Preparing for your intensive
Arriving with care.
Here's some general information about what happens before your intensive, what's provided, and what you're welcome to bring. Anything more specific to you is something we can explore together during your 45-minute call.
Before you arrive
What happens between your call and Monday morning.
Reserving your dates
If an intensive feels like the right fit for you, a deposit reserves your week.
Your guidebook arrives
It explains how the week unfolds. You're welcome to read it at your own pace, all at once or a little at a time.
A check-in about your comfort
Vanessa will reach out to ask about snacks and beverages you enjoy, so they're ready when you arrive, and about anything else that might help you feel more comfortable in the space. You'll also receive a guide to nearby eateries for lunch.
Your intensive begins
Intensives run Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. If you're traveling, the Visiting Lancaster guide has information that may help with planning.
What's provided
Some things will be ready for you.
- Snacks and beverages chosen with your preferences in mind, based on your check-in beforehand
- A guide to nearby eateries, shared before you arrive, for lunch during the week
- A quiet, private space, prepared for your week
- Your preparation guidebook, sent once your dates are reserved
What you're welcome to bring
Anything that helps you feel at home.
- Comfortable clothing, whatever feels easiest to wear for a full day
- Comfort items, such as a favorite blanket, a pillow, or meaningful objects or symbols
- Lunch, if you'd like. There's no fridge or microwave on site, so something that keeps well works best. Many people choose a nearby eatery from the guide instead
- Anything you usually need during the day, such as glasses or personal items
- A journal, if writing appeals to you, though it's entirely optional
How you spend the rest of your week, including your evenings, is entirely yours to decide. You already know a great deal about what you need.
The people in your life
Whether and how you share is your choice.
Some people tell family, friends, or chosen family about their intensive. Some tell only a colleague or two, and some keep it entirely private. Some people are estranged from family or simply prefer not to share. All of these are okay.
If you'd like to let anyone know you'll be less available that week, a short note is plenty, and you never owe anyone details. If it would help, here's one possibility you're welcome to change in any way:
"I'm taking a week for my health. I'll be less available than usual, and I'll be in touch when I can."
If there's someone you'd like to include, you're welcome to share our page for partners, family, and friends. Whether you share it is entirely up to you.
Common questions
About preparing for your intensive.
Do I need to prepare what I'll talk about?
No. There's no need to plan what to say or bring a written history. The 45-minute call and the preparation guidebook help shape the focus together, and the work moves at the pace your nervous system sets.
Will there be snacks and drinks?
Yes. Before your intensive, Vanessa will check in about snacks and beverages you enjoy, so they're ready for you during the week.
What about lunch?
You're welcome to bring your own lunch. There's no fridge or microwave on site, so something that keeps well at room temperature, or in a small cooler, works best. Many people choose a nearby eatery instead, and you'll receive a guide to local options before you arrive.
What can I bring?
You're welcome to wear comfortable clothing and bring anything that helps you feel at ease, such as a favorite blanket, a pillow, or meaningful objects or symbols. A journal is welcome too, if writing appeals to you.
What if I feel nervous before I arrive?
That's very common, and it makes sense. Many people feel a mix of hope and nervousness before an intensive, and whatever you're feeling is welcome. The first morning begins gently, with time to settle in.
When might I arrive in Lancaster?
Intensives begin Monday at 9am. If you're traveling, some people like arriving Sunday evening so they have time to settle, while others prefer to drive in that morning. Whatever works best for you is fine.
This page shares general information about the intensive format and isn't individualized clinical advice. Anything specific to you can be explored together during your 45-minute call.
Everything begins with a conversation.
If you haven't yet, a complimentary 45-minute call is a chance to explore together whether an intensive feels right, with no obligation.
If you're in crisis or don't feel safe right now, you can call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time of day.