EMDR…a treatment for trauma & addiction.
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a complex approach to psychotherapy combining many successful elements of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, experiential and body-centered therapies with bilateral stimulations (i.e. eye movements, tones, tactile) to facilitate the brain’s natural ability to heal psychologically. EMDR promotes the mind’s ability to access, desensitize and resolve memories and feelings that have been “stored away” or avoided because of the emotional discomfort associated with painful life events. It is an empirically validated clinical treatment that has helped individuals who have survived trauma, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, combat and crime. It has also been helpful to those suffering from a number of other difficulties such as depression, addictions, phobias and a variety of self-esteem issues.
The EMDR institute states: “EMDR has a broad base of published case reports and controlled research that supports it as an empirically validated treatment of trauma. The Department of Defense/Department of Veterans Affairs Practice Guidelines has placed EMDR in the highest category, recommended for all trauma populations at all times. In addition, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies current treatment guidelines have designated EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD (Chemtob, Tolin, van der Kolk & Pitman, 2000) as have the Departments of Health of both Northern Ireland and Israel which have indicated EMDR to be one of only two or three treatments of choice for trauma victims. Most recently, the American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline (2004) has placed EMDR in the category of highest level of effectiveness” for treatment of trauma.
While many people show dramatic responses in a short amount of time, there are also those who will progress more slowly. This slower progression is not necessarily a sign that the treatment is not working. For example, individuals with multiple traumas will generally need an extended period of time to resolve the issues and symptoms associated with complex histories. As in any therapeutic endeavor, each person is unique and will progress at the rate appropriate to his or her circumstances, constitutional make-up and issues.
Who can benefit from EMDR?
- Those who have experienced childhood neglect and trauma.
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Individuals who struggle with substance or behavioral addictions.
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People who have been exposed to trauma as an adult.
What will the therapeutic outcome of EMDR be?
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Relief from the feelings associated with traumatic experiences from the past.
- The amelioration of negative beliefs created as a result of neglect or trauma.
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The establishment of improved coping skills and ability to better manage storn emotions in a healthier and more adaptive manner.
Length and timing of EMDR
Patients participating the Day Treatment Program at the Professional Renewal Center® can use EMDR as a supplement to their therapeutic experience. Individuals who ant to make good use of this form of treatment will have a minimum of two 60-minute sessions per week for three to six weeks.
Admission Procedure
To schedule an appointment or refer a patient for EMDR at the Professional Renewal Center®, simply call our Admissions office toll free at 877-978-4772
www.emdr.com
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