IFS-Informed EMDR Intensives

Counseling intensives are extended therapy sessions designed to help you make significant progress in a short period of time using advanced, evidence-based therapy modalities. Intensives allow for deeper processing of significant concerns such as trauma, deeply-rooted anxiety, or major life transitions and decisions.

Our intensives are ideal for adult women or teen girls who need focused time to work through complex issues. Often, intensive clients are those who have felt “stuck” in regular therapy, or feel they need something beyond traditional talk therapy methods to help them move forward. Sometimes, intensive clients are those who have lived through an acute trauma such as a loss, accident, or violent act, and need to process their experience quickly and in depth in order to continue life with normal functioning. Intensives may also be particularly beneficial for those dealing with relationship challenges, core negative beliefs, childhood trauma, major decisions, or life transitions.

If you're feeling stuck in traditional therapy or need to address something urgently, an intensive could be the right choice. During a consultation, we can discuss your needs and determine if this approach fits your situation. Intensives are not recommended for women who are currently addicted to a mind-altering substance or who are pregnant.

Each intensive is customized to your needs. Expect deep, focused work on your specific issues, with a blend of therapeutic techniques from EMDR and IFS. The interventions used may vary depending upon each client’s level of regulation, past experience with EMDR or IFS, and goals. We'll work together to create a supportive environment for healing and growth, and will never “move faster” than a client is ready to move through their emotional landscape safely.

The duration of an intensive varies depending on your needs. They can range from half-day sessions to multi-day experiences. We'll collaborate with you to determine the best structure for your goals. Intensives are preceded by a 90 minute intake approximately one week prior to your intensive session(s), and capped with a 90 minute follow-up session approximately one week after your intensive session(s). Intensive therapy work will occur in 3-hour chunks of time. Most choose either a half day intensive or go with a full three half days intensive (M/W/F, for example). We can customize your intensive depending on your needs, availability and budget.

Many clients find that intensives help them achieve breakthroughs that might take months in traditional therapy. The concentrated time allows for deeper exploration and quicker resolution of issues. Clients should expect to make significant progress and new insights from their intensive session(s), though this will look different from person to person depending on their presenting concerns and past work on targeted areas of concern. Intensives are not necessarily “curative,” but should be seen as a highly effective healing tool. You will be in the hands of advanced level clinicians who are deeply experienced in working with women with anxiety, trauma, and related concerns.

Your intensive includes access to a customized Intensive Workbook that will walk you through all necessary preparation, which may depend on your specific concerns. The workbook contains assessments and reflection activities, allowing you to begin accessing deeper areas of your psyche and history before even beginning the intensive session(s). You should plan to clear your day (perhaps your week) when undergoing an intensive, as processing may continue outside of the therapy room. You’ll want to make space in your life to fully integrate the breakthroughs, epiphanies, and inner shifts that naturally occur in this process, as well as to sit with any heavy emotions that may arise.

After your intensive, you will continue to complete your Workbook as well as participate in a 90-minute follow-up session to integrate what you've learned and maintain your progress. You'll also receive personalized resources to support your continued growth.

Yes, we often collaborate with other therapists, and sometimes even do weekly adjunct EMDR/IFS work with clients who are already seeing a traditional talk therapist. You can discuss this option during your Intensives Consult if you think you may wish to continue using these modalities after your Intensive on a week to week basis in addition to your current therapy routine. Your existing therapist may also be involved in the planning and follow-up of your intensive to ensure continuity of care.

To schedule an intensive, please book a free consultation to discuss your needs and design a personalized plan.

Costs vary depending on the length and structure of the intensive. During your consultation, we’ll provide detailed information on pricing and payment options. Intensives are not covered by insurance. It is important to know that this will be an investment in your mental health that may save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in future therapy sessions as you will have the opportunity to make progress in a “fast pass” environment of intense focus on your concerns and growth. Intensives start at $2,500 and are best financially valued when scheduled as multi-day experiences. Packages are all-inclusive; no other costs are added.

While counseling intensives can be highly effective, they can also be emotionally demanding. It's important to be prepared for deep work and to have a support system in place for after the session. Women who are pregnant or under the influence of substances such as alcohol or opioids should not undergo this work. We’ll discuss any potential risks during your consultation.

Our Intensives Team is composed of licensed therapists who have completed Level I and II EMDR training through EMDR Chicago, an institute accredited by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Additionally, they have each completed a 6-month intensive program in Internal Family Systems through the IFS Institute (IFS-I) and undergone individual and group training and supervision in this modality. Finally, each of our Intensives trained therapists has completed training through Szygy Institue in IFS-Informed EMDR. The Intensives team regularly meets to discuss advancements in IFS and EMDR, as well as the application of these modalities to the intensive therapy model. You will be matched with an Intensives Therapist based on availability.

What is great about using bi-lateral stimulation is that there are many, many ways to do it - and we can choose whatever is most comfortable for you. If you are completing a virtual Intensive, you may be most comfortable with what we call "butterfly tapping" so that you and your therapist can both see your movements on the screen. For in-person Intensives, we do have tappers available for use, along with an auditory headset. You may also choose to use the standard “follow my finger” method, or other ways of engaging in bi-lateral that your therapist will discuss with you.

Clients who do not live in Illinois have the option of traveling to our area to complete their  intensive. We can customize your intensive to occur over the span of a weekend, or during another time that is most convenient for you. The Downer’s Grove, Illinois area is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, with a robust downtown full of independent shops, restaurants, and events such as festivals and farmer’s markets. We are conveniently located just west of Chicago, a BNSF train ride and ten minute ride-share away for those coming from the city. There are a number of quality hotels within a 5 minute driving distance or short walk from our offices. Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, and Hampton Inn & Suites are all about a 6 - 8-minute walk. Telehealth is also an option, though clients must be physically present in the state of Illinois at the time of their session(s) due to the limitations of therapist licensure laws.