EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, has become one of the most popular and effective tools for trauma therapy and addiction recovery. This simple, medication-free approach to trauma healing is a safe and easy tool for clients and therapists. Clients experience relief from addiction triggers, traumatic memory, disordered eating, anxiety, and more through individualized care. While there aren’t many EMDR side effects, it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience of EMDR, side effects, and trauma healing is unique.
If you or a woman in your life is ready for an EMDR therapy program, The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our holistic treatment programs provide women ages 18-30 with compassionate, long-term care for a range of concerns. Call us now at 855.773.0614 to learn how our EMDR therapy program in North Carolina can help you or a woman you love.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an experiential therapy that helps people process trauma through eye movements. Over the last few decades, therapists and scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in trauma research. When a traumatic event occurs, the body releases chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline. The body either processes them at the time of the event or doesn’t. When the body doesn’t process these chemicals, the traumatic memory becomes trapped in the body. This can lead to PTSD and trauma responses that can lead to issues such as:
- Substance abuse
- Disordered eating
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Other mental health disorders
EMDR is a straightforward approach to trauma therapy. It focuses on changing eye movements and visual stimulation during memory recall. Studies show that when someone recalls a traumatic event or memory, their eyes may go through a similar movement to rapid eye movement during REM sleep. EMDR changes visual stimulation during traumatic memory recall to rewire the brain and release trauma from the body.
Over a series of treatment sessions, an EMDR therapist works with clients to recall traumatic memories. They may use visual stimulation like EMDR machines or pens and ask clients to change their eye movements as they speak. This change in stimulation can help release and dampen the effects of traumatic memory.
Understanding EMDR Side Effects
Any therapeutic tool comes with side effects. It’s always best to understand the side effects before beginning trauma healing. EMDR is a slow, gentle, drug-free approach that comes with few side effects. During therapy or between sessions, clients may experience changes in physical sensations, disturbing dreams, and emotional pain. These side effects may last a few days after treatment. If someone goes through their EMDR sessions within a few months, they can expect side effects to dissipate when their sessions finish. While everyone’s trauma experience is their own, other factors like daily stress, addiction recovery, and co-occurring disorders may affect the duration of EMDR side effects.
Because EMDR is a treatment that a therapist provides, it’s a manageable way to make large strides in trauma healing. This safe, medication-free approach pairs well with other therapies and includes stress reduction techniques. Most people experience some mild discomfort and emotional changes, which are entirely understandable during trauma processing. It’s important for loved ones to support those in EMDR therapy with the care they need between sessions.
Begin EMDR Therapy In North Carolina Today
EMDR is safe, easy, and effective. With very few side effects, EMDR can have an enormous impact on trauma, mental health, and addiction in very little time. If you or a woman in your life is ready to try EMDR therapy, The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Our North Carolina-based treatment center provides women ages 18-30 with holistic approaches to addiction, trauma healing, and co-occurring disorders. We offer 12-step programs, relapse prevention, alumni programs, and trauma therapy. However, the community at Willows at Red Oak Recovery® is here for you.
Learn More at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
Call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® now at 855.773.0614 to learn more about our EMDR therapy programs and speak with a therapist today.