EMDR Intensive Therapy

Specialized Trauma-Informed Counseling

Central PA and Greater Harrisburg Area

Accelerated PTSD & Trauma Recovery

Jessica Hurda, LPC, EMDR, EMDR Intensives, PTSD and Trauma counseling, therapy, first responders, Carlisle Pennsylvania, greater Harrisburg Area

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to treat PTSD and trauma related disorders. It uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, touch, or sound to help the brain process and resolve distressing memories. EMDR follows an 8 phase treatment model that addresses issues related to the past, present, and future.

Understanding EMDR Intensive Therapy

EMDR Intensive therapy is a condensed version of the traditional EMDR model, offering extended sessions over one to five days. This approach provides an accelerated path to healing, allowing for faster processing and resolution of trauma.

How EMDR Intensives Differ from Traditional Therapy

Traditional Therapy Sessions

  • 45 to 60 minute sessions

  • Requires ongoing weekly or biweekly appointments, prolonging recovery

  • Limited time to fully process distressing memories

  • Unresolved issues remain between sessions

  • Scheduling constraints and ongoing costs

EMDR Intensive Packages

  • Extended sessions: 3 to 6 hours per day, lasting 1 to 5 days

  • Faster progress toward therapy goals

  • Accelerated healing—no more lingering distress between sessions

  • Eliminates the stress of ongoing scheduling

  • One-time fee rather than continuous payments

EMDR Intensives Are a Good Fit If:

✔ You feel stuck in therapy or need faster relief

✔ Weekly sessions haven’t been enough to fully process trauma

✔ Your schedule makes ongoing therapy difficult

✔ You experience PTSD, ongoing trauma, or vicarious stress (e.g., first responders, healthcare workers)

✔ You struggle with persistent negative self-beliefs

✔ You’re emotionally ready for 1 to 5 days of deep healing work

✔ You need a post therapy booster session to maintain progress

EMDR Intensives May Not Be A Good Fit If:

➜ You are currently in crisis or an unstable situation

➜ You struggle with substance abuse

➜You experience severe dissociation or distress

➜You have conditions like hallucinations that require ongoing clinical care

➜ You are not ready to process distressing events

Understanding PTSD & The Impact of Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a response to overwhelming experiences that leave you stuck in survival mode. Trauma affects your thoughts, emotions, and body, making it hard to feel safe, connected, or in control.

Common PTSD Symptoms

Intrusive Thoughts – Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing memories

Avoidance – Steering clear of people, places, or conversations that trigger memories

Hypervigilance – Feeling on edge, easily startled, or unable to relax

Emotional Numbness – Feeling disconnected, detached, or unable to experience joy

Negative Thoughts and Mood Changes – Guilt, shame, hopelessness, or difficulty trusting others

Introduction to EMDR Therapy-

EMDR International Association

Organizations That Recognize EMDR

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

  • World Health Organization (WHO)

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

  • Department of Defense (DoD)

  • International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

You don’t have to navigate this alone. The way out is in.