Program Spotlight: Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Treatment For Addiction

Here at The Dunes East Hampton, we use a number of treatment approaches to help our clients. This month’s Program Spotlight is our Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Treatment.

EMDR is a relatively new type of psychotherapy that has grown in popularity recently. It is different from other types of therapy in that it doesn’t rely on the client talking to his or her therapist to examine and resolve issues. Instead, it focuses on the patient’s rapid eye motions. These movements are used to reduce the power of emotionally-charged memories associated with past traumatic events.

Since we complete a full assessment on each client that includes a full physical, emotional and psychological evaluation, we can determine whether EMDR would be helpful. This technique was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro. She noticed that when she was experiencing a disturbing thought, her eyes were involuntarily moving rapidly. She also noticed that if she was able to bring her eye movements under control while experiencing these types of thoughts, she was able to relieve her own anxiety.

Clients Learn New Coping Methods With EMDR

During the eight stages of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment, clients at The Dunes East Hampton look at specific traumatic memories with the help and support of their therapist.

Clients focus on disturbing memories from the past and rate their level of distress while thinking of it. They track the information they associate with their memories until they no longer feel as distressed when thinking about the target memory.

Eventually, a client in EMDR therapy gets to the point where he or she can think or speck about the past event without becoming stressed or upset. Part of the therapeutic process includes learning relaxation techniques to cope with negative thoughts. Some clients may find keeping a journal helpful, since it will serve as a way for them to recall and start reprocessing memories during their therapy sessions.

Holistic Approach To Treatment

We understand that an addiction to drugs or alcohol doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It develops in conjunction with emotional hurt. The Dunes East Hampton takes a holistic approach to treatment, and we offer individualized programs for each client that we help.

Don’t Let Painful Memories & Addiction Hold You Back From The Life You Want & Deserve! Call Us Now To Begin A Life Of Freedom!