What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a relatively new form of therapy that is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in treating a range of mental health conditions. Developed in the 1980s, EMDR is now widely used in the treatment of addiction, trauma, anxiety, and other conditions. If you’re considering an EMDR therapy program as a form of treatment, learning more about what to expect in the process can help.
Tree House Recovery’s EMDR therapy program in NC helps clients identify and process trauma that is connected to their addiction. Call 910.812.1728 or reach out to our team online to learn more.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movement, to help patients process traumatic memories and experiences. During a typical EMDR session, the therapist will guide the patient through a series of visual or auditory stimuli while the patient focuses on the experience of the traumatic memory. The goal of EMDR is to help the patient desensitize to the memory, reducing the negative emotional impact it has on their life.
EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating addiction by addressing the underlying traumatic experiences that often contribute to substance abuse. These can include experiences like:
- Traumatic events in childhood or adulthood
- Witnessing someone else’s trauma
- Abandonment or rejection
- Bullying or other forms of abuse
While drugs and alcohol can seem to provide a temporary solution to the emotional pain associated with these experiences, they can also exacerbate the problem. EMDR therapy can help clients address the root cause of their addiction in a safe and supportive environment.
What to Expect from an EMDR Therapy Session
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, you may be wondering what a typical session looks like. During the first session, the therapist will gather information about your life history, including any traumatic experiences you may have had. In subsequent sessions, the therapist will guide you through the EMDR process, using bilateral stimulation to help you process the traumatic memories and associated emotions. While the process can be intense, many patients find it to be a cathartic and healing experience.
Your therapist will likely ask you to keep a journal in between sessions to help track any changes or progress that you experience. This will also give them an idea of what aspects of the EMDR therapy process may need more focus in future sessions.
Benefits of EMDR
In addition to its effectiveness in treating addiction and trauma-related conditions, EMDR therapy has a number of other benefits. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR can help patients process traumatic memories more quickly, reducing the overall length of treatment. Additionally, EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Finally, EMDR therapy can also be a helpful tool for achieving personal growth and self-awareness, even if you haven’t experienced trauma or addiction.
Contact Tree House Recovery for EMDR Therapy That Makes a Difference
EMDR therapy is a powerful form of treatment that can help you process traumatic experiences, overcome addiction, and achieve personal growth. If you’re considering EMDR therapy, be sure to choose a licensed and experienced therapist who can guide you through the process safely and effectively.
At Tree House Recovery, our team of experienced therapists offers a range of evidence-based treatments, including EMDR therapy, to help our clients achieve lasting recovery and personal growth. Our approach to treatment involves community support and holistic treatment plans that meet our clients where they are. Contact us today at 910.812.1728 or reach out to our team online to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.