How to Prepare for Your Therapy Intensive: A Checklist
Preparing for a therapy intensive can feel like standing at the edge of something both hopeful and unknown. Maybe you’ve done weekly therapy before, or maybe this is your first time working with a trauma-informed therapist. Either way, the idea of diving deep—over the course of several focused hours or days—can feel intimidating.
That’s completely normal.
Therapy intensives offer a powerful space for healing, but it’s also okay to feel unsure about how to get ready. You don’t need to have everything “figured out” to begin. This post is here to gently guide you through the process with a supportive, practical checklist so you can walk into your session (or log on) feeling grounded, informed, and cared for.
What to Expect from a Therapy Intensive
A therapy intensive is a structured, extended therapy experience—often ranging from 3 hours to multiple days—designed to help you move through stuck points more quickly than weekly sessions typically allow.
Unlike weekly therapy, where time may be spent catching up or easing in, intensives allow for deep, sustained focus on your healing goals. You’ll work closely with your therapist using modalities like EMDR, parts work, or coping strategies, with time built in for rest, reflection, and integration.
Being prepared—emotionally, mentally, and logistically—can help you feel safer and more empowered during the process. Let’s walk through what that preparation might look like.
Your Therapy Intensive Prep Checklist
Logistical Prep
Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, taking care of the basics helps create the structure your nervous system needs to settle in and do the work.
✅ Clear your schedule: Block time before and after your session for rest, journaling, or a calming walk. You may feel tender, tired, or reflective afterward. Most people do not want to engage socially or attend events afterwards, but may enjoy connecting with a friend or supportive partner that knows they are doing a therapy intensive after session.
✅ Arrange child care or pet care if needed.
✅ Plan your meals or snacks in advance. Bring that novelty drink. If you’re coming to my Lakewood Dallas office, you have access to a fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee station, and ice/water dispenser in the lobby of my building. I’ll also have snacks in session.
✅ Set your phone to Do Not Disturb during your session.
Mental and Emotional Prep
This is not about being “perfectly ready.” It’s about softening into readiness—with curiosity, not pressure.
✅ Set an intention for your time together: “I want to understand my triggers better” or “I want to feel more connected to myself.” We will explore this in your consultation call, or in your initial session if we plan this before your intensive.
✅ Reflect on what’s been feeling stuck or hard lately.
✅ Know that you don’t need to “perform” or have all the answers—you just need to show up as you are.
✅ Expect to take breaks. Rest and integration are built into the process.
For Online Therapy Intensives (from the comfort of your home)
Creating a supportive space helps signal safety to your body and allows you to stay present during your session.
✅ Choose a private, quiet location where you won’t be interrupted, or worry about others overhearing.
✅ If others are present, use headphones for extra privacy and better sound quality.
✅ Have water, tissues, and a journal nearby.
✅ Consider comfort items like a cozy blanket, essential oils, pets, or grounding/fidget objects (e.g., a smooth stone, stress ball, your fav fidget).
✅ Test your tech: Log on a few minutes early to check your internet connection and Zoom link that I sent in your welcome email. It’s the same link every day of your intensive sessions. You can always text me if you have trouble the day of your online therapy intensive.
For In-Person Sessions at My Lakewood Dallas Office
My therapy space is designed to feel warm, calm, and emotionally safe. You’ll have a couch that you can sit, lounge, or lay on. You’re welcome to take off shoes, grab a blanket, or use provided fidgets (or bring your own). Here’s how to prepare for your visit:
✅ Wear comfortable clothes you can relax in.
✅ Bring your journal or any notes you want to share or reflect on.
✅ Pack snacks or bring your water bottle if you’d like something during breaks. You have access to a fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee station, and ice/water refills in the lobby of my building. I’ll also have snacks in session if you need something. For full day sessions, we break for lunch. Within walking distance, you’ll find restaurants in Lakewood, or are a short drive to restaurants on Lower Greenville.
✅ Allow extra time for traffic or parking so you’re not rushed.
✅ If you’re feeling anxious about coming in, that’s okay—mention it. We’ll go at a pace that feels safe for you.
Why This Preparation Matters
You don’t need to hustle or brace yourself to prepare for a therapy intensive. You just need to slow down enough to listen to what you might need. The act of preparing with care is an act of self-compassion. It tells your nervous system, “We’re ok. We’re doing something important. We’re not alone.”
Ready to Learn More? Let’s Talk.
If you’re curious whether a therapy intensive might be the right next step in your healing journey, I’d love to connect. I offer free consultations to help you explore if this format feels aligned and supportive. This is also a time to ask more questions about how this different format of therapy can work for you.
Schedule your free consultation here
Let’s find the pace and path that works best for you.
