EMDR therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is a treatment method that helps clients work through stress and emotions relating to trauma. The goal is to work through trauma-based responses that follow an individual every day.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy was originally created to treat PTSD. Therapists also use it to address traumas causing substance use disorder. The therapy targets past trauma memories and reframes how the brain stores them. EMDR therapy does this by focusing on the eye movement behavior when recalling traumatic events or memories. This type of therapy is beneficial for many people because it provides relief without having to verbally recall the trauma or events of the past.
Understanding Adaptive Information Processing
EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, a theory by EMDR creator Francine Shapiro, PhD. It explains how the brain manages ordinary and traumatic memories differently.
In traditional situations, the brain processes memories smoothly, linking them to other stored memories in an organized network. But during distressing or traumatic events, this process can break down. The brain may enter an “offline” mode, disrupting the connection between your senses and how it encodes experiences through language.
Trauma memories are often stored in a way that prevents proper healing. Trauma is like a wound that the brain hasn’t had a chance to mend, leaving it unaware that the danger has passed.
New experiences can trigger old traumatic memories, reinforcing the negative patterns and disrupting the connection between your senses and memory. This repeated disruption can feel like a mental injury, making you more sensitive to anything that reminds you of the traumatic event, similar to how an old physical wound can be tender to the touch.
This process affects not only memories you can consciously recall but also those that have been suppressed. Just as you learn to avoid touching a hot stove because of the pain it causes, your brain may try to push traumatic memories out of awareness. However, this suppression isn’t flawless, meaning the unresolved “wound” can still cause emotional and behavioral difficulties.
EMDR Therapy Timelines
EMDR therapy consists of eight distinct phases. Typically, resolving the emotions tied to a single memory or traumatic event requires between three and six sessions. For prolonged or complex trauma, the process may take eight to twelve sessions or more. The number of sessions depends on the trauma’s severity, duration, and how deeply it’s embedded in memory.
The process begins with a thorough assessment. During this phase, the therapist identifies the themes, memories, or troubling events that need reprocessing. This step is crucial for determining what will be the focus of the therapy. Once a clear picture of the areas requiring attention is formed, the desensitization and reprocessing phase begins. This part of the therapy helps you confront and work through distressing emotions, feelings, bodily sensations, and images tied to the traumatic experience.
After desensitization, the installation phase helps shift focus from negative to empowering, positive beliefs. This key step replaces distress from traumatic memories with healthier, constructive beliefs about yourself and the world.
In the next phase, the therapist checks for any remaining tension or discomfort to ensure emotional and physical reactions to trauma are resolved. They then guide the session into closing and stabilization, using techniques to help you feel grounded and calm. Stabilization ensures you aren’t overwhelmed by lingering emotions or sensations after each session.
Finally, after the initial phases of treatment, reevaluation occurs to see how well the therapy has worked. The therapist may offer continuing care based on the achievement of the initial treatment goals. They aim to ensure that you process the trauma effectively and significantly reduce or eliminate negative symptoms.
Find EMDR Therapy Near You
EMDR therapy is an excellent treatment method for trauma and co-occurring substance use disorder. If you or a loved one struggles with trauma and addiction, seeking help is the first step to recovery. Solution Based Treatment offers compassionate, comprehensive care for both PTSD and addiction challenges. Our team of doctors, therapists, and mental health professionals provides top-quality care.
With the right support, recovery is possible, and a life free from the chains of trauma and addiction awaits. Our 24-hour hotline is always open, ensuring you have access to help whenever you’re ready to take that courageous first step.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.