EMDR Intensive Therapy for Single-Event Trauma
A focused, short-term approach to healing a specific traumatic experience
Some traumatic experiences don’t resolve with time alone. Even when life has moved forward, your body and nervous system may still react as if the event is happening now. EMDR intensive therapy offers a way to gently and effectively process a single traumatic event so it no longer feels overwhelming or present-day.
This intensive format is designed for individuals who want deep, focused work without committing to long-term weekly therapy.
What Is an EMDR Intensive?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched trauma therapy that helps the brain and nervous system process distressing memories in a more adaptive way.
An EMDR intensive condenses this work into a structured, supportive time frame. Rather than spreading sessions out over months, we work intentionally over one or two extended sessions, with preparation and follow-up support to help ensure safety and integration.
Who This Intensive Is For
This offering is best suited for individuals who:
● Have experienced one primary traumatic event (such as an accident, medical trauma, assault, sudden loss, specific workplace incident, or a specific phobia)
● Feel “stuck” despite time passing or previous therapy
● Can identify a specific memory that continues to cause distress
● Have some ability to self-soothe and regulate emotions
● Are currently safe and stable in their daily life
This intensive is not appropriate for complex or developmental trauma, ongoing crises, or situations where safety and stabilization are still needed. If this format isn’t a good fit, I’m happy to help you explore other options.
What the Process Looks Like
1. Preparation & Readiness
Before scheduling an intensive, we meet for one or two preparation sessions. During this phase we:
● Discuss your goals and the specific event you want to work on
● Review how EMDR works and what to expect
● Build grounding and regulation tools
● Make sure this format feels safe and appropriate for you
Preparation is an important part of the process and helps ensure the intensive work is effective and contained.
2. The Intensive Session
The intensive itself typically takes place over one full day or two half-days.
During the intensive, we:
● Work through the traumatic memory using EMDR
● Take breaks as needed to support your nervous system
● Move at a pace that feels manageable
● Focus on helping your brain fully process the experience rather than reliving it
Many people notice that the memory feels more distant, less emotional, or no longer triggers the same physical or emotional response.
3. Integration & Follow-Up
After the intensive, we meet for one or two follow-up sessions to:
● Check in on how you’re feeling
● Address any residual distress
● Support integration and meaning-making
● Strengthen coping tools for daily life
You’ll also receive guidance on what to expect after the intensive and how to care for yourself during the integration period.
Benefits of an EMDR Intensive
Clients often choose this format because it:
● Allows for deep focus without long gaps between sessions
● Can lead to meaningful symptom relief in a short time
● Feels contained and intentional
● Reduces the need to repeatedly revisit the trauma over months
● Fits better with travel, work schedules, or life transitions
While results vary, many people experience a significant reduction in distress related to the targeted event.
A Note on Safety & Care
Your wellbeing is always the priority. EMDR intensives are carefully structured, paced, and supported. If at any point it becomes clear that a different approach would be more helpful, we will adjust accordingly.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in an EMDR intensive, the first step is a consultation to determine whether this format is a good fit for you. Dr. Michelle Sibol is currently offering EMDR intensives and she can be reached by email to set up a consult at drsibol@wellnesspsychservices.com.