What is an EMDR intensive?

An EMDR intensive is a concentrated extended therapy session — typically four hours of active EMDR therapy with a one-hour break — rather than the standard 50-minute weekly format. It allows for deeper, more sustained processing of a specific traumatic memory or experience in a single session.

Do I need to have done EMDR before to do an intensive?

Not necessarily, but you do need a baseline level of nervous system stabilization. EMDR intensives are generally not recommended for people who are brand new to any therapy. This is assessed together in a preparation conversation before scheduling.

Is an EMDR intensive available virtually in Ontario?

Yes. EMDR intensives at Marlo Drago Therapy are fully virtual and available to clients across Ontario. Bilateral stimulation is adapted for virtual delivery.

How much does an EMDR intensive cost?

$1,300 per session. This covers four hours of active therapy plus a one-hour break and integration support. Extended health benefits that cover RSW services may apply — check your plan.

How is an EMDR intensive different from regular weekly therapy?

Weekly therapy is gradual and consistent — 50 minutes a week, building over time. An intensive compresses the work into one extended session, which is particularly useful for working through a specific, bounded traumatic event, breaking through a plateau, or making significant progress when weekly scheduling is not practical.

What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Actually Work?

Q: Does EMDR require medication or hypnosis?

No. EMDR doesn't involve medication or hypnosis — you remain fully aware and in control throughout each session.

Q: Is EMDR only for "big T" trauma like accidents or abuse?

No. EMDR is used for single-incident trauma as well as smaller, cumulative experiences — like chronic emotional neglect or years of people-pleasing — that still shape how you respond today.

Marlo Drago

Aug 17

3 min read

Updated: Sep 16

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed therapy that helps your brain finish processing memories that got "stuck." These are the memories that still feel like they're happening now, even though they're long over. Using bilateral stimulation—like guided eye movements, tapping, or sound—EMDR helps a painful memory transition from feeling raw and reactive to something that simply happened.

That's the short answer. Here's what it actually looks like in practice.

Why Memories Get "Stuck" in the First Place

When something overwhelming happens, your brain doesn't always file it away like it does with an ordinary memory. Instead, it can remain lodged in a raw, unprocessed state. This is why a smell, a tone of voice, or even a passing comment years later can trigger the same flood of feelings as the original moment. This isn't a flaw in you. It's what an overwhelmed nervous system does to survive something it couldn't fully process at the time.

How EMDR Therapy Helps

During EMDR, you bring a specific memory to mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This could be guided eye movements, alternating taps, or sound. This back-and-forth stimulation appears to help your brain do the processing work it wasn't able to complete when the memory was formed. Over a series of sessions, the memory typically loses its emotional charge. You still remember what happened; you just stop reliving it.

Not All EMDR Looks the Same

My approach is also Polyvagal-informed, meaning we don't move straight into reprocessing. We build nervous system safety first. If any protective "parts" of you (see: Internal Family Systems Therapy) aren't ready to approach a memory, we work with that before we tackle the memory itself. You can read the full clinical breakdown of this integrated approach on the EMDR Therapy page or dive deeper in the companion post, What Is EMDR Therapy? How It Works for Trauma, Anxiety & PTSD.

The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy offers several benefits. It can help you process traumatic memories and reduce anxiety. Many people find that they can finally move forward in their lives after engaging in this therapy. The emotional weight of past experiences can lift, allowing you to feel more grounded and present.

A Safe Space for Healing

Creating a safe space for healing is essential. In our sessions, I ensure that you feel comfortable and secure. It's important to me that you can express yourself freely. This environment fosters trust and openness, which are crucial for effective therapy.

Understanding Your Emotions

As we work together, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your emotions. You'll learn to identify triggers and recognize patterns in your responses. This awareness can empower you to make healthier choices in your daily life.

Building Resilience

Through EMDR, you can build resilience. You'll develop coping strategies that help you navigate life's challenges. This newfound strength can lead to a more fulfilling life, free from the burdens of past trauma.

FAQ

Does EMDR require medication or hypnosis?

No, EMDR doesn't involve medication or hypnosis. You remain fully aware and in control throughout each session.

Is EMDR only for "big T" trauma like accidents or abuse?

No, EMDR is used for single-incident trauma as well as smaller, cumulative experiences. This includes chronic emotional neglect or years of people-pleasing that still shape how you respond today.

Curious whether EMDR is right for you? Book a free 15-minute consultation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, EMDR therapy can be a transformative experience. It offers a pathway to healing and understanding. If you're ready to release the weight of your past, I invite you to explore this journey with me. Together, we can work towards a more grounded and fulfilling life.

Remember, you're not alone in this process. I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's take this journey together.