Intensive EMDR
'SUMMER STROLL'
Painting by Carole Phillips
Two EMDR Consultants with a combined 60 years experience!
Our careful and individual 'BoB' approach
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When you make an enquiry about Intensive EMDR, you benefit from the combined input of two highly experienced and accredited EMDR Consultants — Christine Habermehl and Jenny Arthern.
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We describe this as the ‘BoB’ approach (the Best of Both). This reflects best practice used within Intensive EMDR research, where more than one therapist is involved in supporting the work.​​
What is Intensive EMDR?
Intensive EMDR is an approach that involves longer or more frequent sessions over a shorter period of time. For some people, this can allow work that might usually take place over several months to be undertaken within days or a couple of weeks.
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Intensive EMDR is not suitable for everyone and is only offered following careful assessment and discussion. Where appropriate, it can support faster relief from distressing symptoms while maintaining safety, therapeutic integrity, and ethical practice.
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​Intensive EMDR is based on the same evidence based principles as standard EMDR therapy.
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What is included?
Intensive EMDR therapy is flexible and adapted to suit. After initial contact with Christine you will meet with Jenny (online) for part one. Part two can be one day, two days or several half days. Here is an example of the most popular model that includes the initial enquiry followed by an assessment, two full days and a follow up:
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Part One: Assessment (online)​ at a mutually agreeable time with Jenny Arthern.
Jenny meets with you for an assessment and provides a detailed clinical report to Christine.
Part Two: Daily programme for two days - with Christine Habermehl (in person)
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Morning session
(Refreshment & comfort break)
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Morning session
(Lunch break - lunch can be purchased nearby)
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Afternoon session
​ (involving EMDR & Walking, when suitable and weather permitting)
(Refreshment and comfort break)
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Afternoon session
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A stretch and relax yoga session and /or a relaxing back massage at the end of the day can also be beneficial and is recommended. We can put you in touch with nearby professionals (additional cost).
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If we decide on a two day programme it is recommended that you make arrangements to stay
overnight nearby. There are Airbnb cabins, a cottage bed and breakfast, and a hotel nearby.
Feedback highlights that this creates a retreat feeling that supports the focussing of the
sessions and good self care.
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Price for part one, an online assessment with Jenny Arthern £245.
Price for part two, a full two day Intensive EMDR program with Christine is £1,495 this also
includes the initial contact and a follow up.
Payment for part two can be by bank transfer or by link to pay with UK debit or credit card.
Additional costs apply for overnight accomodation and meals, plus if desired a yoga session, or a back and shoulder massage).​​​​​​​​​​
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Who would Intensive EMDR suit?
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Intensive EMDR may suit individuals who would prefer to engage in therapy over a
shorter, more concentrated period of time and who feel ready to undertake a focussed
piece of work.​ It may be helpful for:
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People who find it difficult to commit to weekly sessions over many months may prefer a structured, time-limited format. Example: People in high-responsibility roles who find it difficult to commit to weekly sessions over many months may prefer a structured, time-limited format.
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In certain circumstances, Intensive EMDR may be helpful when someone is preparing for a specific event: Examples may include: A medical procedure, a return to work, or a significant life transition.
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Individuals who can identify one or several specific events that continue to cause distress may benefit from a focused block of work. Example: a single-incident trauma such as a road traffic collision or assault.
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If someone has engaged in weekly therapy but feels progress has plateaued, a more immersive and contained approach can sometimes help unlock processing.
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Have time available to dedicate to the process, including rest and recovery between sessions
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Are travelling from outside the area and wish to undertake therapy within a defined timeframe
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Prefer to maintain therapeutic momentum without long gaps between sessions
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Have previously had EMDR and are familiar with the approach
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Intensive EMDR can also be beneficial where ongoing weekly therapy has felt slow or disrupted, and a more contained, focused approach may support progress.
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Careful assessment is always undertaken to ensure that Intensive EMDR is clinically suitable and that adequate stability, support, and preparation are in place before trauma processing begins.
Who might not be suitable for Intensive EMDR?
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Intensive EMDR is not appropriate for everyone, and careful assessment is always
undertaken before this approach is offered. It may not be suitable where:
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There is significant current instability or crisis
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Coping strategies and emotional regulation skills are not yet sufficiently established
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There are high levels of dissociation that require longer-term stabilisation
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Ongoing external stressors would make it difficult to rest and recover between sessions
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Weekly therapy would provide a safer or more supportive pace
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In some situations, beginning with standard weekly EMDR sessions may be the most appropriate way to build stability and confidence before considering a more concentrated format. If Intensive EMDR is not suitable, this will always be discussed openly, and alternative recommendations can be made to ensure that you receive the most appropriate and supportive care.
Individualised and ethical practice
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Intensive EMDR can be tailored to the individual with flexibility to build a personalised bespoke package.
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Time is taken to understand your history, current difficulties, strengths, and support systems before any trauma processing begins.
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Establishing safety and stability is a fundamental part of the work. Our aim is to provide a calm, contained, and compassionate therapeutic space in which EMDR is used effectively, ethically, and with great care.
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Thank you very much Christine. Your expertise, kindness and consideration have enabled me to have peace of mind knowing that I can now have a canular for the medication I will eventually need. .
I'm so pleased that I condensed my sessions together as it gave us time to really focus and my only regret is not seeing you sooner. Thank you!
Wow! That was amazing!
It made such a difference to be able to have a whole day of working together.
I can now remember the good memories with ......... and the flash backs and nightmares
have stopped.