EMDR Treatment Can Help with Overcoming PTSD

EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Through extensive research, this integrative approach to psychotherapy has proven effective for treating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

After surviving a traumatic event, a person may develop PTSD. This condition can trigger debilitating feelings of distress and interfere with a person’s life in multiple ways. In many cases, EMDR is recommended as a treatment for individuals who are living with PTSD. 

EMDR involves a set of standardized protocols and incorporates elements from many other treatment approaches. It can help treat a wide range of mental health concerns that can range from PTSD to phobias, stress, disturbing memories, panic attacks, and relapse prevention for those in substance abuse recovery. 

Trauma Can Influence Addiction (And Treatment) 

People who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction may have also experienced trauma in their past. The aftereffects of the trauma can result in PTSD and influence a person’s likelihood to self-medicate or self-soothe with these substances. 

During a treatment assessment, a person who struggles with PTSD and addiction may receive a dual diagnosis. This approach concerns both treating the maladaptive substance abuse behaviors and helping the person heal from past traumatic experiences that could be interfering with their efforts in recovery. 

In a situation like this, the trauma will typically be addressed before the substance use. EMDR is one of the most consistently proven treatment methods for helping people reprocess their experiences to prevent these painful memories from interfering with one’s quality of life. 

How EMDR Works 

EMDR therapy is completed solely through a visual stimulation process with no additional medication required. The person undergoing the treatment completes a multi-phase process that includes: 

  • Patient history intake and planning treatment 
  • Preparation with the therapist administering the treatment
  • Assessment of triggering memories that produce feelings of distress
  • Desensitization while performing guided eye movements 
  • Installation of positive affirmations in place of distressing thoughts 
  • Reevaluation of progress while monitoring vital indicators (body scan) 
  • Closure of treatment process with continuing coaching on stress reduction and managing feelings of distress 
  • Reevaluation to determine if further sessions are still needed 

Our Approach to EMDR Counseling 

EMDR can provide positive benefits to a variety of patients. However, it is not always suitable for every situation. During your assessment with us, our team will determine if EMDR should be integrated into your overall treatment plan. 

Our trauma-informed EMDR specialists are certified to practice EDMR to the highest professional standards and take great care in providing this service to others. It is our goal to help you reach recovery and enjoy a life free from both trauma and substances. 

Learn More About EMDR Treatment in South Florida 

Are you or someone you know struggling with symptoms of PTSD in addition to substance abuse issues? If so, help is available and you do not have to go through it alone. To get more information on our services, call (844) 999-0874 anytime or contact us online.