EMDR INTENSIVES

EMDR Intensive Therapy

Shoal Bay, NSW

A focused, personalised approach to healing and change

I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Accredited EMDR Practitioner with a special interest in EMDR Intensive Therapy. Based in the natural surrounds of Shoal Bay, I offer a personalised approach to trauma therapy that brings together evidence-based psychological treatment, nervous system awareness, movement and the restorative benefits of nature.

Traditional psychotherapy typically involves 50-minute sessions once a week or fortnight. EMDR Intensive Therapy offers a different format, with longer sessions of up to three hours, scheduled across consecutive days or over a period tailored to your needs.

This extended format allows us to work with greater continuity and therapeutic momentum, creating space to explore underlying patterns, process difficult experiences and develop new ways of relating to yourself and the world around you.

Rather than focusing solely on managing symptoms, we can work towards understanding the experiences that may be contributing to your current difficulties, helping you move towards a greater sense of safety, connection and freedom in your life.

Why choose an intensive format?

Working intensively can offer a different experience of therapy, particularly when there is a specific issue or a number of interconnected experiences you would like to address.

Greater continuity and momentum

Longer sessions provide more time to settle into the therapeutic process without needing to stop just as important material is emerging. Working across consecutive days can also support continuity between sessions.

Space to explore underlying patterns

We can look beyond the immediate symptoms to explore the experiences, relational patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to your current difficulties.

Working with different parts of yourself

Sometimes, one part of us wants change while another feels fearful, protective or uncertain. Drawing on parts-based approaches, we can make room for these different experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than trying to override them.

A personalised therapeutic approach

An intensive provides flexibility to draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, depending on your needs. This may include EMDR, parts work, attachment-focused therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness and self-compassion.

Time for integration

Therapeutic change involves more than processing memories. We also need space to notice what is shifting, develop new ways of responding and consider how these changes can be integrated into everyday life.

Intensive therapy is not necessarily the right approach for everyone. We will consider your history, current circumstances, support systems and capacity for intensive work together before deciding whether this format is appropriate.

The role of movement, physical health and nature

Located in Shoal Bay, the natural environment offers an opportunity to complement psychological therapy with experiences that support connection, embodiment and wellbeing.

Research exploring intensive trauma treatment has investigated the combination of EMDR with physical activity. Movement, physical activity, mindfulness and time in nature may offer additional benefits for mood, stress regulation, sleep and general wellbeing.

When appropriate, integrating movement and nature-based activities into an intensive can provide opportunities to reconnect with your body, experience moments of restoration and practise new ways of responding outside the therapy room.

These activities are not intended to replace psychological treatment or to push you beyond your limits. Instead, they can be incorporated thoughtfully to support your overall wellbeing and complement the therapeutic work.

Personalised wellbeing activities with Evan Sutter

Evan Sutter is a three-time author, keynote speaker, wellbeing coach, founder of The Happiness Compass, ocean ambassador for Starboard and ultra-endurance athlete.

Evan brings a background in mindfulness, movement, philosophy and human flourishing, informed by years of exploration into what contributes to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Where appropriate, you can choose to complement your EMDR intensive with personalised one-on-one wellbeing activities facilitated by Evan. Depending on your interests and physical capacity, these may include:

• Walking meditation and time in nature

• Mindfulness, breathing practices and relaxation

• Yoga and gentle movement

• Trail running and ocean swimming

• Stand-up paddleboarding

• Boxing, tennis and strength or resistance training

Activities are tailored to your interests, abilities and goals. There is no expectation to participate in physical activities, and options can be discussed as part of planning your intensive.

The intention is to create an experience that supports both psychological healing and broader wellbeing, recognising the value of caring for the mind and body together.

Who might benefit from EMDR Intensive Therapy?

An intensive may be worth considering if you:

• Are experiencing symptoms associated with PTSD or complex trauma.

• Notice longstanding emotional or relational patterns that you would like to understand and change.

• Feel that past experiences continue to influence your present-day relationships, self-worth or sense of safety.

• Have a specific distressing event or theme you would like to work on in a focused way.

• Have been attending ongoing therapy and are interested in a more concentrated period of treatment.

• Have an existing therapist who does not offer EMDR and would like to explore whether a standalone intensive could complement your ongoing care.

An intensive can also be coordinated with your existing therapist, where appropriate and with your consent, to support continuity of care before, during and after the intensive.

Suitability is assessed individually. Some people benefit more from regular, ongoing therapy, particularly when they need additional time to establish stability, strengthen coping resources or address complex and ongoing life circumstances.

What does the process involve?

1. Initial consultation and assessment

We begin by discussing your history, current difficulties, goals and expectations. This allows us to explore whether an intensive is suitable and identify the issues we might focus on.

2. Personalised treatment planning

Together, we develop a plan that considers the length and frequency of sessions, your therapeutic goals, preparation and resourcing, and the supports available to you.

3. Intensive therapy sessions

Sessions may involve EMDR, exploration of underlying patterns, parts work and other therapeutic approaches suited to your needs. We regularly check in with your experience and adjust the pace as required.

4. Integration and follow-up

We make space to reflect on the work, consider what you are noticing in your everyday life and identify strategies to support ongoing integration. Follow-up sessions or coordination with your existing therapist may be recommended.

Is EMDR Intensive Therapy right for you?

Intensive therapy can offer a meaningful opportunity to dedicate time and attention to experiences that may have been affecting you for years. However, the aim is not to resolve everything within a predetermined timeframe. Outcomes vary, and some difficulties benefit from ongoing therapeutic support beyond the intensive itself.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate and grounded in clinical assessment. We will work together to determine what feels appropriate, taking into account your needs, resources and readiness for this kind of work.

If you are curious about whether an EMDR intensive in Shoal Bay may be suitable for you, I welcome you to get in touch to discuss your circumstances and explore the options available.

Begin with a conversation about what you need, what you hope to change, and the kind of support that would best serve you.