EMDR Therapy for Addiction Treatment

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.