How to Prepare for an EMDR Therapy Intensive

For Breakups, Relationship Triggers, and Deep Healing

If you're going through a breakup, feeling stuck in old relationship patterns, or getting emotionally triggered by your current partner, sometimes a regular 50-minute therapy session just isn't enough.

That’s where EMDR therapy intensives come in.

Instead of stretching your healing over months, EMDR intensives offer a deeper, more focused way to process relationship pain, unresolved trauma, and the emotional stuck points that keep showing up—whether you're single, dating, or trying to move on from someone who felt like the one.

But showing up for a 90-minute or 3-hour intensive is a little different than your weekly session. Here’s how to prepare so you feel grounded, safe, and ready for deep work.

1. Get Clear on What You Want to Work On

You don’t have to know the how—just the what.

Before our session, we’ll collaborate to get clear on the focus of your intensive. Most of my clients come in with relationship pain that feels too layered for a regular session.

This might include:

• A breakup you’re still grieving, even if it’s been months or years

• An ex you can’t stop thinking about, even though you know the relationship wasn’t healthy

• Emotional triggers with your current partner—fear of abandonment, shutting down, people-pleasing, jealousy

• Old relationship wounds you thought you were over, but they’re resurfacing

• Shame or guilt about how you show up in love

We’ll gently name what’s coming up so we can give it the time, care, and attention it deserves.

2. Don’t Rush In—or Out

Intensives are, well… intense. They’re also incredibly healing.

You’re doing deep work with your nervous system—processing memories, shifting long-held beliefs, releasing stuck emotions. That means you’ll want to create space around your session to soften the impact and support integration.

The day of your intensive:

• Keep your schedule light

• Avoid big emotional conversations or stressful obligations

• Let friends or family know you may need space after

Think of it like emotional surgery. Recovery time matters.

3. Set the Scene (Especially If You're Virtual)

Whether we’re meeting in-person at my Long Beach therapy office or online across California, the space you’re in matters.

Bring your version of comfort. This might look like:

• A blanket, tea, or water

• A grounding object like a crystal, journal, or photo

• Headphones for privacy

• A cozy, uninterrupted space where you can let go

And no pressure to “show up perfect”—come exactly as you are.

4. Know That Healing Doesn’t End When the Session Does

After our intensive, your system will still be processing.

Here’s how to support your healing:

• Take a nap, walk, or shower

• Listen to music that feels calming or reflective

• Avoid doom-scrolling or emotional overload

• Journal about anything that came up

• Reach out if you need extra support—I'm here

You may feel lighter. You may feel tired. You may feel emotional. All of it is valid.

What Makes EMDR Intensives Different?

In weekly therapy, we often get interrupted just when things start to open up. But in intensives, we have the space to go deeper, faster—and more gently.

If you're tired of rehashing the same relationship patterns…
If you're grieving someone and can’t move on…
If you're ready to feel more grounded in love, but something’s still holding you back...

EMDR intensives help you do the work in hours, not months.

Let’s Get You Started

I offer 90-minute or 3-hour EMDR Therapy Intensives in Long Beach, CA or virtually for anyone in California. The rate is $250/hour.

Want to learn more or schedule a consultation?

Visit my Intensives Page
Or contact me directly here: nicole@justtherapylbc.com

You deserve healing that honors your story—and moves you forward with love.