Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on February 16, 2020.
Eye movement reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has more attention in popular media than ever. Last year, Grey's Anatomy included a character who gets EMDR, and Evan Rachel Wood mentioned receiving the treatment. Now, many people are curious about EMDR's benefits. Discover the concept behind EMDR, how the treatment works and what it could do for your dual diagnosis.
Therapists use EMDR to help people relieve their psychological stress through desensitization. The concept of this therapy involves exposing the person to their traumatic memories while making the memories less severe through additional stimulation. In other words, eye movements "distract" the brain from the full trauma of the memories, making them easier to process.
EMDR involves eight phases of treatment that happen over multiple sessions. The eye movement aspect of therapy occurs from the fourth to the seventh step. Learn more about each phase:
People who have anxiety or a history of trauma can also participate in other evidence-based therapies. These treatments include:
How Does EMDR Help People With Dual Diagnoses?
In people with dual diagnoses, EMDR can help alleviate trauma that causes triggers for drug use. Many cases of addiction involve past trauma or mental health conditions that increase the urge to use drugs. By relieving trauma through EMDR, a person in recovery can better manage their symptoms.
At Diamond House Detox, we support dual diagnosis clients as they journey through recovery. We provide EMDR therapy as part of our trauma therapy services. As our client, you'll get comprehensive addiction care in a comfortable and accepting environment.
To learn more about EMDR and the other services offered at Diamond House Detox, contact us online today.