is accelerated therapeutic progress. By dedicating extended time to trauma processing, intensives may help you build therapeutic momentum and work towards meaningful change over a shorter timeframe.
Research has demonstrated promising outcomes, including sustained improvements in trauma symptoms. However, research into intensive EMDR specifically is still developing, and outcomes vary between individuals.
Further reading:
I want to schedule an Intensive. What's next?
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Be sure to specify that you’re interested in an EMDR Intensive Program.