Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an increasingly common therapy used in addiction treatment used to help individuals safely and responsibly combat traumatic experiences that lead to substance abuse and eventual addiction.
When offered alongside other modalities like medically supervised detoxification, group therapy, and one-on-one counseling as part of a comprehensive care program, EMDR can have significantly positive outcomes. Data from Kaiser Permanente indicates that 100 percent of single-trauma sufferers and 77 percent of people impacted by multiple trauma show no diagnosable PTSD following six EMDR sessions.
Additional data from the United States Department of Veterans indicates that EMDR can drastically reduce PTSD symptoms.
What Happens in EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is administered by an experienced and qualified therapist over the course of multiple sessions, the frequency of which depends on patients’ clinical needs, insurance resources, and other factors.
EMDR is broken up into eight stages:
- History Taking
- Client Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body Scan
- Closure of Treatment Results
- Reevaluation of Treatment Results
Each of these stages plays a key role in the efficacy of EMDR. Participants focus on a negative emotion and work with their doctor to reframe it through positive recall accompanied by a corresponding physical sensation, specifically eye movement. The ultimate goal is to have participants be able to move past their trauma without being consumed by it or letting it lead to alcohol or drug abuse.
EMDR is often covered by private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid and can be practiced in a residential or outpatient environment. To learn more about EMDR and to determine whether or not it’s right for you, speak to your doctor or mental health professional and start exploring your options today. EMDR is beneficial in multiple types of trauma, including rape, assault, bullying, eating disorders, and more. Find an EMDR in your community by contacting us today.
EMDR Resources:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A Conceptual Framework
EMDR Drug Rehab Centers
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