EMDR Intensives
Intensive Trauma Therapy Ajax Pickering
EMDR Intensive Therapy in Durham Region, Toronto & Across Ontario. Accelerated Trauma Healing in Half a Day or a Full Day. In-Person in Ajax & Oshawa or We Come to You.
Evidence Based Proven Efficacy
Accelerated Healing and Deeper Processing
Flexible Scheduling including Weekends and Evenings
EMDR Intensive Therapy: Months of Progress in Days
EMDR intensive therapy compresses what would normally take months of weekly sessions into half-day or full-day concentrated healing experiences. Instead of processing trauma in 50-minute chunks spread across weeks, you get extended, focused time to work through traumatic memories and finally find relief.
At The Relationship Agency in Ajax and Oshawa, our trauma specialist Dee Martin leads EMDR intensives that combine the proven effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing with Internal Family Systems therapy. This powerful combination doesn't just help you process traumatic memories—it helps you understand and heal the different parts of yourself that have been impacted by trauma.
What Is EMDR Intensive Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most effective, research-backed treatments for trauma and PTSD. It works by helping your brain reprocess traumatic memories that have gotten "stuck," causing symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. EMDR Intensive Therapy is a structured process involving a 1 hour pre-intensive meeting, an intensive EMDR session ranging from 3 hours to a full day, and a 1 hour post-intensive session.
How EMDR Works
When you experience trauma, your brain's natural processing system can become overwhelmed. The traumatic memory gets stored in a way that keeps triggering you—as if the event is still happening. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) to help your brain reprocess these memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.
What Makes EMDR Intensives Different
Traditional EMDR happens in weekly 60-90 minute sessions. EMDR intensives extend those sessions to 3-8 hours at a time, allowing you to:
Stay in the therapeutic process longer — You don't have to stop right when you're making progress
Process trauma more completely — Fewer interruptions mean deeper healing
See results faster — Research shows intensive EMDR can achieve in days what traditional weekly therapy takes months to accomplish
Reduce time living with symptoms — Less time between sessions means less time carrying the burden
Experience fewer destabilizing periods — You're not leaving difficult emotions unprocessed for a week at a time
What EMDR Intensive Therapy Can Help With
EMDR intensive therapy is proven to effectively treat:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — From single incidents or ongoing trauma
Complex Trauma & Childhood Trauma — Long-term patterns from difficult upbringings
Anxiety Disorders — Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety
Depression — Especially when connected to past traumatic experiences
Grief & Loss — Processing the death of loved ones or significant life losses
Attachment Wounds — Healing from relationships that caused deep hurt
Accident or Medical Trauma — Car accidents, medical procedures, health scares
Sexual Assault & Abuse — Processing these experiences in a safe, supportive environment
Betrayal & Infidelity Trauma — When trust has been shattered in relationships
Dissociation & Emotional Numbness — Reconnecting with yourself and your emotions
What to Expect During Your EMDR Intensive
Before you begin your EMDR intensive, you'll have a consultation with your trauma therapist Dee Martin to determine if this approach is right for you, discuss your goals, and decide whether a half-day or full-day intensive best fits your needs.
Half-Day EMDR Intensive (3 Hours)
A half-day intensive is ideal if you're working on a specific traumatic memory or want to begin the EMDR process at a manageable pace. These sessions are particularly effective for single-incident trauma or as a first step in processing more complex trauma.
Full-Day EMDR Intensive (6 Hours)
A full-day intensive provides extended time to work through more complex trauma or multiple traumatic memories. With breaks built in for nervous system regulation, you have the space to process deeply without feeling rushed or cut off mid-session.
The EMDR Intensive Experience
Preparation Phase: Dee will help you develop coping skills and resources to manage any distress that comes up during processing. You'll learn about how your nervous system responds to trauma and practice self-regulation techniques. This creates a foundation of safety before diving into trauma work.
History & Assessment: Together, you'll identify the specific traumatic memories or experiences you want to target during the intensive. Dee will help you understand how these memories are connected to your current symptoms and struggles.
Trauma Processing: Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), Dee guides you through reprocessing traumatic memories. The IFS approach helps you work with different parts of yourself that hold trauma, fear, protection, and resilience. You'll have space to process at your own pace, with breaks for nervous system regulation and reflection.
Integration & Closure: Each intensive session includes time to integrate what you've processed and develop strategies for maintaining your progress. You'll leave with tools to support yourself and a clear plan for any follow-up care if needed.
The Role of Internal Family Systems in Your Intensive
IFS recognizes that we all have different "parts"—protective parts, wounded parts, and a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate. During your intensive, Dee will help you:
Identify which parts of you are carrying trauma and which parts are trying to protect you
Create safety and trust with the parts that feel scared or shut down
Help protective parts relax as traumatic memories are processed
Reconnect with your core Self—the part of you that is inherently whole and capable of healing
This integration of EMDR and IFS means you're not just processing memories—you're healing your entire internal system.
The Benefits of EMDR Intensive Therapy in Durham Region
Accelerated Healing
Research shows that intensive EMDR can achieve in days what traditional weekly therapy takes months to accomplish. You experience faster symptom reduction and get back to living your life sooner.
Deeper, More Complete Processing
Extended sessions mean you can work through traumatic material without the interruption of ending a session right when you're in the middle of important work. This leads to more thorough processing and lasting results.
Less Time Living with Symptoms
Because progress happens faster, you spend less time dealing with flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional pain. The toll trauma takes on your work, relationships, and quality of life is reduced more quickly..
Reduced Destabilization Between Sessions
In traditional weekly therapy, you might leave a session emotionally activated and have to manage difficult feelings for a week before your next appointment. With intensives, the shorter time between sessions (or continuation within the same day) means less time carrying unprocessed emotions.
Better for Busy Schedules
If you have a demanding career, travel frequently, or have unpredictable work hours, committing to weekly appointments can feel impossible. EMDR intensives allow you to dedicate a half-day or full day to your healing without the ongoing scheduling challenges of weekly therapy.
Comprehensive Healing with IFS Integration
The combination of EMDR and Internal Family Systems means you're not just addressing symptoms—you're healing at a deeper level, helping all parts of yourself work together in harmony.
Lower Overall Cost
While intensives require a higher upfront investment, the total cost is often lower than months of weekly therapy sessions. You achieve your healing goals in less time, which means fewer total sessions and less money spent overall.
It’s Easy to Get Started.
We can match you with a therapist within 24 hours. Fill out the form and we’ll get back to you asap.
Why EMDR Intensive Therapy Works: The Research
EMDR therapy has decades of research supporting its effectiveness for trauma and PTSD. Organizations like the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs recognize EMDR as a first-line treatment for trauma.
Recent research on intensive EMDR specifically shows:
Intensive EMDR is well-tolerated and enables faster symptom reduction compared to weekly sessions
Clients experience significant relief from PTSD symptoms in a very short timeframe
The concentrated format leads to reduced dropout rates—people complete treatment more often when it's intensive
One week of intensive EMDR can achieve as much progress as a year of weekly therapy
Clients report improved functioning and lasting results after intensive EMDR treatment
The integration of Internal Family Systems with EMDR adds another layer of effectiveness, helping clients achieve more comprehensive, lasting healing by addressing both traumatic memories and the internal protective systems that developed in response to trauma.
We’re serious about providing evidence based, effective care. You can read the research yourself with the links at the bottom of this page.
Is EMDR Intensive Therapy Right for You?
EMDR intensive therapy might be exactly what you need if:
You've experienced trauma and are tired of living with anxiety, flashbacks, or feeling constantly on edge
You've tried traditional therapy but progress feels too slow or you keep getting interrupted by life
You have a busy or unpredictable schedule that makes weekly appointments difficult
You want concentrated, focused time to process difficult experiences without having to come back week after week
You're dealing with PTSD, complex trauma, or past experiences that continue to affect your daily life
You live in Toronto, across Ontario, or outside the Durham Region but want access to specialized trauma care
You're experiencing specific trauma-related challenges like nightmares, panic attacks, difficulty trusting others, or emotional numbness
You want therapy that addresses not just the traumatic memory but helps all parts of you heal
EMDR Intensive Therapy FAQs
-
We offer half-day intensives (3 hours) and full-day intensives (6 hours with breaks). During your consultation with Dee, you'll decide which format best fits your needs and goals.
-
It depends on your specific situation and goals. Some clients achieve significant relief after a single full-day intensive, while others benefit from multiple sessions. Dee will discuss this with you during your consultation and throughout your treatment.
-
EMDR therapy is typically covered by extended health insurance plans in Ontario that include psychological services. Coverage for intensive sessions varies by provider. We recommend contacting your insurance company to discuss coverage. We provide receipts for insurance submission.
-
One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don't have to describe your traumatic experience in detail if you don't want to. The therapy works by focusing on the memory, your emotions, and physical sensations—not necessarily on telling the full story aloud. This makes EMDR particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to talk about what happened.
-
That's exactly why we start with a consultation. Dee will assess your readiness for intensive EMDR and help you determine if this approach is right for you. If traditional weekly therapy is a better fit for now, she'll let you know and can refer you to appropriate resources.
-
Both use the same EMDR protocol, but intensive therapy condenses the work into longer, concentrated sessions rather than spreading it across many weeks. Think of it like this: instead of taking a weekly class for a year, you're doing an intensive bootcamp. Same material, more focused delivery, faster results.
-
Absolutely. Many people do EMDR intensives as adjunct therapy while continuing to see their regular therapist for ongoing support. Dee can coordinate with your therapist if you'd like.
-
Plan for some downtime after your intensive. Many people feel emotionally tired (the good kind of tired that comes after hard work), and it's important to give yourself space to integrate what you've processed. Dee will provide specific self-care recommendations based on your experience.
-
We have offices in Ajax and Oshawa in Durham Region, Ontario. For clients across Ontario, Dee can also travel to you for intensive sessions.
-
Contact The Relationship Agency to schedule a free consultation with Dee. During this call, you'll discuss your goals, learn more about EMDR intensive therapy, and determine if this approach is right for you.
Start Your EMDR Intensive Therapy Journey in Durham Region or Toronto
You don't have to carry the weight of trauma for months or years while waiting for traditional therapy to work. EMDR intensive therapy offers a faster, more focused path to healing.
Whether you're in Ajax, Oshawa, Toronto, or anywhere across Ontario, Dee Martin provides specialized EMDR intensive therapy that combines proven trauma treatment with compassionate, comprehensive care.
Take the first step toward relief: Contact The Relationship Agency today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how EMDR intensive therapy can help you heal.
The Relationship Agency
Serving Ajax, Oshawa, Durham Region, Toronto & All of Ontario
Trauma Specialist: Dee Martin
EMDR Intensive Therapy Serving:
Ajax • Oshawa • Whitby • Pickering • Bowmanville • Courtice • Durham Region • Toronto • Scarborough • Markham • Greater Toronto Area • Ontario
Trauma Treatment Services:
EMDR Intensive Therapy • EMDR Therapy • Trauma Therapy • PTSD Treatment • Complex Trauma Treatment • Anxiety Therapy • IFS Therapy • Internal Family Systems • Childhood Trauma Healing • Attachment Therapy
The Research on EMDR Intensives
"Intensive application of trauma-focused therapy seems to be well tolerated in patients with PTSD, enabling faster symptom reduction with similar, or even better, results, while reducing the risk that patients drop out prematurely." — Effectiveness of an intensive treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for severe post-traumatic stress disorder, PMC
"Several studies of the intensive delivery of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have indicated it to be an effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), providing improved client experience, faster reduction in symptoms, greater symptom reduction, and reduced dropout rates as compared to non-intensive EMDR." — How do clients experience intensive EMDR for post-traumatic stress? An interpretative phenomenological analysis, ScienceDirect
"Perhaps the most important advantage of an intensive treatment programme is retention. In the current study, the percentage of dropout (< 3%) is substantially lower than the average number of 22.2% in regular, weekly based trauma-focused treatments." — Effectiveness of an intensive treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and EMDR for severe PTSD, PMC
"The 10-day EMDR intensive daily treatment (EMDR therapy twice a day for 10 days) produced a similar outcome as to that of the weekly treatment" conducted over 18-20 sessions. — Effective Treatment of Veterans With PTSD: Comparison Between Intensive Daily and Weekly EMDR Approaches, PMC
"The results indicated that both weekly treatment and intensive daily treatment groups produced statistically significant treatment effects (p < 0.001) that were maintained at 1-year follow-up." — Effective Treatment of Veterans With PTSD: Comparison Between Intensive Daily and Weekly EMDR Approaches, PMC