Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy used to treat various conditions, including both addiction and mental health disorders. It is specifically helpful in enabling men and women to overcome previous traumatic memories. For those who have traumatic events in their history that continue to impact them today, EMDR therapy in Texas may be the right choice. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer this type of help to you. To learn more, call us today at 866.957.7885.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation to help patients process and heal from trauma.
EMDR is an acronym for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. The therapy was developed in the 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, who found that eye movements could help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories.
This type of therapy has since been extensively researched and has been found to be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
During EMDR therapy, the therapist will guide the patient’s eye movements while the patient recalls a traumatic memory. The therapist will also provide other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones, to help the patient process the memory.
EMDR therapy is usually done in a series of sessions, with each session lasting 60–90 minutes. The number of sessions needed will vary depending on the severity of the trauma.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
One of the best ways to understand how EMDR therapy works is to consider what occurs when a person has a cut on the hand. Physical trauma heals as the body learns of the injury and then works to overcome it by building up new tissue. EMDR therapy helps to enable the brain to do the same thing with the traumatic experiences it has had. This therapy shows that it is possible to heal and overcome the psychological trauma that’s occurred in the same fundamental way as healing of physical trauma.
There are various strategies used in this type of therapy. Generally, there are a few basic principles of this type of treatment:
- The focus is on the past event that created disturbing memories or events.
- Then, it is essential to look at how that past trauma is causing the current stress a person feels now.
- People learn skills and attitudes to overcome the impact past thoughts and actions have had on their future.
- They develop skills for future, more positive outcomes.
Phases of This Treatment Option
There are a total of eight phases for treatment. This process takes some time. Most sessions are 30 to 60 minutes in length, but the therapist can make some changes to fit their needs. This therapy aims not to force the person to relive those painful memories but rather to learn how to overcome the challenges those events are having in today’s world.
During the first phase, a person works to identify what the traumatic event is. Often, it is a single event that can create trauma. The second phase focuses on learning new ways to handle emotional distress. This may include stress reduction and imagery methods.
During the next phases, three through six, a person will work through the therapy process. That will include recognizing a vivid visual image related to the memory, a negative belief about themselves, and the emotions or changes in their body they feel. Then, a person works to identify a positive belief.
During the seventh phase, a person works towards closure. The final session generally examines how much process has been made and what comes next.
Call San Antonio Recovery Center Now
To find out if this is the right way to help yourself overcome the challenges you’re facing, schedule a consultation. This treatment is one of the therapies we offer along with others such as:
- Family therapy programs: In order to help you overcome addiction, we offer family therapy programs. This is because your family is one of the most important support systems you have.
- Behavioral therapy programs: We offer behavioral therapy programs to help you understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your addiction.
- Individual counseling sessions: SARC offers individual counseling sessions to help you work through the emotions and challenges you’re facing.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: We offer cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you learn how to change the way you think about addiction and recovery.
- Holistic therapy services: These help you heal your mind, body, and soul for a more comprehensive recovery.
EMDR therapy is one of the services we offer. If you’re unsure if it is the right fit for your situation, reach out to our team. We can help you overcome the challenges you’re facing. To learn more, contact the compassionate counselors at San Antonio Recovery Center for help. Call us at 866.957.7885 or reach out to us online.
