If you are struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Addiction is a serious disease that affects millions of people in the United States. Thankfully, there are treatment options available that can help you recover from addiction and live a healthy, happy life.
One treatment option that is gaining popularity is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. But how does EMDR therapy work? Prairie Recovery is here to answer that question and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Our EMDR therapy program can help you heal the underlying causes of your addiction and give you the tools you need to stay sober. Call us at 844.979.4310 to learn more.
What Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy therapy that was initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it is now being used to treat other conditions, such as addiction. EMDR therapy is based on the idea that our brains are able to heal from trauma and negative experiences just like our bodies do.
When we experience a traumatic event, our brains can get “stuck” on that event, and we relive it over and over again. This can lead to symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks. EMDR therapy is designed to help “unstick” these memories and help the brain to process them in a healthy way.
EMDR Therapy and Addiction Treatment
Addiction is often caused by trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, or a traumatic event that occurred in adulthood. These traumatic experiences can lead to negative beliefs about oneself, such as “I am not worthy” or “I am not good enough.” These beliefs can fuel addiction as individuals turn to substances to numb the pain or escape from reality.
EMDR therapy and addiction treatment can help to address these underlying issues and help individuals to heal the trauma that is at the root of their addiction. This therapy can also help to break the cycle of addictive behaviors and give individuals the tools they need to stay sober.
EMDR Therapy and Mental Health Treatment
EMDR therapy can also be used to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. This therapy can help to reduce the symptoms of these conditions and help individuals to live a more balanced and healthy life.
EMDR therapy and mental health treatment are often used together. The length of treatment will depend on the individual and the severity of their symptoms.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
So how does EMDR therapy work? EMDR therapy is conducted in sessions with a trained therapist where you will be asked to focus on a specific memory or event that is causing you distress. While you focus on this memory, the therapist will guide your eyes in a specific pattern.
EMDR therapy uses a combination of eye movements, sound, or touch to help the brain process memories. EMDR therapy consists of eight phases. History taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and re-evaluation.
This eye movement is designed to help the brain process memory in a healthy way. The therapist will also help you to identify any negative beliefs that you have about yourself that might be contributing to your addiction or mental health disorder.
The sessions can be emotional, but they are also designed to be safe and supportive. You will never be asked to do anything that you are not comfortable with, and you will always be in control of the therapy process.
Find Help and Support at Prairie Recovery Center
If you are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, Prairie Recovery Center is here to help. We offer a variety of treatment options, including EMDR therapy, that can help you heal the underlying causes of your condition and give you the tools you need to live a fulfilling life.
EMDR therapy is a safe, effective treatment for addiction and other mental health conditions.
Contact us today at 844.979.4310 to learn more.