If you've heard about EMDR intensives and wondered whether one could work for you, you're in the right place. I'm Violeta Donawa, an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, and I offer intensives online across Michigan and in person in Southfield. Here's what an intensive is, what it costs, and how to know if it's the right fit.
What is an EMDR intensive?
An EMDR intensive is EMDR therapy concentrated into longer, focused sessions, usually 3 to 6 hours over one to three days, instead of spreading the work across months of weekly appointments.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps your brain reprocess memories that got stuck, so they lose their emotional charge. An intensive uses the same evidence-based approach. The difference is time: you get dedicated, uninterrupted space to go deeper, with breaks built in so your nervous system can integrate as you go.
How is an EMDR intensive different from weekly therapy?
Weekly therapy spreads the work out in 50-minute sessions. Each session takes time to settle in, and the hour often ends just as you're getting to the heart of things. An intensive removes that start-and-stop cycle.
With an intensive, you get:
Less ramp-up time. You settle in once, then keep going.
Deeper processing. Longer sessions let you work through a memory or theme more fully.
Faster results. Many people notice meaningful shifts in days, not months.
A smaller scheduling footprint. Fewer appointments on your calendar, which many busy and high-profile clients prefer.
Weekly therapy is still a great fit for many people. Some clients use an intensive alongside their regular therapist, coming to me for a specific issue that talk therapy hasn't been able to resolve.
What EMDR intensive formats do you offer?
I offer three formats, so you can choose what fits your life and the depth of care you're ready for:
Half-Day Intensive (3 hours): a focused reset for a specific event or target. Good when you want meaningful movement but can't step away for a full day.
Full-Day Intensive (6 hours): my most popular option. A full day of deep processing with breaks for rest, integration, and self-care.
Multi-Day Retreat (2 to 3 days): for organizations and leadership groups ready to go deeper together, with group and individual EMDR support across 8 to 12 hours.
How much does an EMDR intensive cost in Michigan?
Intensive pricing varies by therapist and format. Here's what mine include:
3-Hour EMDR Intensive: $925. This includes 5.5 hours of care: a comprehensive intake session focused on the issue you want to address, the 3-hour EMDR Intensive for High Achievers, a specialized workbook, and a follow-up check-in with referrals as needed.
6-Hour EMDR Intensive: $1,450. This includes 8.5 hours of care: a comprehensive intake session, the 6-hour EMDR Intensive for High Achievers, a specialized workbook, and a follow-up check-in with referrals as needed.
Multi-Day Retreat: quoted for each organization, based on group size and goals.
For comparison, my standard rate is $175 per hour, and a 90-minute appointment is $225.
Deposits and payment
Because I reserve the full time for you, a 50% deposit holds your intensive dates. The balance is due at the end of your final intensive day. With at least 72 hours' notice, your deposit can be applied to new dates within 90 days.
Does insurance cover EMDR intensives?
Intensives are private pay. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible partial reimbursement. Under federal law, you can also request a Good Faith Estimate of your costs before you book.
If you'd prefer to use insurance, weekly EMDR therapy may be a better fit. I'm in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Aetna, TRICARE, and Medicaid for weekly sessions.
Who is a good fit for an EMDR intensive?
Intensives work well for adults who are generally stable in daily life, motivated to do focused work, and ready for preparation and integration. They're especially helpful for:
Executives, leaders, and academics carrying burnout and perfectionism
Entrepreneurs and founders running on unprocessed stress
Medical and legal professionals dealing with vicarious trauma or moral injury
Black professionals navigating racialized stress and code-switching fatigue
Anyone who has done talk therapy and knows there's more beneath the surface
When an intensive may not be the right fit
Not everyone is a fit, and that's okay. An intensive may not be the best first step if you're in an active crisis, need a higher level of care, or don't have support in place for the days after processing. If I think weekly therapy or another approach would serve you better, I'll tell you honestly. Our consultation confirms fit before anything is scheduled.
What happens during an EMDR intensive?
The process has four steps:
A free consultation. A 20-minute call to answer your questions, hear what you're carrying, and see whether an intensive fits.
Mapping it out together. Before your intensive, you'll complete intake paperwork and a focused assessment. We identify your core targets and build a personalized plan.
The intensive itself. Concentrated EMDR sessions over one to three days, with breaks built in so your nervous system can integrate as we go.
Integration and follow-up. Afterward, we check in, strengthen your gains, and make sure you have tools to keep moving forward.
How do I prepare for an EMDR intensive?
In the days before your intensive:
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nourishing meals.
Lighten your commitments where you can.
Clear your calendar for the intensive day or days, and the evening after.
If you're joining online, set up a private, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted.
Bring anything that helps you feel grounded, like water, a blanket, or a favorite snack.
Your nervous system will be doing real work, so plan to treat yourself gently.
What happens after an EMDR intensive?
Some people feel tired, tender, or emotionally activated for a day or two after intensive processing. That's normal and usually short-lived. You'll leave with grounding and integration tools, plus a workbook to support you, and follow-up support is built into every package, so you won't navigate that window alone.
Over the following days and weeks, many clients notice that old reminders lose their grip, and they can access a broader range of emotions and perspective.
Frequently asked questions
Are EMDR intensives effective?
EMDR is one of the most researched trauma therapies and is recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the VA. Intensives use the same method in a concentrated format. Results vary from person to person, and we'll talk about realistic goals in your consultation.
Can I do an EMDR intensive online?
Yes. Intensives are available online anywhere in Michigan or in person in Southfield. For online intensives, you'll need a private space and to be located in Michigan during sessions.
How many intensives will I need?
Many people come for a single intensive focused on one issue. Others return for a second intensive or continue with weekly therapy. We'll decide together based on what you're working on.
Is an EMDR intensive confidential?
Yes. Sessions are protected by therapist-client confidentiality and HIPAA. Intensives also keep your scheduling footprint small, which many high-profile clients appreciate.
Do you offer intensives for organizations?
Yes. The Multi-Day Retreat is designed for organizations and leadership teams, with group and individual EMDR support over two to three days.
Related reading
Ready to see if an intensive is right for you?
If you're in Michigan and you're tired of carrying it all alone, let's talk. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation, and we'll talk about what you're carrying, answer your questions, and see if an EMDR intensive is the right fit. No pressure, just an honest conversation.
Click here to learn more bout our Intensives
This post is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for therapy or medical care. If you're in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
