Are EMDR Therapy Intensives Right for Processing Your Traumatic Birth? What to Consider Before Booking

When I had my first baby at age 24 I hopped on google early on in my pregnancy. I was nervous about delivery and determined to research my way through my anxiety (I wouldn't recommend that strategy anymore). I ended up on the internet's greatest resource (reddit) and was not prepared for the birth experiences I was about to read. One woman recounted a case of severe preeclampsia that put her in the ICU. A year later she still couldn't stop thinking about it and felt herself flinching whenever the intrusive memories entered her brain. Another woman recounted both of her emergency c-sections and how the feelings of confusion and panic never seemed to evaporate and had led to a postpartum PTSD diagnosis. A third used shared "Pretty sure delivery can be a traumatic experience even if everything goes perfectly!" They were right. It can be so beautiful AND so traumatic even at the same time.

Since then I've worked with dozens of women and men who experienced a traumatic birth. They struggle to describe their experience because "it wasn't bad, I got my child, but I'm still so scared", some want more children but don't think they can ever risk birth again, other's feel like they were robbed on the newborn period they expected and instead of sleepless nights they got trauma symptoms with a baby to take care of.

If you’ve had a traumatic birth experience and still feel overwhelmed, hurt, or even fearful about the idea of having more children, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with lingering emotional pain after a difficult birth, and traditional weekly therapy may not feel like enough. This is where EMDR therapy intensives come in. But is a therapy intensive right for me? Let’s explore who should try a therapy intensive, the pros and cons, and what to consider before booking.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective, research-backed therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma. EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements—to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less distressing. Many people find EMDR helpful for therapy for traumatic births, as it can reduce symptoms like anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress associated with birth trauma.

When Is an EMDR Therapy Intensive a Good Choice?

An EMDR therapy intensive is a focused, extended session—often lasting a half-day to several days—designed to help you process trauma more deeply in a shorter amount of time.

Therapy for traumatic births can be especially effective in this format because it allows for deep emotional work without the interruptions of weekly sessions. In my experience one three hour session is generally more productive than six one hour sessions.

You might benefit from an EMDR therapy intensive if:

• You feel stuck in your healing process and need a breakthrough.

• You have intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks about your birth.

• You avoid conversations, places, or experiences that remind you of the birth.

• You want to process your trauma but struggle with the slow pace of weekly therapy.

• You aren't willing to let your trauma symptoms steal anymore joy from parenthood.

• The thought of another pregnancy fills you with fear or distress.

  
  

Who Might Not Benefit from an EMDR Therapy Intensive?

While EMDR therapy intensives can be incredibly powerful, they aren’t the right fit for everyone. Consider other options if:

• You are in immediate crisis or experiencing active suicidal thoughts (in which case, immediate crisis support is the best step).

• You prefer a gradual, slower-paced approach to trauma work.

• You have complex PTSD or dissociation that requires stabilization before deep trauma processing.

• You don’t have adequate support in place for after the intensive.

If you’re unsure whether therapy intensive pros and cons weigh in your favor, a consultation can help determine the best fit for your needs.

EMDR Therapy Intensive vs. Weekly EMDR: Pros and Cons

Before deciding whether to try an EMDR therapy intensive or stick with traditional weekly sessions, consider these factors:

Pros of an EMDR Therapy Intensive:

• Faster results: You can process trauma more quickly than with weekly therapy.

• Reduced waiting period: No need to spend weeks building up to deeper trauma work.

• Fewer interruptions: You won’t have to stop and restart emotional processing between sessions.

• Deeper immersion: The extended time allows for more comprehensive healing in one sitting.

• More Focused: If all you want to work on in therapy is your traumatic birth it can be more directed and focused.

  
  

Cons of an EMDR Therapy Intensive:

• Emotionally intense: Processing trauma in a concentrated period can be exhausting.

• Requires time to recover: You may need downtime afterward to rest and integrate the work.

• Higher upfront cost: While often cost-effective in the long run, intensives require a larger payment at once.

• Not suitable for everyone: Those with severe dissociation or instability may need a slower approach.

  
  

What to Consider Before Booking a Therapy Intensive

Before committing to an intensive, ask yourself these key questions:

• Am I emotionally prepared? Therapy intensives can bring up intense emotions. It’s important to feel ready for deep work.

• Do I have support? Processing trauma can be exhausting. Having a supportive partner, friend, or family member available afterward can make a difference.

• Is my schedule open enough? After an intensive, it’s helpful to have time for rest and reflection. Avoid booking one right before major life events.

• Do I trust the therapist? Find a provider experienced in therapy for traumatic births who makes you feel safe and understood.

  
  

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Deciding on an EMDR therapy intensive is a big decision. If you're wondering, is a therapy intensive right for me?, the best next step is to schedule a consultation. This allows you to explore whether this approach aligns with your healing needs in a supportive, pressure-free conversation.

If you’re ready to move forward in your healing journey, reach out today for a free consultation. You don’t have to carry the weight of your birth experience alone—help is available, and healing is possible.