Intensive Healing Retreats
What is Intensive Therapy?
Intensive therapy offers a concentrated approach to mental health treatment. Unlike regular therapy, which typically involves weekly sessions over an extended period, intensive therapy compresses a significant amount of therapeutic work into a shorter timeframe, often spanning a few days to a few weeks. This immersive format allows for deeper exploration and more rapid progress, providing a focused environment for individuals to address complex issues such as trauma, addiction, severe anxiety and more.
Intensive therapy sessions are usually longer enabling therapists to employ a range of techniques and interventions that promote profound and lasting change. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals needing immediate relief or those seeking a breakthrough after limited progress with traditional therapy methods.
In my experience, combining both an intensive approach with holistic approaches (looking at physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health) creates a highly effective approach that sees the person as a whole instead of treating parts or symptoms.
Is Intensive Therapy Suitable For Me?
For most people, the intensive therapeutic approach is a ‘no-brainer’: the knowledge that they can experience relief in 1-3 weeks instead of 6-12 months is enough to get them excited and on board. For others, there may be barriers such as certain health factors and logistical issues.
I can help you decide which approach is most suited to you. We will spend time considering the pros and cons of each approach in the context of your lifestyle, resources and other life demands.
For an intensive approach, depending on your needs and treatment goals, you may need to take a minimum of 5 days and up to 4 weeks off from work. Dedicating a short block of time to your treatment, allows you to experience rapid results, greater focus, and higher levels of motivation and determination. Additionally, my clients report feeling grateful that they do not have to rush to work or other responsibilities after a challenging therapeutic session. They can unwind, relax and integrate the incredible work they have done without interruptions or competing demands.
Although it can be challenging to rearrange your schedule, request leave from work, or organise support for your family in your absence, you must also consider what not doing so can mean for you and your well-being, Taking time to consider the pros and cons and prioritising your health can support your decision making.
Which Therapeutic Approaches can be delivered intensively?
In my practice, I love intensively delivering EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Neurofeedback. In my professional experience, I have had the most impact and results when I use these methods in concentrated doses over 2-4 weeks than when done slowly across 6-12 months.
In addition to the primary treatment modalities of EMDR, Schema Therapy and Neurofeedback, I may also integrate other secondary approaches that will complement the intensive work you will be doing including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Somatic Work, compassion-focused therapy and more. The goal is to give you the best possible outcome at a pace that feels achievable and realistic for you.
Bessel van der Kolk, one of the leading experts on trauma treatment, supports the idea of immersive therapy. He underscores the need for trauma treatments that go beyond traditional talk therapy to include body-based approaches, such as EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback. These methods are particularly effective when applied in concentrated, short-term settings, as they allow for deep, focused work on traumatic memories and their physiological impacts. Van der Kolk's work shows that intensive, short-term therapies can help reprocess traumatic memories and restore a sense of safety and control in a relatively brief timeframe (Verywell Mind) (Bessel van der Kolk, MD.).
Choosing Intensive Therapy Retreats by Zahra.
I know that choosing the right therapist, service and approach is key to having successful outcomes. Below are some valuable points to support you in making your decision.
Various accommodation packages to choose from - Basic, Premium and Luxury.
Access to holistic health professionals including yoga teachers, breathwork and meditation gurus, massage therapists, acupuncture, energy healing and more.
Extensive support from the retreat support team to address your day-to-day needs whilst in treatment
Access to the medical team (Psychiatrist and GP where necessary and required)
Contact Zahra and the team to receive a tailored quote in line with your needs.
time effective
Solutions-Focused
Serene Location
Rapid Results
Holistic Care
time effective Solutions-Focused Serene Location Rapid Results Holistic Care
