If you’ve never done a therapy intensive before, the idea might feel exciting… and maybe a little intimidating. You might be wondering: What will we actually do? Will it be exhausting? Will I be ready? How will this be different from a regular weekly session? What if I get overwhelmed?
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what to expect — so you can feel grounded and prepared for the experience.
Before the Intensive
We’ll start with a free consultation to explore your needs, goals, and concerns. Together, we’ll decide if an intensive is the right fit for you right now. If you are in a crisis situation (like suicidal ideation or a suicidal attempt) it might not be the right time for an intensive. Intensives involve going deeper into issues and its better to wait until your mental health has stabilized before doing an intensive. Some clients may benefit more from weekly therapy and I will let you know that at the consultation as well. Through the consultation I can answer your questions and let you know what I think an intensive could look like for you and whatever you are wanting help with
If you decide to move forward, I’ll send you a short questionnaire to clarify your goals for the intensive and where you hope to be after to help you get clear on what you want from our time together. This step is all about making sure your intensive is tailored just for you. One thing to keep in mind is that unlike traditional weekly therapy, we won’t be spending time on the C.O.W.S. (crisis of the week). These are the everyday stressors that might come up. I will also send you a menu of options that you will want to include during the intensive. This can include which holistic modalities including meditation, breath work, trauma informed yoga, music, expressive arts, Brainspotting and Mindfulness. I will take the goal sheet and menu of options you would like included and I create a structured schedule for our time including breaks. This is a soft outline and just know that we can shift as needs arise or if you changed your mind and want to go in a different direction.
If you choose the workbook option, I will create this based on your goals and give the option to upload back to me to review before the intensive. You are also welcome to complete it on your own and bring it to the intensive and we can review any part of it during our time.
During the Intensive
While each intensive is unique, here’s what a typical flow might look like:
1. Grounding & Intention-Setting
We’ll begin with gentle grounding practices, like breath work or a short guided meditation, to help you feel present and safe. We’ll talk about what you’d like to focus on and set an intention for the day. Most people choose to also start with a short yoga flow to really help you get into your body and find yourself more relaxed before diving into the deeper work. This can make it more accessible and help you feel less overwhelmed.
2. Deep Dive into Your Story
We’ll explore the goal and review patterns, events, or emotions you want to work through — not just on a surface level, but with time to follow the threads all the way to the root. We can pace ourselves, taking breaks when necessary and allow time for deep processing. If you choose to include Brainspotting we will integrate this for an extended period of time that is much longer than regular one one therapy for a weekly session.
3. Somatic & Yoga-Based Practices
I’ll guide you through more gentle, trauma-informed yoga or other mind-body tools to help process emotions, release tension, and restore your nervous system balance
4. Integration & Reflection
We’ll wrap up by helping you integrate what we’ve uncovered, identify key takeaways, and create a plan for using your insights and tools in everyday life.
After the Intensive
The work doesn’t end when the session does. We will have a 90 minute post intensive to review what went well, what didn’t and what areas you still are needing support with. I’ll send you personalized resources and recommendations based on what came up in our time together, so you can continue your growth and healing. You’ll also have the option to schedule follow-up support if needed.
A few things clients often say after an intensive
- “I got more clarity in one day than I have in months of weekly therapy.”
- “It was deep, emotional work — but I left feeling lighter and more hopeful.”
- “I finally feel like I have tools that actually work for me.”
- “This was so transformative”
If you’re ready to give yourself the gift of uninterrupted, focused healing time, a therapy intensive can be a powerful step forward. Ready to schedule your consultation? Complete the contact form or you are welcome to email me directly at pathtohopec@hushmail.com
