Top 5 Myths About Therapy Intensives (Debunked!)
…..and why this model might be exactly what your clients—and your schedule—are craving.
Let’s be real: when you first hear “therapy intensive,” it can sound a little… intense.
You might wonder:
Isn’t that just for trauma therapists?
Wouldn’t that be too much for clients?
Isn’t weekly therapy more effective?
Totally valid questions. And you’re not alone.
That’s why I want to walk you through the five most common myths I hear about therapy intensives—and what’s actually true about this deeply transformative model.
But first…
What is a therapy intensive?
A therapy intensive is a focused, extended session (or series of sessions) designed to help clients move through stuck points faster and more deeply than they might in traditional weekly therapy.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all model. Intensives can look like:
A half-day EMDR session
A weekend couples retreat
A 3-day burnout recovery intensive
A weeklong trauma healing program
The magic lies in the intentional time, depth, and flexibility—both for you and your clients.
Let’s clear up the biggest misconceptions so you can see what’s possible.
1️⃣ Myth: Intensives are only for EMDR or trauma therapists.
Truth: Intensives are amazing for trauma work—but they’re just as powerful for relational stuck points, anxiety, grief, burnout, life transitions, identity work, and more.
I’ve seen therapists across all kinds of specialties create beautiful, customized intensives that align with their approach and their clients’ needs. If you know how to help clients heal—you can build an intensive around it.
2️⃣ Myth: Clients won’t want to invest that much time or money.
Truth: Many clients prefer intensives—especially busy professionals, parents, or those who want relief now rather than six months from now.
When positioned clearly and with heart, intensives feel like a premium, empowering option. Clients see them as a way to finally break through. They’re not paying for more time—they’re investing in transformation.
3️⃣ Myth: Intensives are too overwhelming—it’s just too much for clients.
Truth: When designed well (and paced with intention), intensives create spaciousness rather than overwhelm.
Think: time to breathe, process, and go deep—without the pressure of the 50-minute clock. You’re still attuning, still scaffolding, still resourcing. It’s just a different rhythm—and one many clients find incredibly supportive.
4️⃣Myth: Weekly therapy is more effective.
Truth: It’s not either/or. Intensives are a powerful complement to weekly therapy—or a meaningful alternative for those who need quick, targeted support.
I’ve had clients say, “I got more clarity in this one day than I did in six months of sessions.” Not because weekly therapy isn’t effective—but because the uninterrupted space allowed us to move differently.
5️⃣ Myth: I don’t have time to figure out how to offer intensives.
Truth: That’s exactly why I created a step-by-step framework to help you launch therapy intensives with clarity and confidence.
The free How to Launch Therapy Intensives Checklist to walk you through the essential steps—from choosing your format, to setting your fee, to making it all feel doable.
👉 Grab the Free Checklist: How to Launch Therapy Intensives
If you’re nodding along and wondering how to actually bring this into your practice, I’ve got a free training that will walk you through everything you need to know:
🎓 Therapy Intensives 101: A Free Training for Therapists
In this training, you’ll learn exactly what therapy intensives are, how they’re structured, and why they’re such a powerful tool for deep, lasting client transformation.
We’ll talk about how this model allows you to serve clients more deeply—while also creating a more sustainable, fulfilling practice for you.
Inside, you’ll discover how therapy intensives can help you:
Earn more while doing deeply meaningful work
Work fewer hours while creating a greater impact
Break free from burnout and insurance-driven models
Offer a premium experience that leads to lasting change for your clients—and yourself
Whether you’re brand new to the idea or already dreaming about shifting your schedule, this free training will give you the clarity, confidence, and next steps to get started.
Your future clients—and your future self—will thank you.
👉 Watch the free training: Therapy Intensives 101
Therapy intensives aren’t just a trend.
They’re a movement toward more freedom, more fulfillment, and more impact—for you and your clients.
And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to explore them… this is it. 💛