Intensive EMDR vs Ongoing EMDR: What is the difference?

Sep 19

3 min read

Updated: Sep 21

As an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant in Training who primarily offers EMDR Intensives in my Halifax, NS practice, I often get asked about the difference between ongoing EMDR and an EMDR Intensive, especially as intensives are growing in popularity. Let me break down the key differences between an intensive format and ongoing sessions.

What is an EMDR Intensive?

An EMDR Intensive is what it sounds like - an intense amount of EMDR! Usually it is 3-5 hours of in depth trauma processing or several "sets" in a single day, or multiple days. Intensives are often focused on a certain theme or issue that has been assessed and planned out intentionally in advance with collaboration between the client, the intensive therapist and any other providers (eg: ongoing therapist, psychiatrist, etc.) with explicit client consent.

In contrast, ongoing EMDR is typically 50-90 minute sessions weekly or biweekly for several weeks or (often) months.

Why an Intensive?

15 hours of EMDR in a single week may sound intimidating - however, you may be surprised to learn that many people are turning to intensives for the level of comfort and safety they feel having ample time to really dig deep into their concerns without the start and stop of ongoing sessions. Many clients report that the time goes by quick, and that they wished that they had done an intensive sooner because of the profound shifts in their sense of self, connection to their feelings, and insights gained that would have taken a lot longer with traditional ongoing sessions.

Many people also appreciate the effiency of an intensive format. If you are juggling multiple roles as a parent, professional, partner, etc. - booking that weekly therapy session can almost cause more stress, especially if things come up and you end up having to reschedule (because maybe you tend to put everyone else first) - an intensive is for people who are ready to do the work and get it done as safely and quickly as possible.

Ongoing vs Intensive EMDR	Cost	Pacing	Treatment Timeline	Scheduling
Intensive EMDR	Investment up front, may save long-term	High intensity and in depth = more momentum	Clients notice shifts in a few hours/days	Time off required to complete intensive days
Ongoing EMDR	Pay as you go, may be more costly long-term	Slow and steady pace, start and stop momentum	Clients find it often takes a few weeks to notice shifts	Less time off required, potentially more hassle scheduling every week

Frequently Asked Questions

Are intensives covered under health insurance?

Right now, intensives at Following Seas Psychotherapy are not covered under provincial MSI, however you may have extended health benefits through Blue Cross, Sunlife, Canada Life or another third party insurance company - check with them to see if social work services are covered on your plan, and what the limitations are per day. Many clients are able to have their intensive fully or partially covered this way.

How much time should I take off for an EMDR Intensive?

I often encourage folks to take the week off work if possible to allow time to prepare and process their intensive days. Therapy can be surprisingly tired for clients, and having the time off to prioritize self-care is really important for nervous system regulation.

Is direct billing available for my EMDR sessions?

We currenlty direct bill to Medavie Blue Cross, Veteran's Affairs Canada, RCMP Health Services, NIHB, Victims Services and Canadian Armed Forces. We provide receipts for reimbursement for other plan holders.

What are your fees for EMDR?

Ongoing EMDR with Sam Sarty MSW RSW RN is billed at 200 per 50 min session, and a 3 day EMDR Intensive package is $4500 (including the initial assessment, workbook, care coordination, aftercare call, etc.) For more details about our EMDR Intensive offerings, check out our website: www.followingseas.ca/emdrintensives

Sarah Parry MA RCT-C, Teresa Johnson MSW RSW, and Victoria Westheuser MA RCT-C are accepting new ongoing EMDR clients at our practice, and there fees start at 175 per 50 min session.

Whether you are looking to get into ongoing EMDR therapy or experience the powerful EMDR Intensive format, we have 4 therapists on staff at Following Seas Psychotherapy that specialize in EMDR for PTSD. Learn more about our team and schedule a complimentary consult call here: followingseas.janeapp.com