Top 5 Benefits of EMDR Intensive Retreats for Trauma Healing

When addressing trauma, emotional wounds, and mental health challenges, traditional therapy can sometimes feel slow and limited. Weekly or biweekly 50-60 minute therapy sessions are more often helpful as “support therapy,” not “change therapy,” which can prolong deeper healing.  EMDR and IFS-Informed EMDR are targeted change therapy and best done in sessions longer than 50-minutes.

EMDR Intensive Therapy offers an accelerated path to trauma healing. With an EMDR intensive retreat, you get to step away from daily stressors and receive a concentrated immersive therapeutic experience, allowing for more rapid progress. Below are the top 5 benefits of choosing an EMDR intensive retreat for trauma healing and personal transformation:

1. Focused Time for Accelerated Healing

In traditional therapy, much of the session is spent catching up and preparing to dive into deeper work, often leaving limited time for trauma processing. EMDR requires extended time for effective processing, and the short duration of standard sessions can hinder progress. EMDR was initially developed to be done in 90-minute sessions. However due to insurance restrictions to a 50-minute therapy session, EMDR is now offered in 50-minutes by some therapists working within the insurance system.

We believe your treatment should be based on what is most effective. An EMDR Intensive gives quicker results than standard 50-minute sessions weekly or bi-weekly, reduces total treatment hours (https://www.ticti.org), and allows for deeper, effective processing and quicker resolution. An EMDR Intensive offers uninterrupted therapy over 3-5 days, creating a focused environment that allows for an immersive experience to help people move through trauma more swiftly, achieving breakthroughs in days rather than months or years.

2. Escape Daily Distractions and Focus on Healing

An IFS-Informed EMDR Retreat is an EMDR Intensive that uses Internal Family Systems (IFS) with EMDR in an immersive stay where treatment is provided daily in a serene environment. One of the greatest advantages of an IFS-Informed EMDR retreat is stepping away from the distractions of everyday life. Whether you're balancing a demanding career or the responsibilities of family, modern life is often overwhelming. 

By removing these stressors, an IFS-Informed EMDR healing retreat creates a space where you can fully commit to spending the time it takes to heal trauma. This distraction-free setting enhances the therapeutic experience, providing a safe environment for deep emotional work and self-discovery.

3. Adjunctive Support to Your Ongoing Therapy

EMDR intensive retreats can complement your ongoing therapy. If you have a strong connection with your current therapist but feel stuck or need a deeper dive, an intensive can provide that extra support. We offer a comprehensive workbook to prepare for your retreat and use during your retreat, allowing you to take your insights back to your regular therapist and maintain continuity of care.

Additionally, EMDR intensive therapy can include adjunctive activities like meditation, yoga, massage, sound therapy, and nature therapy to support your body and spirit. This holistic approach to trauma healing helps you address emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

4. Experience Breakthroughs in a Short Time

For many, an EMDR intensive retreat leads to significant breakthroughs in just a few days. The immersive environment, combined with skilled therapists trained in IFS-informed EMDR and other trauma modalities, creates a powerful space for transformation. Participants often experience emotional shifts, profound insights, and a release from past trauma in a short period.

5. Personalized Treatment for Trauma Healing

Our EMDR retreats offer hyper-personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals. Morgan Levine is EMDRIA Certified in EMDR and cross-trained in IFS-Informed EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Relational Life Therapy, and more. She works closely with intensive clients to develop customized treatment plans that provide the most effective care for trauma healing.

Whether you’re seeking or just curious about an EMDR intensive, an IFS-informed EMDR retreat, or simply looking for a therapist to guide you through your trauma healing journey, our team is here to help. Complete this form to schedule your consultation and explore your healing options today.