What is intensive therapy?
What occurs in an intensive therapy program is that you, as the client, will receive one-on-one therapeutic attention from your therapist throughout a full working day during your retreat.
The process begins with a brief orientation, followed by an in-depth exploration of your personal history, your current situation, including your strengths, resources, challenges, and previous interventions you’ve attempted. Your therapist will also inquire about your short-term and long-term objectives. For children under 12, caregivers may be involved in the intensive program based on the child or youth’s preferences.
By lunchtime, a joint assessment will be made to identify the most effective strategies to help you progress toward your goals. These suggestions will encompass both therapeutic actions and real-life practices.
The subsequent course of therapy varies. Many clients address one or more of the following aspects before delving into processing their trauma:
- Some may engage in guided visualizations to establish a sense of security and a “secure attachment” relationship, especially if they lacked such an attachment in their own history.
- You may focus on stabilization and coping skills.
- And practical strategies and problem-solving.
When both you and your therapist agree that you are ready, you will embark on the journey of processing your trauma and loss memories. This process typically involves techniques like Flash or EMDR. You may begin with a “test run” involving a recent minor upsetting memory or a discrete event from the past, such as a not-too-serious car accident. Usually, you will work through your trauma and loss memories in chronological order, from the earliest to the most recent. While many individuals complete this phase within a few days to a week, some may require more time.
Following this, you will collaborate with your therapist to develop and practice coping skills that enable you to effectively manage foreseeable challenges, ensuring your progress towards your goals remains on track.
Finally, you will establish a plan for any necessary follow-up treatment. This often involves periodic check-ins to monitor your progress, with the option to continue further therapy as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Intensive Therapy Program is a focused, one-on-one therapeutic experience where clients work closely with a therapist for a full working day during a retreat. It offers a structured, supportive environment designed to promote deep healing, insight, and personal growth.
This program is suitable for adults and children who are seeking concentrated therapeutic support. It can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with trauma, grief, emotional overwhelm, or who feel “stuck” in traditional weekly therapy.
The day begins with an orientation and a thorough assessment of your personal history, current challenges, strengths, and goals. Together with your therapist, you’ll create a plan tailored to your needs. Sessions may include skill-building, reflection, therapeutic exercises, and real-life practices, with breaks woven in to support regulation and rest.
Yes. Clients receive consistent, one-on-one support from the same therapist throughout the full working day to ensure continuity, safety, and trust.
Not necessarily. The program prioritizes safety and readiness. Many clients begin by building a sense of security, stabilization, and coping skills before moving into trauma or loss processing. The pace is always guided by your needs.
Yes. Each intensive is fully tailored to the individual. Your therapist works collaboratively with you to determine what approaches and strategies will best support your healing and goals.
For children under 12, caregiver involvement is optional and based on family preferences and clinical needs. The therapist will discuss the most supportive approach with caregivers beforehand.
An intensive therapy program can complement ongoing therapy or serve as a standalone experience. Some clients continue with regular therapy afterward, while others use the intensive as a meaningful reset or jump-start.
Intensive work can be emotionally deep, but it is carefully structured to prevent overwhelm. Breaks, grounding practices, and supportive regulation are built into the day to ensure clients feel supported and resourced.
Clients often leave with increased insight, practical coping tools, and a clearer path forward. Your therapist may also provide recommendations or practices to support integration into daily life.