EMDR intensives for adults

Space to understand
what you carry.

And begin to experience something different.

Sometimes you understand why you feel the way you do, yet the feelings remain. EMDR therapy offers a way to work with the experiences underlying these patterns—with preparation, support, and a pace shaped around you.

Begin with a conversation ↗

In-person care · Guilford, Connecticut

Sarah Schwanfelder smiling outdoors

SARAH SCHWANFELDER, LCSW

Meet Sarah

A relationship with room for all of you.

I’m Sarah Schwanfelder, a licensed clinical social worker in Guilford, Connecticut. I have worked exclusively with adults since 2015, following earlier work with children and families.

I believe meaningful therapeutic work begins in a relationship where you feel heard, respected, and able to be yourself. Together, we make room for your experiences with curiosity and compassion—including the protective responses that may once have helped you get through difficult circumstances.

My training and clinical focus

I have completed EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training and am actively pursuing EMDRIA certification. Through ongoing consultation, mentoring, and continuing education, I am deepening my specialization in EMDR for adults with CPTSD.

My work focuses on how early and repeated experiences of disconnection, unmet emotional needs, or feeling unsafe in relationships can shape our sense of self and our capacity for closeness. Together, we attend to the emotional, physical, and protective responses these experiences leave behind, integrating EMDR with somatic practices, parts-informed work, and nervous system education.

A supportive therapeutic relationship is central to this process, with space to build trust and move at a pace that feels manageable.

EMDR basic training and EMDRIA certification are distinct milestones. Certification is an additional credential that I am currently pursuing.

When the past remains present

Understanding the patterns beneath the pain.

Trauma can arise from a single event or repeated experiences of feeling unsafe, unseen, or emotionally alone. Relational and developmental trauma can affect how we experience ourselves and connect with others.

You may recognize:

  • A persistent sense of shame or not being enough.
  • Fear of rejection, abandonment, or disappointing someone.
  • Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in close relationships.
  • Pleasing others while losing touch with your own needs.
  • Feeling overwhelmed, on alert, numb, or disconnected.

For some people, closeness itself can feel overwhelming. Being seen, needing someone, setting a boundary, or sensing distance can bring up intense distress. We approach these experiences gently, with attention to trust, choice, and your capacity to stay present.

About EMDR

Helping experience become part of the past.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy that works with distressing experiences and the beliefs, emotions, and physical responses connected to them.

The aim is not to erase memories. It is to help them become less distressing and more integrated into your life, so they have less influence over how you feel and respond today.

How processing works

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model proposes that the brain naturally makes sense of experiences and learns from them. Overwhelming experiences may interrupt this process, leaving emotions, sensations, or beliefs easily activated in the present.

EMDR is designed to support further processing and connection with what you know now.

Dual attention

EMDR is not hypnosis. Part of your attention is on an internal experience, while part remains connected to your therapist, the room, and the present moment.

Processing may include guided eye movements, alternating taps, or other bilateral stimulation. You can pause, ask questions, or stop at any time.

Preparation matters

We begin by building resources, understanding your responses to distress, and identifying what helps you feel supported.

There is no expectation to move into memory processing before you are ready. Your needs guide the pace.

My integrated approach

Working with the whole experience.

Somatic awareness

Some experiences show up as a felt sense, tension, or an impulse to withdraw rather than a clear story. We notice these responses with care, using grounding, orienting, gentle movement, or awareness of physical support.

You do not need a complete narrative to begin. We work with what you notice now, without trying to uncover or reconstruct memories.

Parts-informed work

One part of you may long for connection while another pulls away. One may want change while another feels afraid.

We approach these protective responses with curiosity, exploring their purpose and what they need rather than treating them as obstacles.

Nervous system education

Understanding heightened alertness, shutdown, and disconnection can help you recognize your responses with less self-blame.

Together, we develop practical resources for grounding, emotional steadiness, boundaries, and a greater sense of choice.

EMDR intensives

Dedicated time.
Individualized care.

An intensive is an extended therapy session that offers more time for focused work than a traditional weekly appointment.

This time may include understanding your history, identifying goals, developing resources, processing selected experiences, and integrating what emerges.

An intensive is not about pushing through distress. Meaningful work may involve building safety, understanding protective responses, or strengthening your ability to remain present before moving into memory processing.

Could this format fit your needs?

You may want dedicated time for a recurring pattern, find it difficult to settle into deeper work during shorter appointments, or continue to feel activated despite gaining insight in therapy.

An initial conversation and assessment help us consider whether an intensive is appropriate for you.

What to expect

A thoughtful process, together.

An initial conversation

We discuss what brings you to therapy, what you hope will change, and whether my approach may be a good fit.

Assessment and preparation

We explore your history, current supports, and responses to distress, then develop a plan and resources together.

Individualized therapeutic work

Sessions may integrate EMDR processing, somatic awareness, parts-informed exploration, and resource development. You do not have to share every detail of an experience.

Integration and follow-up

We return attention to the present, reflect on the session, and discuss support afterward. Further sessions or coordination with your therapist may be recommended, with your permission.

Your questions

A little more clarity.

Do I need a clear memory to benefit from EMDR?

Not always. We can begin with a present-day trigger, emotion, belief, or physical response and assess how best to approach it. We do not force memories or assume a sensation proves something happened.

Will I have to relive everything?

EMDR involves attending to aspects of distressing experiences, which can bring up strong feelings. Preparation, pacing, and ongoing communication help us work within your capacity. You can pause at any time.

Can I continue seeing my regular therapist?

In some cases, intensives can complement ongoing therapy. We discuss whether this makes clinical sense and, with your written permission, coordinate care.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies with your goals, history, circumstances, and response to treatment. We discuss expectations and reassess together. A specific outcome or timeline cannot be guaranteed.

What are the session lengths, fees, and payment options?

Please call to discuss the current intensive format, fees, and applicable payment or insurance arrangements before scheduling.

Take the next step

Begin with a conversation.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We can begin with what feels difficult now.

Call 406-260-2254 ↗

Sarah Schwanfelder, LCSW
133 State Street
Guilford, CT 06437