EMDR Intensives

What Makes EMDR Different?

Unlike talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to relive traumatic experiences in detail or spend months discussing your past. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) to help your brain reprocess disturbing memories the way it naturally processes everyday experiences.

The result? Memories that once triggered anxiety, shame, or fear lose their emotional charge. You remember what happened, but it no longer controls how you feel or behave.

EMDR is one of the most researched trauma treatments available, with decades of studies showing its effectiveness for PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and more.

About Cassandra

I've been specializing in EMDR therapy for over a decade, helping professionals work through trauma, anxiety, and the psychological barriers that prevent them from living fully.

My qualifications:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

• EMDR Certified Therapist - completed advanced training and certification through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

• EMDR Consultant - trained to supervise and mentor other therapists in EMDR practice

• 10+ years providing EMDR therapy

• Specialized training in multiple EMDR protocols

I understand the unique pressures facing executives, attorneys, physicians, and other high-performers. My clients often juggle demanding careers, leadership responsibilities, and personal lives - they don't always have time in every week to pursue therapy, but they deserve effective care.

That's why I developed this intensive format: to provide the same evidence-based trauma treatment in a timeframe that actually works for busy professionals.

The Research Behind EMDR Intensives

What Does the Research Say About EMDR Intensives?

While EMDR therapy has been extensively researched for over 30 years, intensive formats are a newer area of study. Here's what we know:

Faster Results A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychology compared veterans receiving daily intensive EMDR sessions to those receiving weekly sessions. The intensive group showed significantly greater improvement in PTSD symptoms, with results maintained at 3-month follow-up. (Read the study)

Higher Completion Rates Research shows that intensive formats have higher treatment completion rates than weekly therapy - likely because clients don't have months of scheduling to navigate and can see results quickly, maintaining motivation.

Sustained Benefits Follow-up studies demonstrate that improvements from intensive EMDR are maintained over time, not just temporary relief.

Bottom line: The research supports what I see clinically - intensive EMDR works.

FAQ SECTION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an EMDR intensive cost?

The investment is $4,000 for the complete intensive experience, which includes:

• 9 hours of direct therapy time (4 hours Friday, 4 hours Saturday)

• Pre-intensive consultation and assessment (complimentary 15-minute call, plus preparation session)

• Optional Client Workbook to prepare further prior to the session.

• Customized treatment planning

• Post-intensive follow-up and integration support

Cost perspective: This is comparable to 6-12 months of weekly therapy at standard rates ($4,200-$8,750 for 24 sessions at $175/hour), but with accelerated results and minimal scheduling burden.

Many clients find this is actually more cost-effective when you factor in:

• Time saved (no commuting weekly for months)

• Faster return to full functioning

• Fewer total sessions needed to achieve results

Does insurance cover this?

Insurance does not currently cover intensive EMDR.

What's the time commitment?

Total time commitment:

• Optional Free 15-minute consultation (phone) - we discuss whether you're a good fit for an intensive

• 1-hour preparation session (typically 1-2 weeks before the intensive) - we gather history, set goals, and prepare you for the process

• Friday: 4 hours (typically 9am-1pm or 10am-2pm, with breaks)

• Saturday: 4 hours (same timeframe as Friday)

• Optional follow-up session (1 hour, typically 1-2 weeks after the intensive)

Most clients take Friday off work or schedule early in the day and take a half-day. I highly recommend taking the day off. Saturday is typically easier to accommodate.

Between the two days (Friday evening), you'll have homework: rest, self-care, and allowing your brain to continue processing. I provide specific guidance on this.

What should I expect during the intensive?

Before we begin: We'll have already completed your consultation and preparation session, so I'll know your history and goals. You'll arrive ready to work and you’ll know exactly what we’ll be addressing from the preparatory session.

During the intensive: Friday we will start with our first identified target. Again, this will be planned in your preparatory session. You'll leave Friday feeling tired but often relieved. Your brain will continue processing overnight. On Saturday we’ll assess our progress from Friday and determine if there need to be any changes to our game plan.

After the intensive: Many clients report feeling noticeably different within days - less anxious, sleeping better, feeling "lighter." Some processing continues for 1-2 weeks after.

We schedule a follow-up session to check in on your progress and address any remaining concerns.

What if I need more than one intensive?

EMDR is very effective. It is not magic. We will desensitize a lot during an intensive. We will restructure a lot during an intensive. Particularly if you have experienced chronic trauma, there will still be work to do with either myself or another clinician.

One intensive makes a significant difference. Some people benefit from:

• A second intensive 4-8 weeks later to address additional issues

• Occasional "booster" sessions as needed

• Transitioning to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance therapy

During our preparation session, I'll give you my honest assessment of what I think you'll need. I never want clients to invest more than necessary.

Is EMDR right for everyone?

EMDR is highly effective for most people, but it's not the only option. It works particularly well for:

• Specific traumatic events or experiences

• Anxiety with identifiable triggers

• Past experiences interfering with current life

• Performance blocks or fears

EMDR may not be the best fit if:

• You're currently in crisis (actively suicidal, severe substance abuse, unstable housing)

• You're looking primarily for skill-building or life coaching

• You have certain dissociative disorders (though modifications can sometimes work)

The free consultation helps us determine if this is right for you. If it's not, I'll help you find what is.

What if I'm not sure I have "trauma"?

You don't need a dramatic trauma history to benefit from EMDR.

Many successful professionals I work with say things like:

• "I don't have PTSD, I just can't shake this anxiety"

• "Nothing terrible happened, but I can't stop thinking about..."

• "I should be over this by now"

• “I’m really successful, but I still feel like a piece of crap.”

• “Work is going pretty well. I’m not sure I’m ever going to let anyone get close to me.”

Here's the truth: Trauma isn't defined by what happened, but by how your brain stored the experience.

If you have memories, experiences, or beliefs that still trigger emotional reactions - anxiety, shame, anger, fear that you don’t understand - EMDR can help your brain finish processing them.

“Unconventional” examples that respond beautifully to EMDR:

• Chronic criticism from a parent or boss

• Medical school hazing or residency experiences

• Career failures or setbacks

• Painful breakups or divorces

If it still bothers you, it's worth addressing.

What happens in the free consultation?

This is a brief (15-minute) phone or video call where we:

• Discuss what you're struggling with

• Determine if EMDR intensive therapy is likely to help

• Answer any questions you have about the process

• Discuss scheduling and next steps if we're both a good fit

There's no pressure, no sales pitch. If I don't think an intensive is right for you, I'll tell you honestly and suggest alternatives.

The goal is to make sure you feel confident and informed before making any commitment.

How do I get started?

Step 1: Schedule your free 15-minute consultation using the calendar below.

Step 2: We'll talk through your situation and determine if an intensive is the right fit.

Step 3: If we move forward, we'll schedule your preparation session and intensive weekend.

Step 4: You'll complete some brief paperwork and questionnaires before we begin.

That's it. Simple, straightforward, and designed to respect your time.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation

Or contact me directly:

Email: cminnick@seentherapy.org

I respond to all inquiries within one business day.

Still have questions?

That's completely normal. This is a significant investment of time and money, and you should feel confident in your decision.

Feel free to email me any questions not covered here, or simply schedule the consultation to discuss your specific situation. There's no obligation.

Final Note

If you're reading this page, you've probably been managing anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain for longer than you'd like to admit. You've likely tried to power through, thinking you just need more discipline or self-care.

Here's what I know after a decade of doing this work: High-performers are excellent at managing symptoms, but healing requires something different.

EMDR intensive therapy offers you a chance to actually address what's underneath - not in six months, but in one focused weekend.

You've invested in your education, your career, your skills.

This is an investment in yourself.