Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of many mental health therapies that have become more commonly used in recent years. This form of therapy was originally designed to help those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After further research was conducted, EMDR was proved effective in a therapeutic setting for those who have experienced trauma and addiction.
EMDR therapy works by having a trained therapist ask clients to speak about a traumatic event. They then use specialized techniques to reduce the stress and anxiety triggered by reliving these traumatic events. Therapists at Fresh Start Recovery Center are trained to use EMDR with clients who have struggled with past trauma or have PTSD. Reach out to us today at 833.625.0398 to speak with a trained representative about the benefits of an EMDR therapy program as part of a personalized treatment plan.
How EMDR Therapy Works
In EMDR counseling sessions, clients confide in their therapist about difficult past experiences that have resulted in trauma. Together, the counselor and the client formulate a treatment plan that involves the planned use of EMDR techniques. EMDR treatments commonly take place over eight sessions.
Through EMDR counseling sessions, clients over time are able to rewrite their brains. As it is often said that what fires together wires together. Another way of putting this is the notion that the body keeps score. Through EMDR therapy, clients can break down complex traumatic memories and desensitize themselves. This helps clients begin the healing process so they are able to move forward and live more fulfilling lives.
It’s important to keep in mind that EMDR sessions can feel stressful at the time. An effective EMDR counselor will monitor a client’s reactions and understand personal limits.
Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
Signs someone you care about has experienced trauma and may have PTSD can include the following:
- 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 matters when it comes to experiences with traumatic events and experiences. In a recovery program, 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. It helps when a person has a good safety net including supportive friends, family members, or engages with local support groups.
Developing 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. It’s useful to know how to be prepared for upsetting events when they occur in real-time so that an individual can steel themselves mentally against fight or flight responses.
Creating an Effective Treatment Plan
At Fresh Start, we treat the whole body to ensure overall well-being. This means we integrate concerns about both physical, mental, and emotional health into our treatment plans. Trauma-related therapy is closely tied to elements used in EMDR therapy.
If a person does not deal with their trauma it does not just go away. Over time, trauma tends to negatively impact not only the life of the individual but also the lives of those around them. Trauma makes people more susceptible to developing a substance abuse disorder since self-medicating can be a temptation.
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 Trauma Recovery
Trauma therapy, including EMDR treatment, is designed to assist clients and their loved ones in overcoming the negative effects of trauma on day-to-day life. Trauma therapy incorporates traditional evidence-based methods that have been proven effective for those who have experienced one or more instances of trauma.
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 recovery options that are designed to meet your particular circumstances.
