Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that has been proven effective in treating trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In order to find out what to expect from EMDR therapy, it is important to know how it works. Therapists use this therapy to help people process traumatic experiences by focusing on distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This can include eye movements, tapping, or sounds. It’s also important to know what to expect after EMDR before beginning treatment.

At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we’re committed to helping the women in our care heal from addiction. With the help of EMDR therapy and other treatment options, the women in our care can find lasting recovery. Call The Willows today at 828.518.6941 to learn how our EMDR therapy program can support you for a loved one’s recovery.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy began in the late 1980s, thanks to an American psychologist named Francine Shapiro. It was originally used to treat those with memories of traumatic events. It’s now used to treat a wide range of disorders, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addiction

EMDR therapy creates a safe environment for clients to process traumatic memories and find relief from the emotional distress they cause. It works by targeting specific memories that are negatively affecting one’s life and using bilateral stimulation to help reprocess these memories in a healthier way.

The therapy involves directed eye movement as clients remember traumatic events in their past. The point of this is a distraction. Eye movement causes distraction, which makes it easier to think about upsetting events. As clients are consistently exposed to upsetting memories, the memories become easier to deal with.

In that way, EMDR has a similarity to cognitive behavioral therapy. When we use it at a mental health treatment center, it involves bringing up an upsetting event while attempting to alter the thought patterns around it.

Benefits and Side Effects of EMDR Therapy

Due to its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues, EMDR therapy has gained popularity in recent years. Some of the benefits include:

• Rapid reduction of distressing symptoms
• Long-lasting results without ongoing therapy sessions
• Non-invasive approach that does not require clients to share details of their trauma

However, like any treatment option, EMDR therapy may have side effects for some individuals. These can include:

• Vivid or disturbing dreams
• Emotional distress during and after sessions
• Temporary increase in symptoms before they improve

It’s important to discuss any potential concerns with a therapist before beginning EMDR therapy.

Knowing What to Expect From EMDR Therapy

An EMDR therapy session has eight phases. The first phase is discovering the client’s history and planning treatment. The second phase involves preparing treatment methods. Next, a traumatic memory assessment must take place. After that, desensitization to upsetting memories through eye movement is the fourth phase.

Installing positive thoughts that the client has previously identified represents the fifth phase. A client’s self-body scan and closure through self-control and stabilization are the sixth and seventh phases. Reevaluation is the eighth and final phase.

During the sessions, you may experience some unpleasant reactions to the surfacing of painful memories. Typical reactions include rapid heartbeat, sweating, or nausea. You can expect your therapist to try to minimize these reactions by directing your eye movement.

During the assessment phase, the therapist will ask you to choose a positive thought to replace negative images related to the traumatic memory.

What to Expect After EMDR

After an EMDR session, you can expect to feel physically and emotionally drained. If so, it’s important to set aside some time afterward for self-care and relaxation. As with any type of therapy, the results may not be immediate. It may take a few sessions before you start seeing significant changes in your thoughts and behaviors.

Furthermore, you may experience some ups and downs as you continue with EMDR therapy. This is completely normal and expected, as processing traumatic memories can be a difficult and emotional experience. Your therapist will support you through these ups and downs and help you work through any challenges that may arise.

Additionally, after completing an EMDR session, it’s important to practice self-care and engage in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. This can include exercise, spending time outdoors, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.

What to Expect with EMDR: Results

EMDR therapy has been proven effective in helping individuals process traumatic experiences and alleviate symptoms of various mental health issues. But what can you expect in terms of results? While every individual’s experience with EMDR therapy may differ, some common results include:

• Reduced distress related to traumatic memories
• Decreased anxiety and fear surrounding past events
• Improved mood and overall sense of well-being
• Better coping skills for managing triggers and symptoms
• Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence

While some of the effects are not immediate or may require multiple sessions, many individuals report significant improvements in their mental health after completing EMDR therapy.

Call The Willows Today to Begin EMDR Treatment

We offer gender-specific treatment for women in order to treat a wide variety of disorders related to substance abuse. Additionally, some of our therapy services include dual diagnosis treatment, animal-assisted therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma therapy, and disordered eating treatment.

We offer a safe environment where women get the attention they need to recover from substance abuse and related disorders. Furthermore, with a peaceful and home-like environment located near Asheville, North Carolina, The Willows provides a highly clinical approach. Women in our care receive 25 hours of therapy sessions in both individual and group settings.

At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we can help you overcome substance use and mental health conditions. Call 828.518.6941 or reach out online to learn more about what to expect after EMDR and how our treatment programs can support you in your journey toward lasting recovery.