EMDR Therapy
Trauma has a way of keeping us stuck—trapped in painful memories, overwhelming emotions, or patterns that feel impossible to break.
Even when you intellectually understand that the past is over, your body and mind may still react as if the danger is happening now. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help your brain fully process and integrate distressing experiences so they no longer have the same emotional intensity or power over you.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to verbally retell every detail of your trauma. Instead, it works by engaging the brain’s natural ability to heal itself through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sound. This process allows painful memories to be reprocessed and stored in a way that feels more manageable, freeing you from the emotional weight they once carried.
EMDR is highly effective for PTSD, anxiety, self-worth struggles, and the lingering effects of past abuse or difficult life experiences. If you find yourself reacting strongly to certain triggers, feeling emotionally stuck, or reliving past pain, EMDR may help you move forward with greater ease and resilience.
EMDR Intensives
Sometimes, weekly therapy isn’t enough—or it may not be the right fit for where you are in your healing journey. EMDR intensives offer a structured, focused approach to processing trauma more deeply and efficiently. Instead of working through trauma piece by piece over the course of months, an intensive allows you to dedicate extended time to healing in a safe, supported environment.
EMDR intensives are personalized to your specific needs and can range from half-day to multi-day sessions. They provide an opportunity to work through distressing memories in a concentrated way, which can be particularly beneficial if you feel stuck in therapy, want to accelerate your healing, or need targeted support for a specific issue.
How EMDR Intensives Work
Each EMDR intensive is structured to provide deep healing in a safe and supportive environment. While the exact length and format are tailored to your needs, the process typically follows these steps:
Free Consultation Call: We’ll start with a brief call to discuss your goals, answer any questions, and determine if an EMDR intensive is the right fit for you.
Initial Assessment & Preparation (2 Hours): This session includes a thorough intake, history-taking, and resource-building to ensure you feel emotionally prepared and supported throughout the process. We’ll develop coping strategies and grounding techniques to help you navigate the intensive work ahead.
Focused EMDR Sessions (3–5 Days): Over the course of several days, we’ll engage in extended EMDR sessions ranging from 3 to 6 hours each. This concentrated format allows us to work through traumatic memories efficiently while ensuring you have the support needed to process and integrate your experiences.
Post-Treatment Session (3–7 Days Later): After your intensive, we’ll meet for a follow-up session to check in on your progress, reinforce your gains, and develop a plan for continued healing and integration.
Is EMDR or an Intensive Right for You?
Choosing between weekly EMDR and an intensive depends on your needs, goals, and emotional capacity at this time.
Weekly EMDR may be the best option if you prefer steady, gradual progress and ongoing support between sessions. This format allows time to integrate each step of the healing process and works well for those who need a slower, more contained approach.
EMDR Intensives can be beneficial if you want to process trauma more quickly, feel ready to dive deeper, or have a specific issue that needs concentrated attention. Intensives are also helpful if you have limited time for weekly sessions or feel like traditional therapy isn’t moving fast enough.
If you're unsure which approach is right for you, I’d be happy to discuss your options and help you decide. No matter where you are in your healing journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out via 615-510-7573 or amandawhitehurstlcsw@gmail.com to explore whether EMDR or an intensive is the right next step for you.
Contact Me
Reach out to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to ask any questions or determine if I’m the right fit for you. I look forward to hearing from you.