EMDR Intensive FAQs

EMDR helps people address the emotional, cognitive, and physical effects of difficult life experiences. While EMDR is widely known for treating trauma and PTSD, it can also be helpful for anxiety, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, and the "freeze" response that can occur in high-pressure situations.

2. Is this only for people with severe trauma or PTSD?

Not at all. While EMDR is widely recognized for treating trauma and PTSD, many people also seek EMDR for anxiety, test anxiety, public speaking, performance concerns, imposter syndrome, or longstanding negative beliefs that interfere with confidence and performance.

You do not need to have experienced a major trauma to benefit from EMDR. In fact, EMDR is also used by executives, elite athletes, performers, and other high-achieving individuals seeking to perform more consistently under pressure.

3. Will I lose control or be hypnotized during EMDR?

No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully awake, aware, and in control throughout the entire session. Before we begin processing, we establish a clear stop signal so you can pause at any time.

4. Why choose an Intensive instead of a traditional 50-minute session?

EMDR Intensives allow us to dedicate several uninterrupted hours to a specific issue rather than spreading the work across weeks or months. Many clients appreciate having the time and space to stay focused without repeatedly stopping and restarting the process.

For busy students and professionals, the intensive format can also be a more practical and efficient use of time.

5. What actually happens during a Half-Day Intensive?

During a half-day intensive, we typically focus on one or two specific targets—the memories, experiences, beliefs, or triggers contributing to your current symptoms.

Although that may not sound like much, meaningful change often occurs when we focus deeply on the most relevant targets. We also leave time at the end of the session for reflection, grounding, and future-oriented work so you feel prepared moving forward.

6. Will I need more than one Intensive? 

It depends on your goals and the complexity of the issue you are addressing.

Some clients find that a single intensive provides the focused work they were looking for. Others choose to schedule additional sessions to address other concerns or continue building on their progress. We will discuss recommendations based on your individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

7. What if I already have a weekly therapist?

Many clients continue working with their existing therapist while completing an EMDR Intensive. This is often referred to as adjunct therapy.

An intensive can provide focused EMDR work on a specific issue, while your ongoing therapist continues providing broader support and follow-up care.

8. Can I go back to work or studying immediately after an Intensive?

Most people are able to resume normal activities afterward, but I generally recommend keeping the remainder of the day as low-stress as possible.

Because EMDR involves significant emotional and cognitive processing, it is common to feel tired, reflective, or emotionally sensitive for a day or two following an intensive. Giving yourself time to rest would be beneficial.

9. Are sessions in-person or online?

Both. I offer secure telehealth sessions for clients located anywhere in California, as well as in-person intensives at my Corona office.

10. What age range do you work with?

I work with adults of all ages, as well as teenagers. I typically begin seeing adolescents around age 14, although mature 13-year-olds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

11. Do you provide letters for testing accommodations, work accommodations, or medical leave?

I do not provide documentation for testing accommodations, workplace accommodations, disability claims, or medical leave. These services generally require specialized evaluation and assessment that falls outside the scope of my practice.

12. Do you accept insurance or provide superbills?

No. My practice is entirely private pay.

This allows us greater flexibility in scheduling extended EMDR Intensives and eliminates many of the restrictions that often accompany insurance-based treatment. It also allows clients to pursue services without submitting a mental health diagnosis to their insurance company.

Please note that, due to federal and state regulations, I am unable to provide cash-pay services to individuals enrolled in certain government-funded healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medi-Cal, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and VA Community Care.

13. How much do your services cost?

My practice offers both Half-Day EMDR Intensives and Full-Day EMDR Intensives:

✦ Initial Half-Day EMDR Intensive Package: $1,850

(Includes Pre-Intensive Interview, Customized Workbook, Intensive Session, and Post-Intensive Interview)

✦ Initial Full-Day EMDR Intensive Package: $2,500

(Includes Pre-Intensive Interview, Customized Workbook, Intensive Session, and Post-Intensive Interview)

✦ Add-On Half-Day EMDR Intensive Package: $1,150

(Includes Intensive Session and Post-Intensive Interview)

Not sure which option is right for you?

A consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine whether a traditional EMDR session or Half-Day Intensive would be the best fit.  Click here to book your free consultation.

14. If you're a Marriage and Family Therapist, why do you primarily work with individuals?

"Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist" (LMFT) is the title of my California clinical license and authorizes me to work with individuals, couples, and families.

While I have training and experience across these areas, the majority of my career has focused on individual psychotherapy. Today, my private practice is dedicated exclusively to helping individuals address performance concerns and other issues through EMDR Intensives.

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