Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other forms of trauma can take over a woman’s life and make it difficult to function on a daily basis. Traditional talk therapy may not be enough to fully address the deep-rooted issues that stem from trauma. This is where eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can be incredibly beneficial. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, our EMDR therapy program is specifically designed for young women struggling with trauma and addiction.
Call 828.518.6941 to learn about our EMDR therapy in North Carolina. All our young women’s therapy programs help clients find healing, inner peace, and self-acceptance.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy was first developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro to treat PTSD. It has since been adapted and used to effectively treat other mental health conditions, including addiction. The basis of EMDR therapy is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain and continue to cause distress, leading to symptoms such as:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Depression
Through a series of structured sessions, EMDR therapy helps individuals process these traumatic memories and reprocess them in a more adaptive way.
During an EMDR session, clients focus on traumatic memories while also tracking a therapist’s hand movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones. This helps to stimulate both sides of the brain and facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. Through this process, clients can experience a reduction in the intensity and distress associated with their traumatic memories. Please note that EMDR therapy may not be suitable for all individuals and should only be pursued under the guidance of a trained therapist.
EMDR Therapy for Addiction
EMDR therapy can be incredibly beneficial for women struggling with addiction. Trauma is often a root cause of addictive behaviors, and EMDR therapy helps to address and process these underlying issues. By decreasing the distress associated with traumatic memories, women may be less likely to turn to substances or other unhealthy coping mechanisms as a way to numb their emotional pain.
In addition, EMDR therapy can also help with addiction by improving self-esteem and self-acceptance. Trauma can often lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-worth, which can contribute to addictive behaviors. Through EMDR therapy, women can work through these negative beliefs and develop a more positive sense of self. This makes EMDR for addiction a powerful tool in the recovery process.
Our EMDR Therapy Program for Young Women
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we understand that trauma and addiction are often intertwined. That is why our EMDR therapy program is specifically designed for young women who have experienced trauma and struggle with substance abuse or other co-occurring disorders. We believe in providing individualized and holistic care, which is why EMDR therapy is just one component of our comprehensive treatment approach.
Our experienced therapists are trained in EMDR therapy and will work closely with clients to identify and address their personal trauma and triggers. Along with EMDR therapy, our young women’s therapy programs also incorporate a variety of evidence-based and experiential therapies to promote healing, growth, and lasting recovery.
How Our EMDR Therapy in North Carolina Works
The EMDR process typically completes as part of eight clear steps or phases.
Phase I: Your History and Background Your therapist discusses your background to gather information and build your individual treatment plan. You discuss specific targets for the treatment, such as traumatic events or other problems.
Phase II: Treatment Preparation You and the therapist work together to help you learn ways of dealing with your trauma effects.
Phase III: Assessment You and the therapist interact to identify the targets as related to your emotional effects. You work with your EMDR therapist to learn more new coping skills for stress and other negative emotions.
Phase IV: Desensitization The fourth stage of EMDR starts the actual eye movement work. You work with the therapist to tie positive emotions with your memories.
Phase V: Installation In this phase, you do more work to develop positive feelings for your memories. You also work on how you deal with daily life experiences.
Phase VI: Body Scan You and the therapist find any remaining tension caused by your target memories. You deal with this tension by reprocessing it.
Phase VII: Closure The therapist reassesses your reactions to ensure your treatment worked. The therapist also measures how you feel because of your EMDR.
Phase VIII: Reevaluation This final phase involves reevaluating your entire EMDR process. After EMDR, you continue to work on your mental health and trauma recovery through other modalities and therapy techniques.
Call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® to Start Healing from Trauma
Our EMDR therapy program is just one part of our comprehensive young women’s therapy programs at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®. We believe in providing individualized care and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to addiction and other mental health concerns.
If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma and addiction, reach out online or call 828.518.6941. We can help you begin your journey toward healing, self-discovery, and a brighter future. Remember, there is always hope for recovery.
