Perhaps you have heard of EMDR therapy but are curious about EMDR therapy’s effect on the brain. EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of psychotherapy that has been used to treat people with psychological trauma for more than 30 years. In recent years, EMDR Therapy has become increasingly popular due to its positive effects on the brain.
If you want to learn more about EMDR therapy’s effect on the brain, contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® at 855.773.0614 today. If you are struggling with addiction in the Asheville, NC, area, our EMDR therapy treatment program can help you to process and heal from your traumas.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that can help people process traumatic memories and negative thought patterns. It is based on the idea that when we experience an emotionally traumatic event, our brains cannot process it in the same way as other memories. As a result, these memories become stuck in our brains and can result in a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Intrusive thoughts
- Flashbacks or nightmares
EMDR therapy works by having the patient focus on a traumatic memory while their therapist guides them through eye movements and sound or tactile stimulation. This helps the patient to process the memory and associated emotions in a safe and controlled environment, leading to long-term relief. Often, folks will self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to try and cope with their traumas. EMDR Therapy helps them to cope in a healthier, more effective way.
EMDR Therapy’s Effect on the Brain
Recent studies have found that EMDR therapy can have a number of positive effects on the brain. For example, research has shown that it can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reduce anxiety, and even improve cognitive functioning. In addition, EMDR therapy has been found to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with decision-making and problem-solving.
The goal of EMDR therapy is to help people process these stuck memories in order to reduce their impact on daily life. The eye movements are believed to help stimulate the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and memories so that they can be released from our system and no longer have a negative effect on us.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Women’s Addiction Treatment
We understand how difficult it can be for women struggling with addiction to address underlying issues such as trauma or past experiences that may be contributing to their addiction. That’s why we offer therapeutic options such as EMDR therapy.
Benefits of EMDR include:
- Improved emotional regulation
- Reduced symptoms of PTSD
- Enhanced ability to cope with difficult emotions
- Improved self-esteem Increased self-awareness
- Reduced depression and anxiety Improved relationships
We believe that this type of holistic approach allows our clients to gain greater insight into themselves which ultimately leads them down a path toward long-term recovery success.
Discover EMDR Therapy Options at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
It is essential for women struggling with addiction to address underlying issues such as trauma. After all, unresolved trauma can be a major impediment to long-term recovery. The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® offers EMDR therapy as part of our comprehensive and personalized treatment programs. Our experienced team of addiction counselors and therapists provides a safe and supportive environment to work through these issues.
If you would like to learn more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you or a loved one in your recovery journey, please contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® at 855.773.0614 today. We’re here to help you find the healing and hope you deserve.
