EMDR INTENSIVES

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You may have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a widely recognized and highly effective therapy known for its lasting results. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat trauma and disturbing life events, EMDR has since helped millions of people address a wide range of issues that hinder their well-being and quality of life.

I have been a practicing psychotherapist since 1990 and received my initial EMDR training in 2002, with continued education in trauma and advanced EMDR techniques over the years. The results I’ve witnessed in my clients—and experienced personally—have been remarkable, with many achieving profound and enduring healing.

In over 30 years of clinical practice, I’ve come to understand that the meaning we assign to our experiences deeply shapes our core beliefs, which in turn guide how we live. Painful or shaming experiences often lead to the formation of negative, self-limiting beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough,” “I’m unworthy,” “I’m incapable,” or “I’m unsafe.” These unconscious beliefs can significantly impact how we view ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.

In EMDR therapy, we target and reprocess these deeply rooted beliefs along with the distressing events that created them. By desensitizing these core issues, we can resolve emotional pain and break free from destructive patterns in relationships and behavior. These limiting beliefs often run like an invisible current in the unconscious mind, shaping your mood, self-concept, and overall mental and physical health.

After careful consideration, I’ve decided it would be a disservice not to offer EMDR Intensives to those seeking faster, more focused results. In a typical 55-minute session, only about 35-40 minutes are dedicated to actual EMDR work before we have to pause, often just as we’re deep into the reprocessing phase. This can be frustrating, as it delays progress until the next session, which could be a week or two later.

To address this, starting October 2024, I am offering EMDR Intensives in 2-, 3-, or 4-hour blocks, allowing for more continuous and effective work in one sitting.

EMDR therapy follows an 8-stage process, which will be streamlined during your intensive session:

1. Intake: We start with history-taking, treatment planning, and an explanation of the process. 

2. Preparation: We build rapport and trust, discuss how the sympathetic nervous system reacts to trauma, set expectations, and ensure you have the coping skills needed to handle any difficult material that may arise.

3. Resource Installation: We identify and install helpful resources that you will use during the reprocessing phase.  We’ll also identify the troubling event, associated beliefs, physical sensations, and emotions.

4. Reprocessing and Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation (BLS)—typically with TheraTappers (handheld pulsers) or tapping—we begin reprocessing the troubling event and limiting belief. 

5. Emerging Insights: As new insights, beliefs, and feelings emerge, we will work to strengthen and install a positive belief that replaces the old limiting one, continuing until it feels fully integrated.

6. Desensitization: Any remaining disturbance will be targeted and desensitized.

7. Closure: We’ll assess the disturbance level and close the BLS once you feel calm and the process is complete.

8. Follow-up: In subsequent sessions, we will review the efficacy of the treatment and identify any remaining areas to address.

*How do I schedule an EMDR Intensive?  I currently offer intensives on Wednesday afternoons and weekends. These appointments are customized and require advance notice, so please contact me directly here or via email at asklorizeh@gmail.com.

*Existing Clients:  Reach out to me to discuss the scheduling and payment options 

*What if I’m a new client?  If you're a new client to me and new to EMDR, we will start with a brief consultation to ensure we’re a good fit, and I can answer any questions you have about the process. Before scheduling your EMDR Intensive, you’ll need to complete an Intake and Treatment Planning session.  We will follow that with a session to discuss and assess your coping strategies to ensure you are prepared to deal with thoughts and emotions that may come up between EMDR sessions. I typically recommend two regular sessions before beginning the intensive.

What if I have a primary therapist, can I have short term EMDR with you?  YES!  I will coordinate with you and your therapist on the target issue and send feedback to your therapist on our progress. 

*What can I expect during an EMDR Intensive?  We will focus on stages 3-7, with plenty of time to delve into reprocessing without the time constraints of a regular session. Depending on how many hours you schedule, we can take breaks to reflect, journal, and get grounded. We’ll end each session with a review and a follow-up plan. 

 Insurance: If you have insurance I accept, I will bill the Intake, Treatment Planning, and any additional single hour sessions, as well as the first hour of each intensive to your insurance provider. 

Additional EMDR hours are paid by you at my current self-pay rate and due at the end of the session.

 Deposits for New Clients: A non-refundable deposit of $125 is required to hold your EMDR Intensive appointment, which will be applied toward your session cost.*

Cancellation Policy: A 5-day advance notice is required to cancel an EMDR Intensive. If you cancel after that period or fail to show, you will forfeit your deposit. Rescheduling may be offered based on availability.

In-Person and Telehealth Options: All in-person sessions are held at my office in Chapel Hill, NC. For those unable to attend in person, telehealth intensives are also available.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to me via email.