EMDR Intensives vs Weekly Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve been exploring trauma therapy and are curious about EMDR, you might be wondering: Should I try weekly sessions or consider an EMDR intensive? Both approaches can be incredibly healing, and each offers a different rhythm of support depending on your needs, goals, and capacity.

As a trauma therapist trained in EMDR, polyvagal theory, and somatic approaches, I offer both weekly EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives for clients across Ontario. Below, I’ll break down the differences and help you decide which might be the right fit for your healing journey.

💬 What Is Weekly EMDR Therapy?

Weekly EMDR sessions follow a more traditional format. We meet for 50 or 75 minutes to gradually build safety, develop nervous system regulation skills, and begin reprocessing stuck memories at a pace that supports integration. This format is ideal for those looking for consistent support over time, or who are newer to trauma therapy.

Weekly EMDR therapy may include parts work, somatic resourcing, mindfulness, and polyvagal tools—depending on your goals and where you are in the process.

⚡ What Is an EMDR Intensive?

An EMDR intensive is a longer-format session designed to help you move through trauma more efficiently. Instead of spreading your therapy out over months, we carve out a focused window of time—typically 3 to 6 hours—to deepen into resourcing, reprocessing, and integration.

It’s ideal for:

• Clients feeling stuck in weekly therapy

• Processing a specific traumatic memory or event

• Those with limited time to commit to weekly sessions

• Wanting to accelerate healing between other commitments

Each intensive includes:

• A pre-intensive consultation to tailor the session to you

• Grounding, EMDR reprocessing, and integration work

• A post-session plan to support your nervous system afterward

• A written summary (optional)

🧭 Weekly Therapy vs EMDR Intensive: What’s the Difference?

	Weekly Therapy	EMDR Intensive
Pace	Gradual, weekly support	Focused, accelerated progress
Session Length	50–75 minutes	3–6 hours (half or full day)
Ideal For	Ongoing support, psychoeducation	Specific memories, stuck patterns, or accelerated healing
Preparation	Done over several sessions	Pre-intensive consult and plan included
Integration	Between sessions	Built-in rest and follow-up
Availability	Weekly appointment slots	Limited availability, scheduled in advance
Cost	Lower weekly cost	Higher upfront, deeper impact per hour

🧾 Can I Use My Insurance?

Yes. All therapy sessions are provided by a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) and are eligible for reimbursement under most extended health insurance plans in Ontario. Check your policy or reach out if you’re unsure—I'm happy to help you navigate the process.

💡 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a steady rhythm of support or ready for a deeper dive, both weekly EMDR therapy and intensives can meet you where you are. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your therapy can reflect that.

If you’re curious about which option might be right for you, feel free to reach out or book a free consultation. Together, we can explore what support feels safest and most effective for you.

With care,

Marlo Drago, MSW RSW

Trauma Therapist & EMDR Trained Practitioner

Virtual across Ontario@marlodragotherapy