a woman takes advantage of a EMDR therapy programOne contributing factor for substance use disorders can be past trauma. Unresolved trauma can make a full recovery seem virtually impossible. If you are struggling with a stubborn addiction that has not responded to previous treatments, you may want to consider trying an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy program and our addiction treatment therapies.

At Olympic Behavioral Health, we understand that it takes more than mere willpower to overcome addiction. Underlying issues such as trauma need to be treated appropriately for effective addiction treatment. Our eye movement desensitization and reprocessing program in Boynton Beach, FL provides a unique method of healing from trauma to support your recovery. Give us a call today at 844.983.3916 to learn how EMDR can help you reclaim the healthy, sober lifestyle you deserve.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a form of psychotherapy created to help clients process and heal from trauma. One of the key features of EMDR is its ability to help people move past trauma much faster than traditional psychotherapy methods, which can take years. Faster healing also makes EMDR ideal for addiction therapy programs since these are often shorter-term programs.

As the name suggests, EMDR involves using specific eye movements to desensitize you to the pain and memories of trauma and help you reprocess the event with a healthier perspective. Here is an overview of how an EMDR session may work:

  • You will discuss with your therapist any past stressful events or current situations that are causing you distress.
  • Your therapist will introduce various techniques to decrease your stress response, including imagery and relaxation exercises.
  • A specific memory will be chosen, and you will be instructed to visualize it as vividly as possible. Additionally, you will note a corresponding negative belief, emotion, and physical sensation associated with the memory.
  • While imagining the pain and discomfort of this memory, you will be guided through various eye movements, tracking your therapist’s hand or another object.
  • Your therapist will guide you through this exercise several times, checking in with you to gauge your emotional response to the memory. With each round, this exercise will decrease the discomfort you feel from the traumatic event.
  • After your session, you will keep a journal to record any symptoms that remain or other memories that come to the surface. These will be used to guide your next session.

How Can an EMDR Therapy Program Support Your Recovery?

Although you may not fully understand how specific eye movements while recalling negative events can help you heal from them, you can still benefit immensely from an EMDR therapy program. Many clients at addiction treatment centers find that EMDR helps by:

  • Decreasing anxiety and fear
  • Decreasing cravings for drugs and alcohol
  • Improving stress management skills
  • Increasing confidence and a sense of control over one’s life
  • Relieving negative emotions associated with traumatic events
  • Reducing the impact of triggers
  • Reducing the recurrence of flashbacks

While EMDR therapy can be highly effective for helping you heal and move on from trauma, it’s only one part of a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. Traditional substance abuse treatments paired with addiction therapy programs provide the most thorough treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions like trauma.

Olympic Behavioral Health: Heal from Trauma with Our EMDR Therapy Program in Boynton Beach, FL

At Olympic Behavioral Health, we recognize how trauma can keep you stuck in a cycle of negative beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors. You no longer have to be a victim of past trauma. With our EMDR therapy program in Boynton Beach, FL, you can overcome the trauma and addiction that has been interfering with your happiness. Call us today at 844.983.3916 to start taking back control of your life.