Learn About Our Mission
Our CommunityCompasionate & Caring
Tour our FacilityModern & Luxurious
Contact UsGet in Touch Today
Why Choose UsWe Are Accredited
Privacy PolicyWe Take Privacy Seriously
Meet The TeamExperts in Addiction Treatment
Editorial PolicyTrustworthy Information
Drug & Alcohol Rehab New JerseyPerson-Centered Care
Addiction & Recovery BlogHelping Educate Individuals
Explore Our Resource Library
Addiction is a DiseaseThe Disease of Addiction
Signs of AddictionLearn the Signs & Symptoms
Families & AddictionHow Addiction Impacts the Family
Detox ProgramsFind Your Medical Detox Options
Inpatient ProgramsIs Inpatient Rehab Right for You?
Can You Get Fired for Going to Rehab?Know Your Rights and How to Get Help
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)How You Can Go to Rehab Without Loosing Your Job
Learn More About Our Partial Day Program
Intensive Outpatient ProgramDiscover Flexibility in Treatment
Outpatient ProgramHigh-Quality Outpatient Treatment
Co-Occurring DisordersTreating Dual-Diagnosis Conditions
Relapse PreventionExplore How RHRC Approaches Relapse Prevention
First Responders ProgramOur Exclusive Program for First Responders
Veterans ProgramServing Those Who Serve Us
Professionals ProgramA Program Designed for Working Professionals
Learn More About the Benefits of Group Therapy
Individual TherapyDiscover How Individual Therapy Works
Cognitive Behavioral TherapyFind Out How CBT Can Help Treat Addiction
Dialectical Behavioral TherapyThe Benefits of DBT in Addiction Treatment
Recreational TherapyTake a Look at Our Recreational Activities at RHRC
Art TherapyFind Freedom in Creative Expression
Music TherapyMusic Can Help Heal Your Soul
Yoga TherapyLearn How Yoga Can Help You Recover
Reiki TherapyLearn More About the Art of Reiki
Massage TherapyDiscover the Benefits of Massage Therapy
Equine TherapyCheck Out Our Equine Therapy Offerings
PTSD & Trauma TherapyTreat the Root Causes of Addiction
Learn how EMDR Therapy helps treat addiction by processing trauma through structured and phased eye movements to improve emotional recovery.
EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy effective in treating trauma and PTSD. It is a relatively new therapy, having been developed in the 1980s. EMDR therapy works by helping the person process the traumatic event or events that have caused problems in their lives.
The therapist will help the person focus on different aspects of the event and ask them to move their eyes back and forth.
Research shows that EMDR can reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, sleep disturbance, nightmares, depression, and anxiety.
Some studies also suggest that EMDR may be an alternative for people who cannot tolerate other forms of psychological therapies.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a relatively new but increasingly popular therapy used to help people overcome the effects of traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy is said to help the brain reprocess information more effectively, which can lead to relief from symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal.
EMDR therapy is divided into eight phases; you must attend multiple sessions. Treatment typically consists of 6 to 12 sessions, but additional sessions may be required.
Your therapist will review your symptoms and medical history to determine where you are in the treatment process.
This evaluation phase briefly discusses your trauma and identifies potential memories to address.
Your therapist will teach you various techniques to help you manage and cope with the emotional or psychological stress and any uncomfortable feelings that may arise during treatment. This is referred to as resourcing. You could, for example, learn stress management techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises.
During the third phase of EMDR therapy, your therapist will walk you through the process of choosing a specific memory to target, as well as any relevant aspects of that memory, such as:
Emotions or painful physical sensations.
Thoughts or images that are aggravating.
Distressing or unfavorable self-beliefs.
Your therapist will then begin addressing the targeted memories with EMDR therapy techniques. This occurs in four stages:
Desensitization
You will be preoccupied with that negative thought, memory, or image. Simultaneously, you will be guided through bilateral stimulation (BLS), including specific eye movements, tapping, audio tones, or blinking lights.
Then you’ll let your eyes drift and notice any thoughts or feelings that arise. If you identify these thoughts, your therapist may ask you to refocus on that traumatic memory or move on to another if it no longer elicits unwanted emotions.
Installation
You will “install” a positive self-belief or image to replace the undesirable one identified in phase 3. Then, you’ll concentrate on this belief by repeating BLS.
Scan of the body
Your therapist will inquire whether the targeted memory causes unpleasant physical pain or sensations. If it does, they will walk you through another round of BLS.
Closure
Following each session, your therapist will discuss your progress and recommend relaxation techniques and other coping strategies to help you maintain your gains.
Your therapist will ask about the memories and feelings you discussed in the previous session during the re-evaluation phase, which begins in the next session. If those memories continue to cause pain, they may continue targeting them. However, they’ll probably suggest moving on to new targets if they don’t.
EMDR is generally recommended for people with overwhelming traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms. It may be especially beneficial if you have difficulty sharing your trauma with others, including therapists.
Although there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of EMDR for other mental health conditions, some mental health professionals may recommend it to treat:
Panic attacks caused by anxiety.
Substance abuse disorders eating disorders.
A systematic review published in 2017.
Trusted Existing research suggests that EMDR may be beneficial for people who have a history of trauma as well as specific conditions, such as:
Depression.
Anxiety disorders associated with psychosis.
Substance abuse problems.
Pain in the lower back.
A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.
EMDR therapy is generally regarded as a safe treatment by doctors. It usually has fewer side effects than medications for depression and trauma symptoms. Furthermore, unlike some drugs, EMDR may retain its effectiveness after treatment.
Even so, EMDR and other forms of psychotherapy may have some negative adverse effects, such as:
An increase in traumatic memories.
During sessions, heightened emotions or physical sensations.
Lightheadedness.
Vivid fantasies.
The emergence of new traumatic memories.
These symptoms will usually go away as the treatment progresses. However, individuals should inform their therapist about their experiences between sessions so that new memories and symptoms can be discussed in future sessions.
Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.
Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.
Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.
During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.
One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community.
We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.
EMDR therapy is a type of counseling that helps people deal with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy effectively assists people in dealing with various issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. EMDR therapy may also help to improve cognitive function and communication skills.
EMDR therapy is a relatively new and innovative treatment that effectively treats various mental health disorders. EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR therapy is especially helpful in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Dr. Saman is a mental health writer with over six years of experience in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading. She is a practicing healthcare professional holding a doctorate in physical therapy at DOW University of Health Sciences. Dr. Saman started content writing to blend her passion for writing and medicine with her extensive clinical experience.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.
Learn how insurance covers alcohol and drug rehab, including Affordable Care Act coverage, private insurance, deductibles, copays, and aftercare.
Learn about the length of drug and alcohol rehab programs, including outpatient options, and understand why longer treatments can be more effective.
Deciding to travel or stay local for rehab is personal. Consider the benefits of a new environment vs. challenges like distance from support and added costs.
Understand the risks of detoxing alone and why professional support is essential. Learn about detox procedures, the dangers of home detox, tips for safe detox, and the benefits of outpatient medical detox for your health and well-being.
Explore rehab payment options: Medicare, Medicaid, loans, crowdfunding, family support, private insurance, and SAMHSA grants.