Three Ways I Offer EMDR Therapy

Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR therapy doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

While many people participate in EMDR as part of ongoing weekly therapy, it isn't the only way this powerful approach can be incorporated into treatment. Depending on a person's needs, goals, and circumstances, there may be several options.

EMDR as Part of Ongoing Therapy

Many of my clients participate in EMDR as one component of their ongoing therapy.

We may spend time developing coping skills, exploring current challenges, strengthening resources, processing traumatic experiences with EMDR, and integrating what emerges along the way.

EMDR becomes one of several tools that supports the overall therapy process.

Because therapy unfolds over time, our focus may naturally shift as new insights emerge, current stressors arise, or treatment goals evolve.

Adjunctive EMDR

Some individuals already have an established relationship with a primary therapist whose practice does not include EMDR. Rather than changing therapists, they choose to incorporate EMDR into their treatment while continuing the therapeutic relationship they have already built.

In these situations, I offer adjunctive EMDR therapy.

This collaborative approach allows me to provide focused EMDR treatment while the client continues their ongoing work with their primary therapist.

With the client's written permission, I communicate with the primary therapist before, during, and after our work together to promote continuity of care, share relevant clinical information, and support the client's treatment goals.

This option allows clients to benefit from specialized EMDR treatment while maintaining the therapeutic relationship they know and trust.

EMDR Intensives

For some individuals, an EMDR Intensive may be an appropriate option.

Rather than meeting for traditional weekly sessions, an Intensive provides dedicated time to focus on a specific treatment target over an extended period.

Rather than repeatedly stopping and restarting the process from week to week, an Intensive creates space to stay engaged with the work, allowing the brain and nervous system more time to make connections and process experiences.

Intensives include thoughtful preparation before the first day of processing, focused EMDR work during the Intensive, and follow-up afterward to support integration and determine next steps.

Choosing the Right Approach

There is no single "best" way to experience EMDR.

The right approach depends on many factors, including your goals, your history, your current needs, your schedule, and what is clinically appropriate.

Whether EMDR is integrated into ongoing therapy, provided collaboratively alongside your primary therapist, or offered through an Intensive, the goal remains the same: creating a thoughtful, individualized approach that supports meaningful healing.

Each format offers something different.

Together, we can determine which approach best fits your needs and supports the work you hope to accomplish.

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About the Author

CJ DeMarco, MA, LPC, is the owner of Bodhi Counseling & Wellness in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. She specializes in EMDR therapy, trauma, anxiety, and Therapy Intensives, helping adults heal through thoughtful, individualized care that honors the connection between body, mind, and spirit.

Learn more about CJ's services:

https://www.bodhicounselingandwellness.com/services