EMDR Therapy in Akron, OH

Have you experienced trauma in your life? Many people don’t realize that past trauma can play a significant role in addiction. If traditional addiction treatment hasn’t worked for you, or you’re looking for a way to address the root causes of your struggles, EMDR therapy in Akron, OH, may be the answer. It’s a powerful tool that can help you process traumatic memories, reduce cravings, and find lasting healing.

When past experiences keep pulling you back into addiction, sometimes traditional talk therapy isn’t enough. That’s where EMDR therapy comes in – a powerful approach that’s helping many people in Akron find freedom from both trauma and addiction.

Let’s find out what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and why it has become a valuable tool in Akron’s addiction recovery landscape.

Understanding How Trauma Feeds Addiction

Many of us working in addiction treatment have noticed something important: behind substance use, there’s often trauma. A difficult childhood. A devastating loss. A frightening experience. These memories don’t just go away – they stay with us, influencing our choices and behaviors. They can leave deep emotional scars that make individuals more vulnerable to substance abuse.

Many people don’t realize how much their past was influencing their drinking problem until they start addressing the trauma that caused their drinking in the first place. At Skypoint Recovery, we believe that dual diagnosis treatment is essential in treating both the addiction and the underlying mental health issues.

What Makes EMDR Different?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR might sound complicated, but its core idea is simple: our brains can heal from trauma, just like our bodies heal from physical injuries. 

When you experience a traumatic event, your brain may not fully process the memory. This can lead to the memory becoming “stuck” in your nervous system, causing emotional distress, flashbacks, and negative beliefs about yourself. EMDR helps to “un-stick” those memories, allowing your brain to process them in a healthy way.

EMDR therapy is organized into eight structured phases:

1. History and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers background information and discusses goals.
2. Preparation: The client learns about EMDR and practices coping techniques.
3. Assessment: The therapist identifies specific traumatic memories to target.
4. Desensitization: This phase involves processing traumatic memories while undergoing bilateral stimulation.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs replace negative associations tied to past events.
6. Body Scan: The therapist checks for any lingering physical reactions to the memories.
7. Closure: The session is brought to a close, focusing on relaxation techniques.
8. Reevaluation: At the start of each session, progress is reviewed and adjustments are made.

These stages help rewire how the brain stores these memories, making them less emotionally overwhelming.

Finding the Right Help in Akron

Trauma can be a major underlying factor in addiction. When painful memories and emotions are unresolved, people often turn to substances to cope. EMDR therapy helps to address those root causes, reducing the need for self-medication and paving the way for lasting recovery.

Here’s how EMDR can help with addiction recovery:

• Reduces cravings: By processing trauma-related memories, EMDR can help to decrease the intensity of cravings and urges to use substances.

• Manages triggers: EMDR can help you identify and manage triggers that lead to cravings and relapse.

• Improves emotional regulation: EMDR can help you develop healthier ways of coping with difficult emotions, reducing the need to turn to substances.

• Increases self-esteem: By addressing negative beliefs rooted in trauma, EMDR can help you develop a more positive self-image.

Our EMDR Process for Addiction Treatment

When you seek EMDR therapy for addiction in Akron, here’s what you can expect:

• Initial assessment: Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your history, trauma experiences, and addiction-related challenges.

• Treatment planning: Together, you and your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

• Addressing addiction-related memories: EMDR sessions will focus on processing traumatic memories and triggers that contribute to your addiction.

• Developing coping mechanisms: You’ll learn healthy coping skills to manage cravings, triggers, and difficult emotions.

Combining EMDR with Other Treatments

EMDR therapy can be used in conjunction with other addiction treatments At Skypoint Recovery, namely:

• EMDR and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): These two approaches complement each other well, helping you address both the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction.

• EMDR and 12-step programs: EMDR can support your work in 12-step programs by helping you process trauma and reduce cravings.

• Holistic approaches incorporating EMDR: EMDR can be integrated into a holistic treatment plan that includes mindfulness, yoga, and other wellness practices.

Challenges and Considerations in Getting EMDR Therapy

While EMDR therapy can be highly effective, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges:

• Finding a qualified therapist: It’s crucial to find an EMDR-certified therapist who specializes in addiction treatment.

• Addressing skepticism: Some people may be unfamiliar with EMDR or have misconceptions about its effectiveness. Talk to your therapist about any concerns you may have.

• Potential emotional intensity: Processing traumatic memories can be emotionally intense. Your therapist will ensure you have the support and coping skills needed to navigate these experiences safely.

Address Your Trauma and Addiction Today

EMDR therapy offers a unique and powerful approach to healing trauma and addiction. If you’re seeking a way to address the root causes of your struggles and find lasting recovery, we encourage you to explore EMDR therapy in Akron, OH. It could be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.

Take the first step towards healing. If you’re ready to address both trauma and addiction, fill out our confidential form today to learn more about EMDR therapy and our comprehensive addiction treatment programs.

Skypoint Recovery provides comprehensive trauma-informed addiction treatment in Akron, including EMDR therapy. We accept Medicaid insurance plans and offer flexible treatment options.