“New to Therapy? Consider an EMDR Therapy Intensive for Your First Experience
Starting therapy for the first time can feel like a huge, brave (and maybe even terrifying) step. If it's your first time considering therapy—or if you’ve been putting it off because you don't know what to expect—you’re not alone.
You might be wondering:
Will I have to talk about very personal things right away?
What if I say something embarrassing?
I don't know how I can possibly find the time and energy to do this every week.
I want to assure you, there’s no “wrong” way to begin your therapy journey. But if these are some of your concerns, there’s a gentle and focused approach designed especially for people just like you: EMDR therapy intensives. They’re a great place to start for those feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and ready for a change, but unsure where to begin.
EMDR Therapy Intensives for women and LGBTQIA+ in Great Barrington and online throughout Massachusetts and Florida
Why New Clients Hesitate to Start Therapy
For many first-time therapy clients, the hardest part isn’t the healing work itself—it’s getting started.
Here are some common fears that often come up:
Not knowing what to say: You're not alone if you worry you’ll sit in silence or not know how to explain what you’re feeling.
Fear of being judged: For many, speaking about the most personal and intimate details of your life is terrifying. You might have been walking around with anxiety and shame about parts of yourself for years. Your perfectionism and imposter syndrome may be holding you back from taking that next step to begin therapy. “Is my trauma even valid?” is a question I often hear. If you’re here, asking this question, the answer is “yes, absolutely.”
Time commitment worries: With our intense schedules, rushing between work and family commitments, adding another thing to the calendar can feel daunting. Weekly therapy might feel like too much when you're already stretched thin by work, parenting, or general burnout. You’re stressed out beyond belief and adding one more thing feels impossible.
Uncertainty about how therapy works: If no one ever explained therapy to you before, how would you know what to expect?
These are valid concerns—and they don’t have to stop you from getting support.
How Therapy Intensives Help Ease You In
I know the word “intensive” might sound daunting. But I can assure you, EMDR therapy intensives are a gentle, contained way to try therapy without committing to ongoing weekly sessions right away. Plus, EMDR therapy intensives are evidence-based, meaning they are proven to work in an accelerated yet, easeful way. Instead of slowly dipping in over several months, intensives give you a focused space to explore what’s bothering you—at your own pace and with structure and support. In the typical 50-minute therapy session, clients often feel rushed or a sense of internal pressure to get to a certain outcome by the end of the session. With an extended, intensive session, you can take your time, knowing we have the time to let yourself feel settled, slowly go into deep work, and still have plenty of time to find closure and grounding before you head back into the “real world.”
Think of it like a supportive deep dive: we clear space for your healing, help you gain clarity, and give you coping tools to feel more grounded—all in a shorter, dedicated window of time. It’s designed to feel doable , not overwhelming.
For many first-time therapy clients (especially those feeling anxious, perfectionistic, or emotionally exhausted), this format feels more accessible and empowering than traditional weekly therapy.
What to Expect from Your First Intensive
Your EMDR therapy intensive is completely tailored to you. Here's what you can expect:
Pre-Intensive session: We’ll start with an initial 90-minute assessment to get to know you, your goals, and what you’re carrying. You’ll never be expected to “dive in” without preparation or support.
A Safe and Structured Intensive Session: The intensive itself may be a half-day or full-day experience, with breaks, coping skills and regulation tools built in. You’ll be guided through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in a gentle, intentional way that helps your nervous system feel safe. Whether it’s in my comfortable, cozy office in Great Barrington, MA or in the comfort of your own home, via telehealth, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel supported and safe to go into challenging but transformational work.
Show Up as You Are: You don’t have to have anything prepared for your intensive. It’s okay if you haven’t experienced therapy before. You don’t need to be an expert on your emotions.
Support After the Intensive: Many clients leave feeling immediate shifts, feeling more connected to themselves, and surprised by how much can change in a short time. Included in the intensive is a 60-minute follow-up session. We’ll talk through next steps and how to keep that momentum going. I will also coordinate with other providers, such as your prescriber or your primary care provider to support your ongoing healing.
Starting therapy through an EMDR therapy intensive can actually feel like a huge act of self-trust You’re saying: “I’m ready to care for myself, even if I don’t have it all figured out.”
If you’re feeling anxious, stuck, burnt out, or unsure how to begin therapy—there’s a path forward that doesn’t require months of weekly sessions to start making progress.
I’d love to help you explore whether an EMDR therapy intensive might be the right fit for your first therapy experience.
Click here to reach out and schedule a free, 30-minute consultation to answer your questions and talk more about if an EMDR therapy intensive is right for you.
Rachel Duvall, LICSW, EMDR Trauma and Anxiety Therapist in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and Online in Florida
Rachel Duvall, LICSW is an EMDR, holistic, trauma therapist who specializes in working with trauma, perfectionism, low self esteem and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. Whether you're struggling with parenting issues or looking for therapy for women, Rachel would love to help.
Rachel provides in-person therapy in Great Barrington, MA in addition to providing online therapy for women located in the areas of Springfield, MA | Boston, MA | Newton, MA | Hingham, MA
Online therapy for residents of Florida including Miami, FL | Tampa, FL | Sarasota, FL | Orlando, FL
