Part 3: What to Expect on Your EMDR Intensive Consultation Call
If you feel overwhelmed taking the first step toward healing through EMDR intensive therapy, you are not alone!
Reaching out for mental health support requires tremendous courage - you're essentially asking a stranger to hold space for some of your most sensitive and vulnerable experiences, which is no small thing! When you reach out to inquire about EMDR intensive therapy, most qualified therapists will schedule a consultation call with you.
This initial conversation is designed to help ease those worries by creating an initial sense of safety and connection while serving two essential purposes: assessing therapeutic fit (determining whether you and the therapist connect well and can work effectively together) and evaluating treatment appropriateness (exploring whether an EMDR intensive format aligns with your specific healing goals and current life circumstances).
What Your EMDR Therapist May Ask You
While every clinician approaches consultations differently, most EMDR intensive therapists will explore several key areas to understand your needs and readiness for this type of treatment.
Current Concerns and Goals:
What specific issues or symptoms brought you to seek EMDR intensive therapy?
What would you like to be different in your life after completing this work?
Have you tried other therapeutic approaches? What worked or didn't work?
Background and History:
Can you share some general information about your childhood and family background?
What significant life events or relationships have shaped your experience?
Do you have any history of trauma or adverse childhood experiences?
Current Functioning and Stability:
How are you managing day-to-day responsibilities and coping strategies do you currently use?
Do you have helpful support systems in place?
Are you currently in crisis or experiencing active overwhelm?
Practical Readiness:
Do you have the time and space needed for intensive sessions?
How will you care for yourself between and after sessions?
Questions to Ask Your Potential EMDR Intensive Therapist
During your consultation, you have every right to ask questions! A skilled EMDR intensive therapist will welcome your curiosity and encourage you to gather the information you need to make an informed decision.
Here is a list of questions to review to see which ones you may want to ask should the clinician not cover them in the initial consultation call or if the information is not on their website:
Scheduling and Availability:
What days and times do you offer EMDR intensive sessions?
Do you provide weekend or evening intensive slots?
How far in advance do I need to schedule my intensive?
What happens if I need to reschedule my intensive session?
Format and Structure:
How many hours does a typical EMDR intensive session last?
Do you offer half-day, full-day, or multi-day intensive formats?
How many intensive sessions might I need?
Financial Questions:
What is your fee structure for EMDR intensives?
Training and Certification:
Are you certified in EMDR through EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)?
How many years have you been practicing EMDR therapy? (Intensives tend to benefit from clinicians who are seasoned EMDR clinicians!)
Do you have specific training in EMDR intensive formats?
Do you use other approaches within the EMDR intensive? (Some clinicians integrate mindfulness, parts work, or behavioral therapies into the intensive approach)
Treatment Approach:
What specific issues do you commonly address in EMDR intensives?
How do you determine if someone is ready for intensive EMDR work?
What preparation or stabilization might be needed before we begin?
Red Flags and Green Flags During Your Consultation
Green Flags (Positive Signs):
The therapist answers your questions thoroughly and patiently
You feel heard and understood during the conversation
They explain their approach clearly and check for your understanding
They discuss both benefits and potential challenges of EMDR intensives
They seem genuinely interested in whether this approach fits your needs
Red Flags (Concerning Signs):
The therapist rushes through the consultation or seems distracted
They make unrealistic promises about quick fixes or guaranteed outcomes
They dismiss your concerns or questions
They push you to commit without giving you time to consider
They lack proper EMDR training or certification
Making Your Decision After the Consultation
By the end of your consultation call, a qualified EMDR intensive therapist should be able to provide you with:
A sense of whether you're a good fit for their practice
An honest assessment of whether EMDR intensive work is appropriate for your current situation
Information about next steps if you choose to move forward
Resources or referrals if intensive work isn't recommended at this time
Questions to Ask Yourself After the Call
Did I feel comfortable and safe talking with this therapist?
Do I understand what EMDR intensive work involves?
Am I prepared for the time, emotional energy, and financial commitment?
Do I have adequate support in place for this healing journey?
Does this feel like the right time and approach for my healing?
Honoring Your Healing Journey
Choosing to pursue deep healing work through EMDR intensive therapy is a profound gift you offer yourself. Whether you ultimately choose this path, traditional weekly therapy, or another approach entirely, the key is showing up for yourself with thoughtfulness and intention.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Trust your instincts during the consultation process, ask the questions that matter to you, and choose the therapeutic relationship and approach that feels most aligned with your healing goals.
Your healing journey deserves careful consideration, and the right EMDR intensive therapist will support you in making an informed decision that serves your highest good.
Wondering if an EMDR intensive might be the right next step for your healing story?
I offer EMDR intensive therapy in Connecticut. A consultation call is a gentle place to start—no pressure, just a chance to ask questions and see if this approach feels like a fit for you.