Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a breakthrough therapy that mental health practitioners increasingly use to help those struggling with anxiety, stress, and trauma. EMDR therapy is becoming more and more popular as a part of an integrated treatment and wellness plan for those in recovery from substance abuse and addiction. Past trauma is often a factor in why people turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. To break the cycle of abuse and help those with addictions learn healthy coping mechanisms to use in sober life, EMDR therapy can help you deal with core issues that lead to negative thoughts and problematic behaviors. Reach out to Fresh Start today at 833.625.0398 to speak with a trained representative about the benefits of our EMDR therapy program for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Dual Diagnosis and Addiction
Individuals with substance abuse disorders are often also struggling with mental health issues. Too often, these mental health issues are not properly addressed. Clients often need a dual diagnosis for a co-occurring mental health issue that has led them to turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
Once a client has established a relationship with their therapist, it can be determined if you are a good candidate for EMDR therapy. EMDR involves specific tools and techniques to help clients open up about traumatic events in their past. Together, the therapist and client work on reducing the stress and anxiety surrounding these past traumas that may have resulted in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR Therapy in Practice
In EMDR therapy sessions, clients address past experiences that have resulted in trauma. Clients work with their therapist to create a treatment plan. EMDR treatments are usually eight sessions.
EMDR techniques help rewire your brain so that memories of traumatic events no longer relive those events as if they are occurring in real-time. This act of “reliving” is a primary factor in what we commonly mean when we talk about PTSD.
When it comes to trauma, it’s important to remember that the body keeps score. A person may not realize that it was traumatic at the time of an event or incident. Therapy can help clients unlock these memories and put them in perspective. Through EMDR therapy, clients can break down complex traumatic memories and learn tactics to desensitize. EMDR helps clients begin the healing process to move forward with their lives and have healthier relationships.
Signs of Trauma and PTSD
Common signs that you or someone you care about experienced trauma and may have PTSD can include:
- Loss of interest in activities
- Social isolation
- Easily startled
- Sense of being constantly on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Frequent nightmares
- Prone to angry outbursts
- Engaging in problematic behaviors
- Avoiding certain places
- Not wanting to discuss specific events
- Sensitivity discussing certain possessions
Resilience is a psychological term used to measure how individuals “bounce back” from traumatic experiences. Those with high resilience are better able to get back to everyday life when they encounter challenges of everyday life and difficult personal losses and traumatic events. Those with low resilience struggle to move forward when encountering difficulties or triggering situations. People with low resilience find it particularly difficult to manage losses and traumatic events in their lives.
EMDR can help those with low resilience overcome stress and anxiety in response to difficult life situations. In all of Fresh Start’s recovery programs, clients learn life skills that help improve resilience so that when they encounter a trigger, it does not send them spiraling out of control.
Improving resilience can be difficult. Having a strong safety net, including supportive friends family members, or engaging with local support groups, can make a huge impact. Developing and maintaining positive and healthy coping strategies to manage traumatic experiences makes dealing with old traumas easier and can help prevent PTSD in response to new triggering situations.
Learning how to prepare yourself for upsetting events when they occur in real-time is an essential part of managing your fight or flight response, resulting in trauma or PTSD.
An Stress Reduction Treatment Plan with EMDR Therapy
At Fresh Start Recovery Center in Maryland, our professionals focus on the whole body to ensure overall well-being. We integrate physical, mental, and emotional health concerns into our treatment plans. EMDR therapy can be a pivotal aspect of a client’s treatment plan and may be combined with other techniques such as trauma-focused therapy.
Unfortunately, trauma does not simply go away on its own. Worse, over time, trauma tends to compound. Unmanaged trauma has a negative impact on a person’s life and anyone in their orbit. Those with unmanaged trauma are at risk. Examples of negative symptoms associated with trauma can include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Intrusive thoughts
- Fear
- Guilt
- Embarrassment
- Shame
- Sleep issues
- Suicidal ideation
Reach Out to Fresh Start Today about EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy can help you or your loved one manage the difficult symptoms associated with trauma. EMDR and trauma-focused therapies incorporate traditional evidence-based methods that have been proven effective for those who have experienced traumatic life events and circumstances, including addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma, we encourage you to reach out to Fresh Start today at 833.625.0398 to speak with a trained representative about the benefits of EMDR therapy and recovery options that are designed to meet your personal needs.
