EMDR is a popular option for treating symptoms of mental health conditions and substance abuse. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) focuses on easing trauma-related side effects that cause distress for many people.
During an EMDR therapy session, our certified therapists guide patients to reflect on specific traumatic experiences that trigger strong emotional reactions. While doing this, the patient follows the therapist’s hand movements with their eyes. The therapist moves their fingers back and forth, and the patient tracks these motions only with their eyes. These rapid, jerky saccadic eye movements are intended to stabilize vision and alter how the brain processes traumatic memories. EMDR specialists believe that combining these movements with trauma reflection helps patients change how they process past events. As a result, patients can regain control over emotional responses, even when emotions feel overwhelming.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the main reason many people seek EMDR therapy in San Diego. The American Psychiatric Association explains that EMDR therapy uses a structured, eight-phase approach:
Treatment planning
Client preparation
Establishing the target memory
Memory processing to adaptive resolutions (Phases 4-7)
Assessing the results that developed from the treatment (Phase 8)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is similar to other therapies that focus on changing thoughts, responses, and emotions resulting from trauma. It targets traumatic memories and negative thoughts to change how those memories are stored. This process has been shown to reduce the intensity of many PTSD symptoms.
Some certified addiction treatment centers, like Shoreline Recovery in San Diego, offer EMDR therapy as part of their addiction recovery programs.
Studies show that people often turn to addictive substances when seeking relief from trauma-related negative emotions. EMDR and addiction treatment are closely linked because many substance use disorders stem from past traumatic events. Treating trauma helps patients feel less urgency to use drugs or alcohol. Certified EMDR therapists approach addiction from a trauma-based perspective, allowing them to examine each case carefully and identify the main factors that maintain addiction. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing can play a vital role in addiction recovery.
Many people with substance use disorders also show symptoms of PTSD. For this reason, EMDR therapy is often the preferred choice to reduce risks and prevent relapse.
After extensive research, EMDR therapy has proven to help reduce side effects in adults and children using bilateral stimulation techniques. Its high success rates and low risk of additional symptoms make it a popular choice for treating various mental health disorders, including PTSD.
The goal of EMDR is to address the root challenges of each person’s mental health struggles. These challenges can vary in difficulty.
PTSD
Stress-induced skin occurrences
Addiction and substance use disorders
Pain-induced suffering
Medical complications, such as chronic illnesses
Sexual assault
Fatigue and other negative physical sensations
Bipolar and other depressive disorders
Violence, along with verbal and physical abuse
Personality disorders
Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
Dissociative disorder
Phobias
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Psychotic symptoms
Eating disorders
Self-esteem and confidence issues
Performance anxiety
If you or someone you care about could benefit from EMDR therapy in San Diego, reach out to a certified provider to learn more about how this evidence-based treatment can help you achieve lasting relief and recovery.