Weekly EMDR Therapy vs. EMDR Intensives: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’ve been exploring EMDR therapy for trauma healing, you might have come across two different options: weekly EMDR sessions and EMDR intensives. Both can be deeply healing—but they offer very different experiences and pacing.
I created a short video to walk you through the key differences, including how EMDR intensives can often help clients move through stuck trauma responses more efficiently.
🎥 Watch the video below:
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from traumatic experiences. Instead of simply talking about what happened, EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel emotionally overwhelming.
Clients often notice that they can recall the memory without the same physical or emotional distress they once felt. This makes EMDR especially effective for:
Childhood trauma or neglect (CPTSD)
Relationship wounds
Emotional or physical abuse
Sexual Abuse
Shame and/or body image issues
Recent traumatic event
Weekly EMDR Therapy: Slow and Steady Healing
In a traditional weekly EMDR format, sessions typically last 50–60 minutes and occur once a week. This approach allows for gradual progress and consistent therapeutic support.
Weekly EMDR might be best if you:
Prefer steady, paced work with space to integrate between sessions
Are juggling other commitments and need ongoing support
Are newer to therapy and still building comfort with trauma work
The slower pace can feel grounding and allows time to strengthen coping skills between sessions.
EMDR Intensives: Focused, Deep Healing in Less Time
EMDR Intensives are extended sessions—often ranging from 3 to 6 hours per day for 1–3 days—that allow you to go deeper without the interruptions of weekly scheduling.
Clients often describe this approach as “healing in concentrated time.” It can be especially supportive if you:
Feel stuck in traditional weekly therapy
Have limited time off and want focused healing
Are preparing for a life transition or want relief sooner
Because EMDR Intensives offer longer, uninterrupted processing time, your nervous system can stay in the healing flow without having to pause and restart each week.
Which Option Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both weekly EMDR and EMDR Intensives can be effective pathways toward healing. The best choice depends on your goals, readiness, and what kind of support your life circumstances allow right now.
In my practice, I often help clients explore both options and decide which approach aligns with their current needs and emotional capacity.
If you’d like to learn more about EMDR Intensives or schedule one, you can visit my website here:
👉https://www.karekounseling.com/emdr-intensive-lynnwood-wa