Intensive Trauma Treatment: A Great Fit for You?

July 15, 2022
TBI Therapist Blog post of a younger male looking down reading a book at sunset.

If you’re considering intensive treatment, there are a few things you should know. First, it can be an excellent fit for those who want to make significant changes in their lives, but those who are short on time.  Second, it’s not for everyone – but that doesn’t mean it’s not right for you. Intensive treatment can provide the structure and support you need to get the most out of your therapy sessions. So if you’re thinking about giving it a try, here are some things to keep in mind. Intensive treatment offers many benefits, including:

1) A focus on healing mind, body, and spirit.

2) The opportunity to address many aspects of trauma, partnered or married relationship.

3) A higher level of support in a short time without the weekly demands in your schedule of a regular appointment.

4) Greater access to therapeutic resources.

In this article, we’ll discuss EMDR intensives for trauma, anxiety, and relational hurts or ruptures.

What is trauma therapy and what are the benefits of intensive therapy for trauma patients

EMDR intensive therapy is an evidence-based type of trauma-focused therapy. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. EMDR intensive therapy is typically provided in an outpatient setting and may last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours per day with multiple day options. EMDR intensive therapy is considered to be more effective than traditional EMDR therapy, as it allows for more processing of the traumatic material than 50-minute sessions. Benefits of EMDR intensive therapy include decreased focus on the traumatic material, increased functioning, and fewer physiological symptoms related to your traumatic material. If you are interested in EMDR intensive therapy, please contact a qualified mental health professional for further information.

How does intensive trauma therapy work

EMDR intensive therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD in several controlled studies. In a single-session EMDR study, 80% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after treatment. In another study, 80% of multiple trauma victims no longer had PTSD after only 6 hours of treatment. While the number of sessions needed may vary depending on the individual, EMDR intensive therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, EMDR intensive therapy may be worth considering. EMDR intensive therapy could help you or your loved one finally find relief from the symptoms of PTSD.

Who is a good candidate for intensive trauma therapy

EMDR therapy can be an intensive experience, but it may be the right choice for you if you can perform activities of daily living and self-care. You should also have good support in your life to manage any additional distress that EMDR may bring. These supports can include people you can talk to, as well as a regular therapist. EMDR can be helpful if you generally tolerate distress well but the trauma is causing notable emotional difficulties. EMDR intensive therapy can provide relief from these difficulties and help you move on with your life.

EMDR therapy is a powerful and effective treatment for trauma, but it may not be right for everyone. EMDR intensive therapy can be emotionally and mentally challenging, so it’s important to make sure you’re in a good place before beginning treatment. If you’re not able to tolerate difficult situations in your own life, EMDR will likely not be right for you. The same is true if you have active suicidality or complex PTSD. EMDR therapy can be an intensely cathartic experience, and it’s important to make sure you’re ready to handle that before beginning treatment. All of your concerns should be discussed with your prospective therapist.

What should you expect during an intensive trauma therapy session

EMDR intensive therapy is a type of therapy that is typically done in a few day or weekly sessions. It is a powerful way to work through trauma and can be very helpful for those who have experienced trauma. EMDR therapy can be done in a group or individual setting.  EMDR is an eight-phase process that begins with history-taking and ends with closure and debriefing. During the history-taking phase, the therapist will ask questions about the client’s trauma and any other pertinent information. Next, the therapist will help the client to develop a list of targets or things that trigger memories of the trauma. The next six phases involve bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, taps, or tones. These activities help to reduce the intensity of the memories and allow the brain to process them more healthily. Finally, during the closure and debriefing phases, the therapist will provide support and resources to help the client continue to heal. EMDR is an effective trauma treatment, and it can help people to live healthier happier lives.

Although EMDR can be completed in as little as one day, it is important to note that the “processing time” during EMDR appointments will be equal to the amount of time that it would take for 6-7 regular sessions. This is because much of the time in EMDR sessions is spent on checking in and grounding/stabilization at the end of the session. EMDR is a type of therapy that can be very helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma. It can be used to help process and heal from the trauma. EMDR can be a very intense experience, so it is important to be prepared for what to expect before beginning EMDR. EMDR is usually completed in eight phases: assessment, preparation, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Although EMDR can be completed in as little as one day, it is important to note that the “processing time” during EMDR appointments will be equal to the amount of time that it would take for 6-7 regular sessions. This is because much of the time in EMDR sessions is spent on checking in and grounding/stabilization at the end of the session.

The risks and possible side effects of intensive trauma therapy

EMDR is generally considered to be a safe and effective form of trauma therapy.  However, as with any type of therapy, there are some risks and side effects associated with EMDR. One of the most common side effects is increased anxiety and agitation immediately after treatment. This is usually only temporary, and symptoms typically improve after a few sessions. However, EMDR can also worsen symptoms in some people, at least initially. For this reason, it is important to carefully consider whether EMDR is right for you before starting treatment. EMDR is not suitable for people who are actively suicidal or who have recently been hospitalized for mental health reasons. If you have any other medical conditions, please be sure to discuss them with your therapist before starting EMDR. Individuals with complex trauma will likely benefit from a long-term therapist outside of their intensives or multiple intensives scheduled.

EMDR is a type of therapy that is very effective in treating trauma. It is a relatively new form of therapy, but EMDR has already been given the highest level of recommendation by the American Psychiatric Association. EMDR is classified as a “trauma-focused psychotherapy,” and it is very effective in treating PTSD. In addition, EMDR helps treat other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. EMDR is generally a safe form of therapy, but there are some potential risks and side effects associated with it. These risks and side effects are typically mild and temporary, and they do not occur in all EMDR sessions. Overall, EMDR is a safe and effective form of therapy for treating trauma. It is recommended that your EMDR therapist have full training by EMDRIA an organization that certifies EMDR therapists as they go over risks to therapy throughout.

How to find the right therapist for you if you decide to undergo intensive trauma therapy

If you are considering EMDR therapy, it is important to make sure that your therapist is fully trained and certified in EMDR. EMDRIA-certified clinicians have completed 40 hours of training and consultation in EMDR therapy. Certified EMDR clinicians have an additional period of consultation and training to achieve this credential. As a result, they are better prepared to provide EMDR therapy in a way that is safe and effective. When choosing an EMDR therapist, make sure to ask about their training and certification. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible care.

If you are struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, EMDR therapy may be able to help. EMDR is a powerful and transformative treatment that can lead to healing from trauma. At New Life, we offer intensive EMDR therapy options that can provide you with the support you need to make positive changes in your life. Contact us today about our intensive therapy options and let us help you begin the process of healing.

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