EMDR Therapy

What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a nontraditional therapy—like CBT, DBT, etc.—that uses a patient’s own rapid, rhythmic eye movements to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders, eating disorders, addictions, and anxiety with the primary goal being to weaken the negative emotions associated with disturbing memories that might otherwise create a debilitating response. EMDR is an individual-based and composed therapy that requires the patient to temporarily focus on a traumatic memory while a therapist induces bilateral eye movement. This stimulation has been associated with the abatement in the emotion and sharpness of that specific trauma memory, making it less impactful, and less likely you will experience a psychological response.

How EMDR Works

EMDR therapy is heavily connected to how memories are stored in the brain. EMDR allows new neural pathways to be connected to the traumatic memory. The emotions and thoughts that cause stress are now intertwined with new positive pathways between the right and left sides of the brain.

1. Client History

The therapist identifies and prioritizes the trauma memories for reprocessing.

2. Preparation

The therapist trains the client in relaxation and self-management techniques.

3. Assessment

A positive statement is chosen by the client to replace with the targeted memory.

4. Desensitization

Rhythmic stimuli are engaged and the client is open about all thoughts & emotions that arise.

5. Installation

The therapist helps the client connect the positive statement to the traumatic memory.

6. Body Scan

The client scans their body for any physical reactions to the traumatic experience.

7. Closure

Any remaining physical reactions are taken care of in the stage.

8. Re-evaluation

The therapist reviews and compares the previous session for progress.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR is primarily known for helping individuals who suffer from trauma disorders and PTSD. Although there is not sufficient evidence that shows EMDR helps outside of those, this therapy has also been used to help:

Anxiety Disorders
Trauma Disorders
Depression Disorders
Addiction Disorders
Eating Disorders

How Can We Help

Drug & Alcohol Detox

Peaks Recovery is medically staffed by a primary care physician, a psychiatrist, and round-the-clock nursing. The medical team’s acumen provides the safest medical detox in Colorado.

Inpatient & Residential Treatment

Peaks Recovery is licensed to provide the highest level of inpatient and residential programming in Colorado. In addition to satisfying state criteria, we have further received the highest recognition from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) for our 3.7 and 3.5 levels of care.

IOP Treatment

Peaks Recovery provides accommodating support for individuals who may be experiencing some obstacles in their recovery journey or are looking for a step down from an inpatient program.