Part 2 - Is EMDR Right for You? Who Can Benefit Most and What to Expect

Is EMDR Right for You? Benefits and What to Expect. EMDR isn’t one-size-fits-all. While research shows it’s an effective, evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD, not everyone is at the same place in their healing journey. So how do you know if EMDR might be a good fit for you?

This guide explores the benefits of EMDR therapy and what to expect, whether in weekly sessions or through an intensive format.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

You may benefit from EMDR if you:

• Feel weighed down by painful or “stuck” memories.

• Notice trauma symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, or heightened anxiety.

• Have tried talk therapy but want a more focused approach.

• Are ready to process the past in a structured, evidence-based way.

Research highlights many EMDR therapy benefits, including reduced trauma symptoms, increased resilience, and improved daily functioning (Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense, 2023).

Weekly EMDR vs. EMDR Intensives

1. Weekly EMDR sessions: The classic approach, which is 60 to 90 minutes, once a week. Research shows many clients notice symptom relief after about 4–8 sessions, though the full course may take several months depending on your history and goals (Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense, 2023).

   
   

2. EMDR intensives: A newer option, which involves several hours of EMDR delivered over 2–4 days (sometimes 6–12 hours total). Intensives can be especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule, want faster results, or need momentum after previous therapy.

   
   

   

   
   

What the Research Says

Studies on intensive trauma treatments (often combining EMDR with other approaches like Prolonged Exposure) are encouraging:

• ·Adolescents: Intensive trauma-focused programs that included EMDR reduced PTSD symptoms and were safe and effective (de Jongh et al., 2016).

• Adults (in-person): Multi-day intensive programs with EMDR have shown strong reductions in PTSD symptoms in people with severe trauma histories (van Woudenberg et al., 2018).

• Telehealth: Newer research shows intensive EMDR can also be delivered remotely, with meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in quality of life (Lenferink et al., 2023).

So far, most studies look at EMDR alongside other therapies, but the results suggest intensive formats are a promising, efficient option for many people.

Who Might Benefit from an EMDR Intensive?

You might be a good candidate if you:

• Want faster relief and focused attention.

• Have limited time to commit to weekly therapy.

• Feel ready to process trauma directly and have support systems in place.

Weekly therapy might be a better fit if you’re in crisis, managing severe dissociation, or needing ongoing stabilization before diving into concentrated trauma work.

What an Intensive Looks Like

A typical EMDR intensive with me includes:

1. Preparation: We start with a consultation, history-taking, and resourcing (grounding, containment, mindfulness).

2. During: Several hours of EMDR processing with breaks for rest, nourishment, and movement.

3. After: A clear aftercare plan and follow-up session to support integration.

Pulling It All Together

Whether you choose weekly EMDR or an intensive, the important thing is that both approaches are evidence-based and effective. For some, weekly therapy provides steady, long-term support. For others, intensives offer a focused path to faster relief.

If you’re curious about the benefits of EMDR therapy, know that research shows it can be life-changing.

👉 Are you considering EMDR? I offer both weekly and intensive EMDR options, depending on your needs. I accept Aetna and Cigna insurance and provide private-pay slots as well. Learn more here to explore which approach may be right for you.

References

de Jongh, A., Resick, P. A., Zoellner, L. A., van Minnen, A., Lee, C. W., Monson, C. M., … Bicanic, I. A. E. (2016). Critical analysis of the current treatment guidelines for complex PTSD in adults. Depression and Anxiety, 33(5), 359–369. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22469

Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense. (2023). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Washington, DC.

Lenferink, L. I. M., Hoppen, T. H., Bogdanova, Y., & Knaevelsrud, C. (2023). Effectiveness of intensive trauma-focused treatment delivered remotely for PTSD. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 14(1), 2145678. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2023.2145678

van Woudenberg, C., Voorendonk, E. M., Bongaerts, H., Zoet, H. A., Lee, C. W., van Minnen, A., & de Jongh, A. (2018). The effectiveness of an intensive treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and EMDR for severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 9(1), 1487225. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2018.1487225