FOR ONGOING & ADJUNCT CLIENTs
Intensive EMDR Therapy in Redondo Beach
At Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, Intensive EMDR therapy is offered in a 2-hour format, providing more space for reprocessing and deeper healing, with sessions available in Redondo Beach or online throughout the South Bay as part of ongoing therapy or as a stand-alone adjunct option.
BASED IN REDONDO BEACH, CA
What is Intensive EMDR?
Intensive EMDR offers an extended format for those who want to engage in deeper processing within a shorter period of time. Instead of the traditional 50-minute session, intensives are scheduled in longer blocks — typically two hours — allowing the work to flow without interruption.
This structure gives clients space to stay with the process longer, move through more material in one sitting, and end sessions with a greater sense of completion. For some, intensives provide the focused time needed to move through distress that feels too big or complex for standard weekly sessions.
How It Works
Intensive EMDR is ideal for clients who prefer a more immersive pace or who want to address specific issues with added focus. Sessions are scheduled based on individual goals and readiness, offering flexibility while maintaining safety and grounding throughout.
Many clients find that the intensive format helps them experience meaningful shifts more quickly, supporting emotional regulation, clarity, and integration between sessions. Whether scheduled periodically or as part of ongoing therapy, this approach allows for deeper engagement in the EMDR process while respecting your natural rhythm for healing.
HEALING TAKES TIME
With extended sessions, there’s space to go deeper, process more fully, and move forward with greater ease.
common concerns
Intensive EMDR Therapy Can Help With
Disturbing images or memories
Distressing sensations or emotions
Specific situations that feel triggering
Lingering negative beliefs about yourself or the world
Anxiety and fear tied to past, present, or anticipated future experiences
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
Nightmares or sleep disturbances
Shame, guilt, or self-blame connected to past events
Avoidance of places, people, or activities
Loss, grief, or unresolved sadness
Performance anxiety or fear of failure
Phobias and specific fears
Feeling “stuck” in old patterns or cycles
Emotional numbness or disconnection
Panic attacks or sudden waves of fear
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8 Phases
EMDR therapy follows eight structured phases that provide a clear roadmap for healing. At the same time, the process isn’t always linear—you may move back and forth between phases depending on your readiness and what comes up in session.
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BLS Options
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) to help the brain process experiences more effectively. BLS can be done in different ways—such as eye movements, tapping, or sound—and your therapist will work with you to find the option that feels most comfortable and supportive.
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Schedule As Needed
Intensive EMDR sessions can be integrated into ongoing therapy or added as adjunct work. They can be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or as often as feels right, giving you the flexibility to move at your own pace. The exact number of EMDR sessions needed for complete relief varies.
Catherine alvarado, lmft & associates
Intensive EMDR in the South Bay
At Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, our therapists provide Intensive EMDR therapy in extended two-hour sessions, creating more room to process difficult experiences and support lasting healing. These sessions offer the chance to slow down, go deeper, and give each client the focused attention they need.
Our team draws on trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches, blending EMDR with mindfulness, somatic awareness, and cognitive strategies. This integrative style helps clients release stuck patterns, reframe painful memories, and strengthen their capacity for resilience.
Intensive EMDR is available both in our Redondo Beach office and online across California, making it easy to access care in a way that fits each person’s needs. Whether added to ongoing therapy or chosen as a stand-alone option, Intensive EMDR provides a meaningful path forward for those ready to do deeper work.
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Catherine Alvarado, LMFT 134744
OWNER & CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Catherine is a Licensed Therapist in Redondo Beach and an EMDR Certified Therapist & Consultant in Training who specializes in anxiety, trauma, and EMDR therapy for teens and adults. Learn More
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Emily Feldt Shabel, AMFT 151325
SUPERVISED BY CATHERINE ALVARADO, LMFT 134744
Emily is a registered associate therapist in Redondo Beach, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy for relationships, self-esteem, and creative professionals. Learn More
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Monika Arana, AMFT 140548
SUPERVISED BY CATHERINE ALVARADO, LMFT 134744
Monika is a registered associate therapist in Redondo Beach, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy for trauma, inner child work, and nervous system regulation. Learn More
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