EMDR Intensive Therapy in Alaska—Heal Trauma in Days

Compress months of healing into days with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant trained by intensive therapy experts

✓ EMDRIA Approved Consultant | ⭐ 100% Recommend (8 Reviews) | 📅 15+ Years Experience

A 30–60 minute consultation to determine if this approach is the right fit for you. Limited intensive spots available each month. Most clients book 3–6 weeks in advance.

If You’ve Tried Therapy and Still Feel Stuck

Many people who pursue EMDR intensives are not new to therapy.

They’ve done the work. They understand their patterns. They’ve talked through their experiences.

But something still isn’t shifting.

The same triggers remain. The same emotional responses return. The same patterns repeat.

If that’s your experience, it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

It may mean your brain has not fully processed the underlying trauma.

EMDR intensive therapy is designed specifically for this.

What Is EMDR Intensive Therapy?

Traditional therapy schedules trauma processing in 50-minute weekly sessions. But trauma does not occur on a weekly schedule, so healing does not always need to either.

EMDR Intensive Therapy creates a concentrated, immersive treatment experience where we work together for approximately 6–7 hours per day over several consecutive days within a week. Depending on the complexity of the trauma and the number of targets being processed, an intensive may extend beyond a single week.

This format allows the nervous system to stay engaged in the therapeutic process rather than repeatedly starting and stopping between weekly sessions.

An EMDR intensive allows us to:

✓ Bypass the “one step forward, two steps back” pattern that can occur between weekly sessions
✓ Process multiple trauma memories within a single intensive
✓ Maintain therapeutic momentum across consecutive days of focused work
✓ Achieve in days what can sometimes take many months in weekly therapy

Research on intensive EMDR treatment formats suggests they can produce outcomes comparable to traditional weekly therapy while allowing many clients to experience meaningful progress in a shorter period of time.

Who Is EMDR Intensive For?

EMDR intensives are often a good fit for individuals who:

✓ have tried therapy but still feel stuck

✓ understand their patterns but cannot shift them

✓ are functioning but struggling internally

✓ want a more focused and efficient approach to trauma treatment

✓ prefer not to spend months or years in weekly therapy

Many clients who pursue intensives are not new to therapy; they are looking for a different level of treatment.

  • Military veterans and active-duty service members

  • Sexual abuse and assault survivors

  • Childhood trauma and attachment wounds

  • Single-incident trauma (accidents, assaults, medical trauma)

  • Treatment-resistant presentations

Not recommended for:

  • Active substance use or severe instability

  • Dissociative disorders without prior stabilization

  • Those preferring gradual, incremental approach

  • Not ready for concentrated trauma work

EMDR Intensives Work Particularly Well For

For decades, mental health treatment has followed the same pattern: fifty-minute sessions, once a week, stretched across months or years. When it comes to trauma, many clients experience a frustrating cycle; making progress one week, only to lose momentum before the next session. Traditional weekly therapy often creates a "one step forward, two steps back" pattern, leaving clients wondering if they'll ever truly heal.

EMDR Intensive Therapy offers a fundamentally different approach. Instead of dispersing trauma processing across months, intensive therapy compresses healing into four consecutive days of concentrated work. This continuous focus allows your brain to fully engage trauma processing without interruption, building momentum that weekly therapy can't match. Research confirms intensive EMDR is equally or more effective than traditional spacing, with results achieved in days rather than months.

If you've been in weekly therapy without breakthrough, if trauma symptoms significantly impact your daily life, or if you're ready to address trauma decisively rather than incrementally, EMDR intensive therapy may provide the relief you've been seeking. The question isn't whether healing is possible; it's whether you're ready to compress that healing into one transformative week.

Many people are surprised to learn that trauma memories have a limited reconsolidation window. You can read more about the neuroscience behind this process in our article: The 5-Hour Window: Why Your Brain Can Heal Trauma Faster in EMDR Intensives.

EMDR Intensive vs. Traditional Weekly Therapy

National Comparison Chart:

Intensive EMDR Therapy vs Traditional Weekly Therapy graph example. TraumaRecoveryInstitute.org | Alaska.png

*Special discounted rate for pre-paid services.

EMDR Intensive Therapy Costs

4-Day EMDR Intensive Therapy: $9,960*

What's Included:

  • ✓ Specifically for multiple-traumatic experiences, including childhood and developmental trauma; abuse and neglect; assault and domestic violence; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD); military combat; medical trauma; and loss. The average number of intensive days is typically four but could be as few as one day and a many as nine days or more depending on how many traumas are needing processing.

  • ✓ Pre-intensive preparation session (90 minutes, virtual)

  • ✓ Up to 28 hours of EMDR intensive therapy (4 days; 8:30am-4:30pm)

  • ✓ Comprehensive treatment plan

  • ✓ Follow-up brief check-in sessions (virtual)

  • ✓ Between-session resource support materials

  • ✓ Travel and lodging resources

Payment Terms:

  • 25% deposit ($2,490*) to secure dates & reserve therapist time

  • Balance due will be processed 14 days before EMDR intensive

  • EMDR intensives are paid directly by clients, and we provide a superbill for potential partial insurance reimbursement

  • We recommend checking with your insurance company to see if your plan covers all or part of the cost

  • Many clients use a combination of reimbursement and funding options; details can be discussed during consultation.

Scheduling:

  • EMDR intensives are scheduled Monday-Thursday

  • Book 3-6 weeks in advance for best availability

Cancellation Policy:

  • 15+ days notice: Full refund minus $300 administrative fee

  • Less than 15 days: Full deposit forfeited

  • Medical emergencies considered individually

*Special discounted rate for pre-paid services.  Regular rates for therapist are as follows: Yvette Curtis, $2,790 per day.

A 30–60 minute consultation to determine if this approach is the right fit for you.

Limited intensive spots available each month. Most clients book 3–6 weeks in advance.

1-Day Mini EMDR Intensive Therapy: $2,490*

What's Included:

  • ✓ Specifically for single-incident trauma (e.g., motor vehicle/ aircraft accident, witnessing a death, natural disaster, physical assault, or medical emergency).

  • ✓ Pre-intensive preparation session (60 minutes, virtual)

  • ✓ 6 hours of intensive EMDR therapy (1 day; 9:30am-4:30pm)

  • ✓ Internal resource development

  • ✓ Stabilization and resource building

  • ✓ Follow-up brief check-in sessions (virtual)

  • ✓ Between-session resource support materials

  • ✓ Travel and lodging resources

Payment Terms:

  • 100% deposit ($2,490*) to secure dates & reserve therapist time

  • Balance due will be processed 14 days before intensive

  • EMDR intensives are paid directly by clients, and we provide a superbill for potential partial insurance reimbursement

  • We recommend checking with your insurance company to see if your plan covers all or part of the cost

  • Resource list for potential funding options upon request

Scheduling:

  • Intensives are scheduled Monday-Thursday

  • Book 3-6 weeks in advance for best availability

Cancellation Policy:

  • 15+ days notice: Full refund minus $300 administrative fee

  • Less than 15 days: Full deposit forfeited

  • Medical emergencies considered individually

*Special discounted rate for pre-paid services.  Regular rates for therapist are as follows: Yvette Curtis, $2,790 per day.

Why Choose Dr. Curtis for EMDR Intensive Therapy?

Dr. Curtis specializes in working with individuals who have not experienced meaningful relief from traditional therapy and are seeking a more focused, neuroscience-informed approach to trauma treatment.

Elite Training

  • EMDRIA Approved Consultant and EMDR Certified Therapist

  • Specialized trauma therapy and EMDR intensive therapy training with experts, pioneers of the intensive EMDR therapy model

  • Advanced training with leading intensive EMDR researchers

  • 10+ intensive therapy experiences delivered

Comprehensive Approach

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • IFS (Internal Family Systems)

  • Flash Technique for high-disturbance memories

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy principles

Extensive Experience

  • Doctoral-level expertise

  • 15+ years with complex trauma presentations

  • Military, indigenous, and diverse populations

  • Treatment-resistant cases

  • Substance use and co-occurring disorders

What to Expect EMDR Intensive Day-by-Day Process

BEFORE WE BEGIN:

Free Intensive Therapy Consultation (30–60 minutes, virtual)

  • This consultation is designed to assess whether EMDR intensive therapy is the right fit for your needs.

  • Briefly discuss your situation to determine if you are likely to benefit from intensive therapy

  • Obtain an estimate of number of treatment days needed

  • See if therapist is a good fit for you

  • Answer any questions you may have about EMDR intensives

Pre-Intensive Assessment (90-120 minutes, virtual)

  • Assess your trauma history

  • Answer screener questions

  • Determine intensive readiness

  • Establish safety and grounding resources

  • Create treatment plan

  • Answer all your questions

  • Discuss travel and logistics

Intake (virtual)

  • Schedule the EMDR intensive trauma therapy

  • Complete an online consent forms

  • Hold your slot with payment for one day of your retreat and credit card authorization. 

DAY 1: Monday (7 hours)Morning (8:30am-12:00pm):

  • Establish safety and therapeutic alliance

  • Resource development and stabilization

  • Begin trauma processing with carefully-selected memories

Break (12:00pm-1:00pm)

Afternoon (1:00pm-4:30pm):

  • Continue EMDR processing

  • Integration and grounding

  • Evening self-care plan

DAY 2: Tuesday (7 hours)

  • Deepen trauma processing

  • Address connected memories

  • Process stuck points

  • Integration work

DAY 3: Wednesday (7 hours)

  • Continue processing trauma network

  • Address remaining targets

  • Future template (imagining healed future)

  • Cognitive interweaves as needed

DAY 4: Thursday (7 hours)

  • Complete processing

  • Integration and consolidation

  • Relapse prevention planning

  • Aftercare and resources; follow-up with your local therapist

AFTER THE INTENSIVE:Follow-Up (included, virtual)

  • Post treatment check-in interview

  • Integration support services

  • Schedule follow-up with weekly local therapist or resource support

  • Discuss mini-one-day in-person or virtual intensive option to address any remaining material

  • Ensure lasting change

Travel to Alaska for Your EMDR Intensive

Serving Alaska, Nationwide, & International Clients through Destination Intensive Therapy

Most EMDR intensive therapy clients travel to Fairbanks from across the United States and internationally. Combining trauma healing with Alaska's transformative natural beauty creates a unique therapeutic experience.

Why clients choose Alaska:

  • Complete separation from triggering environments

  • Northern lights (winter) and midnight sun (summer)

  • Peaceful, restorative natural setting

  • Opportunity for reflection and renewal

We support your travel:

  • Lodging recommendations

  • Airport pickup resources

  • Travel planning assistance

  • Travel Guide

Alaska residents:

We're honored to serve our local and state communities with the same specialized intensive therapy available to national and international traveling clients.

Coming to Fairbanks for Your Intensive

Many EMDR intensive therapy clients travel to Fairbanks for their treatment. Here's what you need to know:

When to Arrive:

  • Arrive Sunday evening before Monday start

  • Allows rest and adjustment before beginning

Suggested Lodging:

  • Pike's Waterfront Lodge

  • SpringHill Suites Fairbanks

  • Airbnb options

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable clothing (layers)

  • Journal or notebook

  • Self-care items

  • Snacks/water bottle

  • Any comfort items

Transportation:

  • Airport: Fairbanks International Airport (15 min to downtown)

  • Uber/Lyft available

  • Rental car options

Free Time:

  • Evenings are yours for rest, reflection, and self-care.

Why Alaska?

The natural beauty and peaceful environment enhance healing.

Complete separation from daily stressors allows full focus on your recovery work.

  • Beautiful nature walks

  • Northern Lights viewing (winter)

  • Midnight sun (summer)

  • Quiet restaurants

  • Hotel relaxation

Alaska Residents:

We're honored to serve our local community with the same specialized care available to traveling clients.

[Download Complete Travel Guide PDF on your client portal]

Financial Resources & Support

EMDR intensive therapy is a significant investment. Many clients initially feel unsure how they will afford it.

However, a number of clients are able to access funding or reimbursement through a combination of resources.

Common options include:

• HSA / FSA accounts (eligible medical expense)
• Out-of-network insurance reimbursement (superbill provided)
• Crime Victim Compensation programs (state-specific)
• Military and veteran resources (VA Community Care, TRICARE)
• Settlement or institutional funds (when applicable)

Some clients also use healthcare financing options or plan ahead using HSA/FSA contributions.

Important to Know

Many clients do not have the full cost readily available when they first explore intensives.

Part of the consultation process includes helping you understand what options may apply to your situation.

Next Step

During your consultation, we can discuss:

• whether EMDR intensive therapy is the right fit
• what level of treatment may be appropriate
• what funding or reimbursement options may be available

A consultation is simply a conversation—no commitment required.

FAQs

Is EMDR intensive therapy as effective as traditional weekly therapy?

Research shows EMDR intensives are equally or more effective than traditional weekly therapy, with faster relief.

Will I be traumatized by doing so much EMDR therapy at once?

We carefully pace the EMDR intensive therapy work, take regular breaks, and use the most gentle techniques available. Many clients report it's LESS overwhelming than spreading trauma work over months or years.

What if I can't handle 7 hours EMDR intensive?

We work at your pace during the EMDR intensive with regular breaks. The day includes processing time, integration time, and rest periods.

Do you offer virtual EMDR intensives?

Yes, we offer a mix of in-person and virtual EMDR intensives for optimal therapeutic connection and safety.

What if I need more than 4 days for EMDR intensive?

Further sessions can be scheduled to address any remaining material. Some clients return for a second EMDR intensive or mini-one-day EMDR intensive session for additional trauma targets.

Can I bring a support person to the EMDR intensive?

Support persons are welcome to travel with you but do not participate in sessions.

Is This the Right Level of Care for You?

EMDR intensives are not necessary for everyone.

But they can be the right fit if:

• you feel stuck despite doing therapy
• symptoms continue to interfere with daily life
• you want a more efficient and focused approach
• you are ready to actively engage in trauma processing

If you’re unsure, the consultation is designed to help you determine that.

A 30–60 minute consultation to determine if this approach is the right fit for you.

Limited intensive spots available each month. Most clients book 3–6 weeks in advance.

Ready to Begin Healing?

If trauma symptoms continue to affect your sleep, relationships, or daily life, EMDR Intensive Therapy may help your nervous system process and resolve what has been stuck.

Start With a Conversation

A 30–60 minute confidential consultation to explore whether an EMDR intensive are the right fit.

Limited intensive spots available each month. Most clients book 3–6 weeks in advance.

Client Reviews

If You’ve Tried Therapy and Still Feel Stuck

Many clients who schedule this call have already done therapy and are looking for a more focused approach to trauma treatment.

This is not a general consultation; it is a structured conversation to assess whether EMDR intensive is appropriate for your needs.

Most clients schedule this consultation to determine fit; there is no obligation to proceed.

Schedule Your Intensive Therapy Consultation

This consultation is designed for people who have tried therapy and still feel stuck.

In this 30–60 minute consultation, we will:

  • discuss what has and hasn’t worked in previous therapy

  • assess whether intensive therapy is appropriate

  • review treatment structure, timeline, and logistics

  • determine next steps if we are a good fit

Limited intensive availability. Most clients book 3–6 weeks in advance.

A 30–60 minute confidential consultation to explore whether an EMDR intensive are the right fit.

Limited intensive spots available each month. Most clients book 3–6 weeks in advance.

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