EMDR Intensives and Wellness Retreat
Self-Compassion Approaches • Nervous System Regulation • Mind-Body Wellness
In Person: Maryland, USA & Peru
Online Option: EMDR Intensive Therapy
Join us!Program Information
In Person: Maryland, USA & Peru.
Online Option: EMDR Intensive Therapy (Secure Telehealth).
A 90-minute virtual pre-evaluation is required. Fee: $250.
About the CE Session
A Sanctuary for Healing, Recovery and Growth
The EMDR Intensive & Wellness Retreat is a structured, compassionate space designed for deep healing, emotional restoration, and personal growth. If you're navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, grief, chronic stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or emotional stuckness, this immersive retreat provides the time and therapeutic depth needed to reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity.
Why EMDR Intensives?
Unlike traditional weekly therapy, EMDR intensives offer an accelerated, focused format where meaningful progress can often occur in days rather than months. By combining extended sessions with wellness practices, participants experience greater continuity, fewer disruptions, and deeper integration at the end of each day. At Renew Psychotherapy Center, LLC, healing is personal. Our retreat model focuses on choice, cultural humility, and nervous system safety so you feel supported every step of the way.
Retreat Formats (3 - 7 Days)
We offer flexible intensive options tailored to your goals:
🌿 3-Day Intensive
Focused stabilization, targeted processing, and structured integration.
🌊 5-Day Intensive
Deeper trauma processing across multiple targets with extended integration time.
🌅 7-Day Intensive
Comprehensive trauma processing plans include robust resourcing, multi-modal integration, and future template installation.
- Half-day or full-day EMDR blocks
- Scheduled breaks and nervous system regulation
- Integration practices and grounding
- Evening reflection and restorative time
Courses Agenda
Sample 4-Day Retreat
Day 1 – Welcome, Safety, and Connection
Arrival and Check-In
- ›Arrival, welcome packets, grounding space orientation, comfort kits (mints/water/snacks, sensory options)
- ›Choice-based nervous system support menu (oils/scents, movement space, quiet room)
Dinner and Introductions
- ›Community agreements: confidentiality, consent, pacing, cultural humility, choice
Group Discussion + Setting Intentions (Phase 1 continuation)
- ›Clarify retreat intentions and goals
- ›Psychoeducation: What is an EMDR Intensive?
- ›Review intensive structure, client choice, and "window of tolerance" monitoring
- ›Gentle resourcing practice: calm place + container + grounding plan for sleep
Day 2 – Deep Dive into Wellness + Intensive Work
(3M) Meditation, Mindfulness, and Movement (Somatic Regulation)
- ›Breath + gentle movement (option: silent walk/quiet room)
Breakfast
Morning Intensive Block (Phases 2–4) | EMDR Intensive Sessions or Self-Care Track
- ›Option A: Intensive EMDR Track (3–3.5 hrs) – Phase 2: Resourcing/Prep (as needed) – Sensory grounding, RDI, Light Stream, Loving Eyes, Attachment Figures, parts stabilization. Phase 3: Assessment (TICES + Floatback) – Target, image, NC/PC, VoC, emotions, SUD, body sensation. Phase 4: Desensitization – BLS preferences (fast/slow; tappers/visual/auditory). Window-of-tolerance check-ins + grounding breaks. Processing Continuum (Standard → Contained → Restricted) when needed
- ›Option B: Self-Care/Integration Track – Guided resourcing, journaling, nature-based regulation, restorative movement, art-based grounding
Lunch + Gentle Connection
- ›Optional "phase 1 style" relational conversation and integration
Afternoon Integration Block (Multi-Modal) | Group Therapy + Multi-Modal Wellness Workshops
- ›Rotating modules (choose based on group needs): Parts/Ego State/IFS-informed interweaves ("How old does that part feel?" "What did it need?")
- ›Expressive arts for blocks/looping/overwhelm (add BLS: slow for resourcing, fast for processing)
- ›Somatic completion: protective movements, push/run impulses, grounding yoga poses
- ›Cultural awareness and symbols in healing (space for cultural identity, intergenerational themes)
- ›Nervous system skills lab: sensory orienting + comfort kit building
Dinner
Evening Reflection + Closure Practice (Phase 7)
- ›Container/calm place, body-based settling
- ›Psychoeducation: post-processing fatigue, dreams, memory "linking," self-care plan
- ›Optional: quiet time, bath/tea ritual, early rest
Day 3 – Intensive Processing + Installation + Body Scan
Meditation, Mindfulness, and Movement
Breakfast
Morning Intensive Block (Phases 4–6) | EMDR Intensive Sessions or Self-Care Track
- ›Intensive EMDR Track – Continue Phase 4 with structured pacing. When SUD decreases and adaptive shifts emerge → Phase 5: Installation. Strengthen adaptive cognition, increase VoC. Phase 6: Body Scan. Clear residual disturbance or install felt sense of adaptive belief
Lunch
Afternoon Group Integration (Multi-Modal + Meaning-Making) | Group Therapy + Workshops
- ›Sand tray for stuck points, young parts, blocking beliefs (with grounding supports)
- ›Attachment & developmental repair (adult self enters memory; invite younger part into present life)
- ›Somatic integration (movement + BLS as needed)
- ›Relational repair: co-regulation, boundaries, aftercare planning
- ›Optional: therapeutic walk, ocean/forest therapy style practice (as available)
Dinner
Evening Reflection + Closure (Phase 7)
- ›Review "where you started vs. where you are ending today"
- ›Prepare for next-day re-evaluation and/or final closure
Day 4 – Re-Evaluation, Closing, and Transition
Breakfast
Group Therapy + Closing Session
- ›Phase 8: Re-Evaluation – Review changes since Day 3: dreams, insights, new links, residual triggers
- ›Create a 2–4 week aftercare plan – Sleep, hydration, movement, nutrition, emotional supports
- ›Identify future targets for weekly therapy (if applicable)
- ›Closing ritual: gratitude + grounding + next steps
Checkout
Why Choose an EMDR Intensive Instead of Weekly Therapy?
While traditional weekly therapy sessions can be effective, they often involve pauses that interrupt momentum. Many clients find themselves re-orienting at the start of each appointment, navigating life stressors between sessions, and progressing more slowly than they would prefer.
Weekly Therapy May Include:
- Re-orienting at each session
- Life interruptions between appointments
- Slower therapeutic momentum
- Longer overall treatment timelines
EMDR Intensives Provide:
- Greater continuity and immersion
- Extended time to fully process and settle distress
- Reduced start-and-stop disruption
- A structured path for individuals ready to prioritize healing
Outcomes vary by individual history, complexity, and readiness. Temporary symptom activation is possible during trauma processing. These responses are typically part of the brain's natural reprocessing and integration process and are carefully monitored throughout the retreat. We prioritize pacing, nervous system regulation, and structure closure at the end of each day to support stabilization.
What You'll Gain
Clinical & Personal Benefits of an EMDR Intensive
Participants often experience:
- A focused therapeutic setting that supports accelerated insight and healing
- Structured half-day, full-day, or multi-day formats tailored responsibly to readiness
- Reduced interruptions compared to weekly therapy
- Practical tools for grounding, regulation, and resilience
- A supportive environment emphasizing safety, consent, and collaboration
- Personalized pacing based on nervous system capacity (including dissociation considerations)
- Strengthened continuity of care with coordination alongside your ongoing therapist when appropriate
This retreat model is designed to support deep trauma processing while maintaining stability and integration.
Multi-Modal Therapeutic Integration
EMDR is the foundation of our intensive trauma therapy approach. When clinically appropriate, we integrate complementary modalities to enhance emotional regulation, access, and deeper healing.
Trauma-Informed EMDR (All 8 Phases)
Parts Work (IFS-Informed / Ego State Interventions)
Somatic & Nervous System Regulation
Expressive Arts Integration
Sand Tray Therapy (In-Person)
Mindfulness & Meditation
This integrative model supports mind-body wellness and sustainable emotional recovery.
Rediscover Your Strength
Life can feel overwhelming. You may be experiencing:
- Anxiety or depression
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Burnout and emotional exhaustion
- Relationship stress
- Self-doubt or identity transitions
- Grief or loss
- Addiction recovery challenges
At the EMDR Intensive & Wellness Retreat, you will:
- Address the root causes of emotional distress
- Develop sustainable coping and regulation tools
- Restore nervous system balance
- Reconnect with purpose and clarity
- Build resilience and authentic self-leadership
This is trauma healing designed for real transformation.
Key Retreat Highlights
Trauma Recovery
Process past experiences using EMDR Intensive Therapy, somatic practices, and trauma-informed interventions.
Grief & Loss Support
Receive compassionate guidance and space for honoring your healing journey.
Stress & Burnout Recovery
Restore emotional balance through structured regulation tools and holistic wellness practices.
Personal & Couple Growth
Strengthening communication, clarity, and relational resilience in a safe therapeutic environment.
Holistic Wellness
Engage in yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, LENS neurofeedback (when available), energy practices, and ecotherapy.
Nervous System Reset + Skills You Keep
Learn practical regulation tools you can use in real life—sleep, anxiety spikes, triggers, and emotional overwhelm.
Serenity, Adventure & Exploration
Wake Up to Serenity
Experience waterfront calm, ocean views, and immersive nature environments designed to support nervous system restoration.
- Integration and Next Steps
Leave with a personalized integration plan (and optional follow-up support) so your growth continues after you return home.
Nature-Based Healing Experiences
Optional coastal and waterside activities may include:
- Hiking scenic trails
- Paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing
- Wildlife observation
- Ecotherapy grounding practices
- Reflective coastal experiences
Nature becomes an ally in your emotional recovery.
Therapeutic Practices & Wellness
Our retreat integrates evidence-informed therapeutic approaches with holistic wellness practices:
- Eco-art therapy
- Ocean and forest therapy
- Mindful movement
- Breathwork and meditation
- Healing circles
- Reflective integration groups
This is where trauma recovery meets mind-body wellness in a structured, compassionate setting.
Retreat Program Details
Before attending, each participant completes a 90-minute pre-evaluation (virtual or in person). This appointment helps us confirm clinical fit, tailor your retreat plan, and prioritize safety and readiness.
We review:
- Clinical history and trauma background
- Readiness for intensive work and pacing needs
- Dissociation screening
- Nervous system regulation capacity and existing supports
- Aftercare planning and continuity of care
Pre-Evaluation Fee: $250
All participants complete a comprehensive pre-evaluation to assess readiness, stabilization capacity, and appropriateness for intensive trauma processing. To ensure clinical effectiveness and personalized care, we use standardized assessment tools. If the retreat is not clinically appropriate, we will provide referrals to supportive alternatives.
If you proceed, this fee may be credited toward your retreat investment (as outlined in your agreement).
What Are the Next Steps?
Registration includes all-inclusive retreat.
Step 01:
Get in Touch
Email us to learn more—I'll reply within two business days.
Step 02:
Schedule a Chat
Book a call so we can talk about your goals and how the retreat can support you.
Step 03:
Save Your Spot
Reserve your place and get ready for a meaningful, growth-filled retreat experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety measures are in place during the retreat?
Participant safety is our highest priority. Every retreat includes structured clinical oversight and intentional safety planning.
Safety protocols include:
- Comprehensive pre-retreat risk screening
- Individualized stabilization planning
- Daily symptom monitoring and nervous system check-ins
- Structured closure practices at the end of each day
- Clear clinical criteria for pausing or discontinuing trauma processing if needed
Our intensive format is designed to balance deep work with regulation and stabilization.
What happens if someone experiences a mental health emergency?
In the event of a mental health emergency:
- Local emergency services will be contacted immediately
- Identified emergency contacts may be notified (with prior written consent)
- Transfer to a higher level of care may be arranged if clinically necessary
Participants receive location-specific emergency information upon arrival, including nearby medical facilities and emergency procedures.
Can trauma processing be paused if it feels overwhelming?
Is there a deposit required to reserve my space?
What is your cancellation policy?
Full cancellation details are outlined in your signed retreat agreement.
- Cancellations made 150 days or more prior to the start date may receive a partial refund, minus the non-refundable deposit.
- Cancellations made 149 days or fewer prior to the retreat start date are non-refundable, unless due to a documented medical emergency that prevents attendance.
In case of a medical emergency:
- Written documentation from a licensed medical provider is required.
- Refund eligibility will be reviewed in accordance with the signed retreat agreement.
Full cancellation and refund terms are detailed in your retreat contract.
Is the retreat inclusive and affirming?
Yes. We are committed to creating a respectful, culturally responsive, and inclusive healing space.
We welcome participants of all:
- Racial and cultural identities
- Gender identities and expressions
- Sexual orientations
- Spiritual or non-spiritual backgrounds
What accommodations are available?
Accommodations may include:
- Dietary modifications (advance notice required)
- Mobility accessibility considerations (location dependent)
- Sensory-sensitive spaces
- Pronoun and name affirmation
- Cultural considerations in trauma processing
Please discuss any accommodation needs during your pre-evaluation so we can plan responsibly and respectfully.
Are telehealth intensives secure?
Request an Appointment
Step into a space of healing and growth; connect with us today to start your journey towards well-being and thriving relationships.
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