If you’ve experienced trauma in your life, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can be a superpowered tool for healing and relief. EMDR intensives allow for a significant amount of therapy to happen in a short time. The results you achieve in a week with EMDR could take up to a year in regular weekly sessions.
Because it is so powerful, taking the time to prepare yourself for this work is highly recommended. Proper preparation can help to ensure that the therapy is effective, and that you are emotionally and physically ready for the process. This will also benefit your integration afterwards, so the healing effects on your life are as profound as possible.
Here are a few steps to prep for an EMDR intensive:
- Find a qualified therapist. Be sure to engage a licensed therapist who is trained and experienced in EMDR therapy. Seek a practitioner who has been certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) to be certain they have completed the necessary training and supervision.
- Complete your assessment honestly and thoroughly. Your therapist will likely conduct a full assessment to identify the specific traumas or distressing experiences you will work with for the intensive. Trust your therapist. Be as open and honest as possible about your experiences, along with any concerns you may have.
- Develop coping skills. EMDR therapy is highly effective at treating trauma, which means it can be emotionally intense. It’s key to have coping skills in place, to help you manage any distress that arises during your treatment. These will be unique to you, and can include any practices you already find helpful such as yoga, visualization, or breathing exercises. Your therapist may share relaxation techniques, or teach you other coping skills as part of the intensive process. Be open with your therapist if you’re using substances to cope.
- Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is vital – before, during, and after the intensive. Make sure you are eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It may help to think of this time as a healing retreat, and arrange for as much space and support in your daily life as possible.
- Set goals. It’s helpful to reflect on what you want to accomplish in your EMDR intensive. This experience is all about you, so get as clear as you can on your goals and desires – and be sure to share them with your therapist. This can help you stay focused and motivated through the process, and walk away feeling ready to fully embrace your life!
- Be prepared for emotions to arise. EMDR therapy can (and likely will) bring up intense emotions and memories. It helps to be ready for this, and remember that it is a normal and valuable part of the therapy process. Your therapist will be there to support you and guide you through any difficult emotions that arise.
- Make the time. EMDR intensives typically involve multiple sessions over a short time period. It’s best to bring your full focus on attention to each session, and stay committed to the process from start to finish. Do your best to ensure that you have the time and space to fully engage without distractions or interruptions.
Overall, preparing for an EMDR intensive involves finding the right therapist, completing a thorough assessment, developing coping skills, practicing self-care, setting goals, being prepared for emotions to arise, and making time for the intensive. With proper preparation and guidance from your therapist, EMDR therapy can be a highly effective treatment for trauma and other distressing experiences.
And here’s the really good news…
We’ve done the first step for you.
Bright Spot has teamed up with an incredible therapist, Andrea Nitzkin, to bring you high-quality EMDR intensives! Call our office at 248-296-3104 or schedule online if you’re ready to jump in.
You can heal. You can thrive. We can help.
