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EMDR, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic method used to relieve stress within neurological functions and trauma-like circumstances. The treatment is used for substance misuse and helps individuals free themselves from triggering and traumatic events. EMDR is a highly effective treatment option because it is less emotionally upsetting to those who are exposed to psychological responses and memories of difficult situations. Therefore, finding the right therapist for EMDR is essential for those struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, or panic attacks. But how do you know you have the right therapist?
EMDR is a therapeutic approach that can help individuals struggling with addiction and is an evolving modality to help address the cognitive behaviors and underlying connections of stress in traumatic events. Substances alter the day-to-day experiences and functions of individuals who rely on them to cope with life. Those who struggle with substance use disorders shift towards compulsive behaviors and require an innovative approach in the mental health field with a clinical-based practice that best fits their needs.
EMDR helps therapists and those who struggle with substance use link the traumatic experiences and behaviors together with desensitizing triggers and reinforcement to a holistic and helpful modality. EMDR is used in treatment because it can help with co-occurring disorders and addiction to create and sustain a healthier lifestyle. EMDR uses stability techniques to link trauma, relationships, and addiction to resolve lingering distress.
The therapy was first introduced in the late 1900s by Francine Shapiro as a way to understand how the brain stored memories and coped with difficult experiences. The goal of the therapeutic approach was to address the traumatic experiences and teach the brain how to re-cope in a positive direction. When a traumatic event happens, humans tend to neurologically alter their memory to cope. Therefore, by refocusing the distress from the traumatic event with EMDR, the previous triggers that provoked the memory no longer fuel those negative thoughts. Since most individuals have a difficult time finding the means to cope with the traumatic event, some may be more inclined to relieve their stress and symptoms with substance use.
Substance use provides temporary relief and stress-reducing options to cope with a traumatic event, rather than addressing it with the appropriate treatment. EMDR is used for many individuals who suffer from PTSD, as it works with cognitive and behavioral elements through comprehensive care. When an individual uses EMDR as a therapeutic approach, they find closure on the traumatic event and refocus their visualizations on a positive future about themselves and about the circumstances they had to go through.
Additionally, EMDR creates a new perspective and picture of life for those who take full advantage of this approach. EMDR will have therapists occasionally use their fingers to point to objects. The individual follows the finger, and the therapist examines the stimuli. This technique is used to help reduce stress levels and help individuals find closure and new perspectives on themselves. Furthermore, EMDR is known to help with increasing coping skills for current situations and future unexpected events.
Finding the right therapist for an EMDR treatment approach is difficult for many who want to be heard and seen. Moreover, those struggling with substance use require someone they feel comfortable with so that they can speak openly about traumatic events. There are many methods to finding the right therapist for your unique situation. You want to find someone who has credentials and experiences, but you also want to be listened to and know that the therapist is going to help you.
One way you can find a quality EMDR therapist is by speaking with a professional addiction recovery center. Most recovery centers will have resources for different therapists and may even have one that’ll fit your needs. A trusted health professional or a local counselor in an addiction center you trust can help you refer the right therapist for your trauma treatment. You can ask yourself questions before deciding if the therapist is right for you because you deserve someone who will understand your situation and be responsive, especially throughout EMDR treatment.
Remember when you start seeking an EMDR therapist that many of the great ones are often fully booked. You can ask them questions to see how they explain things, and if they can discuss how trauma is linked with the treatment. Furthermore, the ideal therapist will not ignore you, your situation, or your needs. However, just because a therapist doesn’t respond to you immediately does not mean that they are not responsive. They may just be booked, and a good therapist will respond to you within a few business days.
You deserve to have the right therapist for EMDR. Just remember that there is no perfect option. The therapist will work with you and learn about you, as it is their line of work to help you repair and move in a positive direction.
EMDR is a treatment approach to help you find the means of healing from a traumatic event. We want you to find the right therapist and utilize the resources available to release your stress. NorthStar Transitions has quality addiction counseling and therapeutic services available to help you find the right therapist for EMDR. We want you to be a survivor of traumatic events and find healing through EMDR therapy, experimental therapy, breathwork therapy, and more. Our treatment center offers innovative and vigorous options to help you heal in the most ideal way because our team is all about compassion. We build a recovery path to help you truly begin healing with our stress management, assertiveness, and resilience modalities. Therefore, if you or someone you love struggles with traumatic events or deal with negative emotions, we can help alleviate your pain by helping you find the right therapist for EMDR in Colorado. Call us today at (303) 558-6400.
