EMDR Intensives in Private Practice: Early Evidence for a Feasible and Effective Model of Care

Emily Incledon

Abstract

Introduction: 

EMDR Intensives are gaining international attention as an efficient and effective delivery format. Studies across inpatient, outpatient and online settings demonstrate strong effects in reducing PTSD symptoms (Bongaerts et al., 2002; Matthijssen et al., 2024), with emerging evidence supporting their use for other conditions (Hafkemeijer et al., 2023). However, little is known about how this model translates to private practice in Australia, where service delivery contexts and client populations differ from research and public sector settings.

Objective: 

This pilot explored whether EMDR Intensives can be feasibly, safely and effectively delivered within private practice, and how clients experience this model of care.

Methods: 

Twelve clients with transdiagnostic presentations completed a 9.5-hour EMDR Intensive. Using a mixed-methods design, demographic characteristics and readiness measures were collected alongside standardised outcomes (DASS-21; PCL-5) administered pre-treatment and one-week follow-up. The ACE-Q assessed childhood adversity and the MID-60 screened for dissociation. A feedback survey captured client perceptions of preparedness, satisfaction and overall experience.

Results: 

Of 12 clients, 67% had subclinical PCL-5 scores, 90% had no or mild dissociation, and 63% reported high childhood adversity (≥4 ACEs). Among those with full data, 63% showed clinically significant reductions on the DASS-21 and 71% on the PCL-5. No participants showed symptom worsening. Feedback indicated high satisfaction, preparedness and perceived value of the intensive format.

Conclusions: 

Preliminary findings suggest EMDR Intensives are feasible, safe and acceptable to deliver in private practice, producing meaningful symptom reductions across diverse clinical presentations. Further research should examine longer-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Biography

Dr Emily Incledon is a Clinical Psychologist and EMDRAA-accredited EMDR Consultant based in Melbourne. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has extensive experience delivering trauma-focused therapy across public and private settings. Emily provides EMDR therapy and EMDR Intensives through her private practice, supporting clients with complex PTSD, PTSD, and adjustment following injury or illness. She also serves on the Clinical Panel at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), contributing to best-practice trauma rehabilitation.

Emily’s clinical interests include EMDR Intensives, therapist training and consultation, and the translation of innovative evidence-based trauma treatments into private practice settings. She is passionate about improving accessibility to effective trauma therapy and building the evidence base for intensive EMDR delivery within Australia’s healthcare system.