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What is EMDR Therapy?

The world of addiction and recovery is riddled with different forms of therapy as a one-size-fit-all approach has not yet been identified. Among these are therapies that can help the addict recover as well as those that may help them heal from trauma.

 

An EMDR treatment program can be effective in treating addiction, particularly when it is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Let’s take a deep dive and see how.

What Is Trauma?

The first step to understanding EMDR therapy is to understand trauma. Trauma is defined as the response to a deeply stressful event that is difficult to cope with. As a result of this traumatic event, the victim may feel helpless, insecure, and discomfort in general.

Individuals are capable of tolerating traumatic events to varying degrees. Some people may experience it as simply as the breakup of a loved one. Other people, however, may suffer from something more serious like being victimized by violence.

It’s because everyone has a different threshold for pain and suffering, and we react differently to situations.

What is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Help Recovery?

EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a common treatment program for those who are struggling with addiction and trauma. The treatment program has increasingly gained popularity since it was originally developed in the 1980s to help people struggling with PTSD.

 

The idea behind EMDR is that it helps the brain process and reframe traumatic memories in a positive way. In other words, it’s like hacking your emotions to replace unpleasant and traumatic feelings with good ones.

 

Research shows that EMDR therapy is particularly effective in treating clients with dual diagnoses 

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

During an EMDR treatment program session, clients will work with their therapist to engage in a series of eye movements, guided imagery, and other techniques designed to reprocess negative memories. 

 

For example, Let’s say you’ve struggled with alcohol addiction for many years and this has caused traumatic events in your life that contributed to your addiction.

 

EMDR therapy for addiction would involve recalling specific memories related to your addiction while focusing on external stimuli, such as eye movements or tapping. As you do this, the therapist may guide you through different stages of the therapy process. These can include identifying negative beliefs or emotions associated with their addiction and replacing them with positive ones.

 

Over time, you may find that their cravings for alcohol diminish and they are better able to resist the urge to drink. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the nature of a session can vary depending on whether or not the client is also struggling with a dual diagnosis. 

 

When an individual is suffering from trauma as well as mental or addiction issues, the therapist may need to adapt their approach to support their recovery. While EMDR sessions may differ from one another, their ultimate purpose remains the same: to help clients heal from trauma.

EMDR Dual Diagnosis

As a cutting-edge tool, EMDR dual diagnosis therapy is gaining popularity in mental health. The program is particularly helpful for those with dual diagnoses, where mental illness is accompanied by addiction or substance abuse.

Data agrees that EMDR dual diagnosis treatment is highly effective in treating the primary conditions that lead to dual diagnosis, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

As a non-invasive and evidence-based therapy, EMDR has helped countless individuals heal and recover.

EMDR Treatment For Addicrtion

By taking advantage of an EMDR treatment program, you can begin to experience big boosts in your self-esteem and start living a more fulfilling life mentally and emotionally. 

With the help of  90210 Recovery’s knowledgeable staff and resources on EMDR therapy, clients can feel confident in their journey toward sustained sobriety. 

If you would like to learn more about this powerful treatment or any other treatment options at 90210 Recovery Center contact us today!

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