Intensive EMDR Therapy is brief intensive therapy which aims to result in a reduction of PTSD symptoms through quicker taxing and desensitisation of trauma memory networks and associated emotional and somatic charge.

Focused trauma therapy, offered in a concentrated format…

Sometimes weekly therapy is exactly what is needed. At other times, you may feel ready to focus more closely on a particular experience, symptom or pattern without spreading the work over many months.

Intensive EMDR offers longer therapy sessions scheduled close together, allowing us to work in a focused and supported way - The Pathway - towards a clearly identified goal - North Star.

Rather than trying to fit meaningful trauma processing into a standard 50-minute appointment, extended sessions provide more time for preparation, EMDR processing and settling before the session ends. An intensive does not mean rushing into traumatic memories. Preparation, safety, pacing and your ability to remain present are central to the process.

Intensives are available for adults, children and adolescents, either in person in Hillarys, Western Australia, and online. Travel to a mutual destination can be arranged by special request.

Why choose an intensive format?

An EMDR Intensive may suit you when:

• You would like to focus on a particular experience, symptom or pattern.

• Weekly therapy is difficult to fit around work, parenting, school or other responsibilities.

• You have already made progress in therapy but still feel emotionally or physically stuck.

• You understand something logically, but your emotions or body have not yet caught up.

• You would prefer a focused period of therapy rather than open-ended weekly appointments.

• You have previously found EMDR helpful and would like to continue the work in a more concentrated format.

• You have a primary therapist and would like to use EMDR as an additional, targeted part of your treatment.

Longer sessions reduce the need to repeatedly begin, pause and re-establish the work. They give us more time to prepare carefully, process the selected material and support your nervous system to settle before you leave.

While some people experience meaningful change within a short period, an intensive is not a promise of immediate or complete resolution. The amount of therapy needed will depend on your history, current circumstances, support system and the goals we choose together.

What can we work on?

Sometimes the source of distress is clear. You may be living with the impact of a traumatic event, loss, frightening experience or difficult relationship. At other times, you may notice anxiety, shame, anger, avoidance, intrusive thoughts or physical reactions without fully understanding where they come from.

Depending on your individual needs, an intensive may focus on:

• A specific traumatic or distressing event

• A recent traumatic experience

• Medical trauma

• A difficult birth experience

• Workplace or vicarious trauma

• Prolonged or traumatic grief

• Disturbing memories, images or nightmares

• Fears and phobias

• Persistent negative beliefs about yourself

• Feelings of guilt, shame, fear, helplessness or responsibility

• Emotional or physical reactions that continue despite knowing you are now safe

• Trauma-related avoidance, hypervigilance or emotional numbing

• Developing internal resources and coping strategies

• Performance blocks or confidence following distressing experiences

More extensive developmental or complex trauma can also be addressed, but this usually requires careful assessment and may involve more preparation, repeated intensive blocks or ongoing therapy. The aim is not to cover your entire life history in a few appointments. We will identify a realistic and meaningful focus for the program.

Working alongside your current therapist

You do not need to stop seeing your regular therapist to participate in an EMDR Intensive. An intensive can be offered as an additional or adjunct therapy when you and your primary therapist have identified a particular memory, belief, emotional response or body sensation that continues to feel stuck.

With your consent, I can collaborate with your therapist before and after the program. This helps ensure that the intensive fits safely within your broader treatment and that you have appropriate support for continued integration.

Is an EMDR Intensive right for me?

An intensive may be a good fit when you:

• Feel ready and motivated to work on a clearly identified concern.

• Can set aside time and emotional space for the sessions and recovery afterwards.

• Have enough stability and support in your everyday life.

• Are interested in focused change rather than primarily supportive counselling.

• Can use strategies to regulate and care for yourself between appointments.

• Are willing to complete preparation and reflection activities.

• Have an ongoing therapist or other support when this is clinically recommended.

You do not need to feel completely calm, confident or “ready to face everything”. Readiness means that we can approach the work safely, collaboratively and at a pace your nervous system can manage.

When might an intensive not be appropriate?

An intensive may not be the best starting point if you are currently experiencing:

• An immediate mental health crisis.

• Active suicidal risk including current plan and intent.

• Acute psychosis.

• Substance use -unable/unwilling to reduce leading up to and during the period of intensive therapy. Substance use must not be the primary diagnosis.

• A current unsafe living situation.

• Severe dissociation that makes it difficult to remain present.

• A major life crisis requiring practical or ongoing support.

• A need for regular supportive therapy without an existing therapist.

• Significant difficulty managing between appointments.

This does not necessarily mean that EMDR will never be appropriate. It may mean that additional support, stabilisation, assessment or relationship-building is needed first. Suitability is discussed openly during the initial consultation and assessment. If an intensive is not the right option, I will talk with you about other possible pathways and, where possible, recommend appropriate services or trusted colleagues.