Focused Trauma Therapy for Lasting Change
When emotional healing feels urgent or weekly therapy is not creating enough progress, EMDR Intensives offer a focused and effective alternative. This approach is designed for individuals who want meaningful therapeutic change without spreading the work across many months.
At Catalyst Counseling & Therapy, we provide EMDR Intensives for clients in Virginia and Maryland, both in person and via secure telehealth when appropriate. Our intensives create extended, uninterrupted time for trauma-informed healing, helping clients move beyond feeling stuck and regain emotional clarity.
What Is EMDR Intensive Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, commonly known as EMDR, is a research-supported therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and emotional experiences in a healthier, more adaptive way.
While EMDR is widely recognized for treating trauma and PTSD, it is also effective for anxiety, chronic stress, negative self-beliefs, performance blocks, and relationship-related concerns.
An EMDR Intensive involves several hours of focused therapy delivered over one or multiple days. This format allows clients to remain emotionally engaged in the work, rather than stopping and restarting each week, which can slow progress for some individuals.
How EMDR Intensives Differ From Weekly Therapy
Traditional weekly therapy can be helpful, but it often limits how deeply clients can go in a single session. EMDR Intensives prioritize depth, continuity, and nervous system regulation.
Longer sessions allow time to:
- Identify and process core memories
- Reduce emotional reactivity
- Address patterns that have been present for years
- Complete meaningful reprocessing rather than pausing mid-work
- This format is especially helpful for clients who want:
- Concentrated therapeutic support
- Faster symptom relief
- A more immersive healing experience
- Flexibility around demanding schedules
Many clients report improved emotional regulation, increased insight, and a greater sense of forward movement after completing an EMDR Intensive.
Who EMDR Intensives Are Designed For
EMDR Intensives can support a wide range of individuals across Virginia and Maryland, including:
- Professionals experiencing burnout or high stress
- First responders, healthcare workers, and high-pressure professionals
- Individuals working through anxiety, trauma, or chronic emotional patterns
- Athletes and performers facing mental blocks or confidence issues
- Couples seeking focused emotional repair and relational work
Each EMDR Intensive at Catalyst Counseling is carefully customized based on the client’s goals, readiness, and clinical needs. Preparation and follow-up support are included to ensure safety, integration, and lasting benefit.
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EMDR Intensives in Virginia and Maryland
Catalyst Counseling & Therapy proudly offers EMDR Intensives to clients located in:
- Virginia
- Alexandria, VA
- Fairfax County
- Arlington and surrounding areas
- Maryland residents seeking specialized trauma care
We work with clients throughout Virginia and Maryland who are looking for focused trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, and EMDR services beyond standard weekly sessions.
Is an EMDR Intensive Right for You?
If you feel emotionally overwhelmed, exhausted, or ready to address long-standing patterns in a focused way, an EMDR Intensive may be a meaningful next step.
Rather than spacing therapy out over months, intensives allow you to dedicate intentional time to healing with structure, clinical support, and compassion.
Progress does not require rushing. It requires intention. EMDR Intensives offer an opportunity to engage deeply in the healing process and move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.
Reach out and see if this would be a good fit for you!
571-596-7864
admin@catacounseling.com
Written by: Hannah Maxey – Clinical Intern
Research and Clinical Support for EMDR and Intensive Therapy
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Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
Foundational text outlining EMDR’s mechanisms and clinical effectiveness.
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World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress.
EMDR is recommended for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
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Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2007). Psychological therapies for chronic PTSD. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 190(2), 97–104.
EMDR shown to be effective and comparable to trauma-focused CBT.
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Ho, M. S. K., Lee, C. W., & Tang, J. (2020). Intensive EMDR treatment for PTSD. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(1), 3–14.
Supports the effectiveness and safety of intensive EMDR formats.