EMDR (Eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing) is based on the premise that traumatic memories are inadequately processed and stored in an isolated way in the brain, which can cause ongoing distress, intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares, and physical responses such as panic, anxiety, depressive and dissociative symptoms.
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Bilateral stimulation (eye-movements, taps, sounds) facilitate the brain's natural information processing functions, whilst focusing on traumatic memories and associated distress and uncomfortable sensations, to allow the brain to naturally heal itself.
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Through this reprocessing, the emotional charge of the memory is reduced or desensitised, making such memories less vivid and distressing. The following phase of EMDR then promotes more adaptive associations to be formed in the brain, allowing for resolution of distressing symptoms and improved mental health and wellbeing.
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Numerous studies have shown EMDR to be effective in treating a number of concerns. As of December, 2024, The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recognised EMDR as a Level 1 treatment (the highest level of evidence of treatment efficacy) for adults with depression, PTSD, complex PTSD, specific phobias and social anxiety disorder and children with PTSD [Read the review here].
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Clients often report significant improvement in their symptoms after a relatively short period of treatment compared to traditional talk therapies.
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What is an EMDR Therapy Intensive?
In an EMDR Intensive with Dr Christy you receive a minimum of 6 hours of of one-on-one focused EMDR Therapy within one week or 12 hours of one-on-one focused EMDR Therapy across two weeks, depending on your treatment goals and with the view to providing a number of flexible options to schedule your appointments.
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Studies supporting the efficacy of EMDR intensive models demonstrate significant improvements in clients mental health in as little as a few days of concentrated sessions. These intensive models provide a unique opportunity for those seeking faster resolution of long-standing trauma symptoms, or experiencing severe PTSD or anxiety, making them an excellent option for individuals looking to make substantial progress in a short period.
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EMDR intensives can be more efficient than standard, weekly, EMDR therapy sessions for some clients. After initial consultation and assessment of suitability, the intensives dive straight into the immersive EMDR intervention, with less onus on checking in at the beginning of each session, addressing new crises or concerns, and less time allocated to closure processes at the end of each session. If, following your EMDR intensive, you would like or require further sessions, then standard consultations can be provided. If you are already working with another therapist, an EMDR Therapy Intensive could sit alongside the work you are already doing.
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Who can benefit from an EMDR therapy intensive?​
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Individuals who feel ready to address a specific treatment goal via an intense treatment approach.
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Individuals seeking accelerated healing from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and other emotional challenges.
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Individuals who prefer a concentrated approach to therapy or 'therapeutic blocks'.
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Individuals who have previously experienced the benefits of standard EMDR therapy.​​
This model may not best for you if you:
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Have difficulties that need stabilising first, such as a suicidality, self-harm, substance abuse, significant dissociative difficulties, significant difficulty accessing emotional experience, or current life crises that need addressing first.
Interested in EMDR but not sure about an intensive model? Read more about standard EMDR treatment here.