Trauma is an emotional response to a painful or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Experiencing it can have a wide range of effects, and the signs and symptoms of it can vary depending on the nature of the trauma. While trauma affects everyone differently, people with untreated trauma frequently develop substance use disorders (SUD) because they self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to find relief from their symptoms.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a common response to trauma. If you are struggling with the effects of unresolved trauma, EMDR therapy in Pensacola, FL, might be right for you.
Gulf Breeze Recovery is a holistic, non-12-step treatment center located on a private part of the Santa Rosa Sound, just minutes from downtown Pensacola. The surrounding natural beauty lends itself perfectly to healing. Call us at 833.551.2304 to learn more about our EMDR therapy in FL.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a non-invasive interactive therapy that is clinically proven to be effective in helping people recover from trauma that has led to maladaptive behaviors, including substance abuse and addiction. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require you to go into great detail about traumatic experiences, making it particularly effective for individuals who struggle to verbalize them.
The human brain is extraordinarily adaptive, and its natural inclination is toward healing and growth. Trauma can block this process. EMDR uses auditory, tactile, and visual stimulation to activate both sides of the brain simultaneously, allowing for rapid processing. The eye movements in EMDR simulate REM sleep, which is the sleep phase that helps our brains heal and restore.
EMDR has eight specific phases. The following is a brief overview of these:
- Assessment and treatment planning – The therapist and the client work together to identify specific traumatic memories and associated negative beliefs and feelings.
- Desensitization phase – The client brings a targeted traumatic memory to mind while focusing on an external stimulus. This stimulus activates the brain’s information-processing mechanisms, helping to integrate the traumatic memory with more adaptive information.
- Processing – As the client engages in bilateral stimulation while focusing on the traumatic memory, their thoughts, and feelings are processed in a way that reduces the emotional charge associated with the memory. The therapist may also guide the client in exploring and processing related memories or beliefs contributing to the distress.
- Integration phase – The therapist helps the client integrate the processed information into their overall understanding of themselves and their past while reinforcing positive beliefs and adaptive coping mechanisms.
- Reevaluation – The client and therapist assess the progress made and, if necessary, further target and process any remaining distressing memories.
While highly effective, EMDR is not for everyone. If you’re considering it, consult a qualified professional to determine whether it suits your specific needs.
What Are the Benefits of Pensacola EMDR Therapy?
Pensacola, FL, is well-known for its sugar sand beaches, but it also has a rich history, a flourishing arts scene, and opportunities for outdoor adventures, including fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, water sports, and more.1 At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we encourage clients to take advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds us while participating in EMDR therapy.
One of the most significant benefits of EMDR therapy is that it works more quickly than traditional talk and behavior therapies. Other benefits include the following:
- Safe and non-invasive
- Reduces the reliance on medications
- Fosters the development of healthy coping mechanisms
- Changes the patterns of negative thoughts and beliefs
- Promotes emotional regulation
- Reduces anxiety, panic attacks, and depression
- Reduces reliance on drugs and alcohol
- Promotes self-empowerment
EMDR is very versatile and has long-term results. It’s an ideal choice if you have difficulty expressing yourself because it does not require that you talk about traumatic events in detail. Still, you should be aware that EMDR can be triggering initially, but your therapist will provide you with coping mechanisms.
Call Gulf Breeze Recovery for EMDR Therapy in FL
EMDR therapy helps people address the complex emotions and memories related to trauma. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand the impacts of unresolved trauma, including the relationship that often occurs between trauma and addiction. If you are ready to begin healing, we are here to help.
Call 833.551.2304 or complete our online form to learn more about EMDR therapy in FL.
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