Intensive Therapy

Intensive therapy is a condensed version of traditional therapy delivered over a shorter timeframe, often spanning consecutive days. Unlike weekly sessions, which typically last 50–90 minutes and are spread over weeks or months, intensive therapy provides focused, in-depth treatment either online or in person.

Intensive therapy is not new; in fact, Freud would often see the same patient for five days in a row. However, his approach was open-ended, and he saw some of his patients for years. Today, intensive therapy involves a predetermined period of treatment that can be extended if necessary. This structured approach allows intensive therapy to fit more easily around your schedule.

Why choose intensive therapy?

Accelerated Results
Intensive therapy condenses what might take months or years in weekly sessions into a shorter time frame, allowing for quicker progress. Extended or high-frequency sessions provide the opportunity to dive deeper into specific issues without the time constraints or interruptions of traditional therapy.

Time Efficiency
For those with busy schedules, intensive therapy can be a more practical solution compared to weekly sessions spread over months. Concentrated therapy reduces the need for frequent appointments, making it easier to integrate into personal and professional lives.

Cost Effectiveness
While the upfront cost may seem higher, intensive therapy can often save money compared to long-term weekly sessions. The shorter treatment timeline may reduce overall expenses of being absent or downgraded from work. Intensive therapy can have you back to the normal running of your life sooner.

Evidence-Based and Supported by Research
Studies using evidence-based approaches indicate that intensive formats are just as effective as traditional therapy models for many conditions, including trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, depression, and other anxiety disorders. The approach has been researched among many different client groups, including refugees, serving military, veterans, adults abused as children, teenagers, and many more.

What to expect

Different practitioners and services will vary in how they structure the therapy. The frequency and treatment approach may be decided between you and your therapist, and what is available within the service. Some providers may incorporate physical or therapeutic activities such as writing or art to enhance your therapy experience.

We have designed a care package called The Mitland Plan. The plan is a care package that wraps around your therapy journey, providing essential support inside and outside your sessions to enhance your experience of intensive therapy. The MItland Plan is delivered by screened and varified, expert therapists who meet strict standards of practice.

All intensive therapy should include:
Assessment: A comprehensive assessment to understand the extent of your difficulties, explore your expectations, and define your goals for therapy.

Preparation: A period of preparation for you to learn about the problem (psycho-education), learn symptom management skills, and develop confidence.

Trauma-Focussed Work: Focus on troubling memories and reduce their emotional intensity using various evidenced-based techniques such as CBT, EMDR, CPT or NET.

Self-Care: Includes breaks, physical activities, and relaxation practices during and after therapy.

Post-Therapy Review: Evaluate progress and plan additional sessions if needed.

Testimonials

‘Feels a lot in a good way’

Research findings

Clients benefit from a structured and predictable program.
Intensive therapy creates a safe, focused space for healing.
Continuous connection and agency during treatment improve outcomes.

Clients’ experiences

Butler, S., & Ramsey-Wade, C. (2024). How do clients experience intensive EMDR for Post-Traumatic Stress: A phenomenological Analysis. Journal or Trauma and Dissociation https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2024.100479

Haugland Thoresen, I., Julie Brynhildsvoll Auren, T., Oddrun Langvik, E., Engesaeth, C., Gjerde Jensen, A., & Rendum Klaeth, J. (2022). Intensive outpatient treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder: a thematic analysis of patient experience. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2022.2043639

Vaage-Kowalzik, V., Engeset, J., Jakobsen, M., Andreassen, W., & Evensen, J. H. (2024). Exhausting, but necessary: the lived experience of participants in an intensive inpatient trauma treatment program. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1341716

Whitehouse, J. (2019). What do clients say about their experiences of EMDR in the research literature? A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research papers. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2019, 100104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2019.03.002

Military/complex trauma

Bates, A., Golding, H., Rushbrook, S., Shapiro, E., Pattison, N., Baldwin, D. S., ... & Cusack, R. (2023). A randomised pilot feasibility study of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing recent traumatic episode protocol, to improve psychological recovery following intensive care admission for COVID-19. Journal of the Intensive Care Society, 24(3), 309-319.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9679313/

Farrell, D., Moran, J., Zat, Z., Miller, P. W., Knibbs, L., Papanikolopoulos, P., ... & Kiernan, M. D. (2023). Group early intervention eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as a video-conference psychotherapy with frontline/emergency workers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and moral injury—An RCT study. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1129912.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37063579/

Other

Ragsdale, K. A., Watkins, L. E., Sherrill, A. M., Zwiebach, L., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2020). Advances in PTSD treatment delivery: Evidence base and future directions for intensive outpatient programs. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 7(3), 291–300. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-020-00219-7

Sciarrino, N. A., Warnecke, A. J., & Teng, E. J. (2020). A Systematic Review of Intensive Empirically Supported Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(4), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.1002/JTS.22556

FAQ

1. What happens during intensive therapy?
During intensive therapy, you'll work closely with your therapist on preparation, managing symptoms, and focusing on trauma-related challenges. It’s all guided and designed to make you feel supported every step of the way.

2. Will all my symptoms go away?
While many people experience significant relief, everyone's journey is different. Intensive therapy often provides a strong foundation for continued healing.

3. How much therapy will I need?
That depends on your needs! Some programs are just a few days, while others might spread over a couple of weeks. Your therapist will work with you to figure out what’s best for you.

4. What if I need more therapy after the intensive sessions?
No problem! You can arrange follow-up sessions directly with your therapist to continue the progress you've made.

5. How is intensive therapy different from weekly therapy?
Think of it like focusing all your energy on healing over a short time, instead of spreading it out. Intensive therapy gives you the chance to dive deep without the gaps between weekly sessions.

6. How should I prepare for intensive therapy?
Clear your schedule, take care of any big responsibilities ahead of time, and make space for rest. It’s an immersive experience, so being ready to focus is important.

7. Can I fit therapy around work?
It’s best to take a break from work or big social commitments during intensive therapy. You’ll want time to rest, reflect, and recharge—it’s a gift you’re giving to yourself.