Question 1

What is An EMDR Intensive Therapy Session?

Accepted Answer

An EMDR Intensive Therapy Session is a focused, extended therapy session using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. Sessions last anywhere from a few hours to several days in order to accelerate the healing process. During these sessions, we will focus on resolving a specific issue or incident. You will be able to experience the benefits of months of therapy within one day. This approach is ideal for people dealing with trauma, anxiety or stressful events.

Benefits of EMDR Intensives
Accelerated Progress — Condense months of therapy into a single day
Focused Healing — Target specific events, symptoms, or belief systems
Flexible Scheduling — Ideal for people with busy or unpredictable schedules
Adjunctive Support — Great supplement to ongoing weekly therapy
Efficient Results — A 3-hour intensive can equal 5 standard sessions

Question 2

Are EMDR Intensive Therapy Sessions right for me?

Accepted Answer

An EMDR Intensive is a specialized tool. It is often the most effective path if:
You have a "Clear Before and After": You can identify one specific traumatic event that changed things.
You are "Mostly Fine": You function well in daily life, except when triggered by specific reminders.
You Practice Avoidance: You find yourself avoiding driving, medical settings, or specific locations.
You are Stable: You are not currently in an active crisis but are bothered by intrusive memories tied to that one event.
You Value Efficiency: You want focused, short-term treatment rather than ongoing weekly therapy.

Note: Not every situation is appropriate for an intensive format. A brief consultation ensures this is the right clinical fit for your history and goals.

Question 3

What kinds of issues can be addressed with EMDR Intensives?

Accepted Answer

Single-incident trauma (e.g., accidents, assaults)
Anxiety or fear related to future events
Phobias and panic symptoms
Relationship wounds and betrayal trauma
Disturbing or intrusive memories
Grief and loss
Feeling stuck despite prior therapy

Question 4

What is the cost?

Accepted Answer

Full Day Intensive Therapy Session Package - 90 minute intake/preparation session; 6 hours of therapy in addition to breaks as needed; 1 hour follow-up session
$2,390

Half Day Intensive Session Package - 1 hour intake/preparation session; 3 hours of therapy in addition to breaks as needed; 1 hour follow-up session 
$1,550

EMDR Intensive Therapy Offerings  - Not Covered by Insurance
"You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. If you are uninsured or choose not to use your insurance, federal law gives you the right to receive an estimate of expected charges before you receive services. You can ask for a Good Faith Estimate at any time."

Question 5

What Does an EMDR Intensive Therapy Package Look like?

Accepted Answer

The Process: How It Works
Every intensive follows a structured four-stage process to ensure you are prepared, supported, and grounded throughout the experience.

Phase 1: The Fit Call (20 Minutes)
A brief phone consultation to discuss your specific goals and determine if an intensive format is the most appropriate clinical fit for your history.

Phase 2: Intake & Preparation (90 Minutes)
Approximately one week prior to your intensive. We clarify exactly what your session will look like. We’ll review your past and present, identify the beliefs and memories causing your current disturbance, and select your specific "targets"—the memories, situations, or future events we will process together.

Phase 3: The EMDR Intensive
We use bilateral stimulation (tapping, handheld tappers, or eye movements) to help your brain reprocess targets into a more adaptive, less distressing state. Because it typically takes 45–90 minutes to fully reprocess a single target, these extended sessions allow us to finish what we start.

Phase 4: Integration & Review (60 Minutes)
Approximately one week after your intensive. We review your symptoms, discuss the changes you are noticing, and address any lingering sensations. I will provide recommendations for any follow-up treatment if needed.

Choose Your Intensive Package

Both packages include a complimentary EMDR Therapy Workbook to enhance your experience.

Option 1: Full-Day EMDR Intensive
Best for multiple targets or deep-seated single-incident trauma.
Morning (Approx. 2 Hours): Arrive, settle in, and begin 90 minutes of focused processing.
The Mid-Day Break (60 Minutes): A full hour to eat, move your body, and mentally decompress.
Afternoon (Approx. 3 Hours): 100–150 minutes of continued processing, followed by 30 minutes of grounding to transition back to your routine.
Total Investment: $2,390

Option 2: Half-Day EMDR Intensive
Best for a single, specific event or a targeted "reset."
The Session (3 Hours): 15–30 minutes of settling in, followed by 90–120 minutes of deep EMDR processing.
Closure: The final 30 minutes are dedicated to grounding and reflection to ensure you feel stable for the rest of your day.
Total Investment: $1,550

Question 6

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I accept the following insurances:
Aetna
United Healthcare UHC | UBH

Question 7

What ages do you see?

Accepted Answer

I am currently accepting clients 18 and older.

Question 8

Do you provide marital or couples therapy?

Accepted Answer

I do not.  I only provide individual therapy.

Question 9

How much does therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

Initial assessment - $250
50 minute session - $225

Question 10

How much do EMDR Intensives cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs are as follows and not covered by insurance:
Full Day Intensive Package for New Clients - $2,390
Half Day Intensive Package for New Clients - $1,550
Full Day Intensive Session for Existing Clients - $2,000
Half Day Intensive (3 Hour Session) for Existing Clients - $1,000
Two Hour Intensive for Existing Clients - $450
90 Minute Extended EMDR Therapy Session for Existing Clients - $330

Question 11

What is included in the Half Day EMDR Intensive Package for New Clients?

Accepted Answer

One 90 minute preparatory interview (up to one week before EMDR therapy session)
3 hour session of EMDR therapy (with breaks as needed)
60 minute follow-up interview (up to one week after EMDR therapy session)

Question 12

Do you also offer online therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I offer telehealth services to individuals in Connecticut.

Question 13

What is your late cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel your hourly therapy appointment within 24 hours of your appointment or do not show up, you will be charged a late cancellation fee of $100.  The initial deposit to book a EMDR intensive is non-refundable.  If you cancel your EMDR intensive appointment, within two weeks of the scheduled date, you will forfeit your initial deposit.  Requests to reschedule made 14 days or more prior to the scheduled intensive may transfer the full deposit to a new date.

Erin Gardner-Flores, LCSW

Frequently Asked Questions