EMDR Therapy – Atlanta, GA

Have you ever felt trapped by a memory? Like a movie reel playing the same scene over and over, each time bringing back the same intense emotions? You’re not alone.

Many individuals experience the lingering effects of traumatic events or distressing life experiences. Fortunately, there’s hope for healing and recovery through MARR Treatment Centers’ EMDR therapy – Atlanta, GA.

At MARR Treatment Centers, our team of certified EMDR specialists understands that unprocessed trauma can be at the root of addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a scientifically-validated approach to reprocessing these painful memories without reliving the full emotional intensity of the original experience.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences and other life experiences that cause emotional distress.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the traumatic event, EMDR focuses directly on the memory and is an effective treatment for mental health.

How EMDR Rewires the Traumatized Brain

EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain. When a disturbing event occurs, it can overwhelm the brain’s natural coping mechanisms. As a result, the memory may be stored in isolation, along with the emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs that were present at the time.

Isolating the memory can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Anxiety
• Depression

EMDR therapy aims to reprocess these stuck memories by facilitating the brain’s natural healing processes. During an EMDR session, the client focuses on the distressing memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, which typically involves eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, but can also include taps or sounds.

The bilateral stimulation is believed to help activate both sides of the brain, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and integrated in a healthier way.

EMDR in Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re searching for EMDR Therapy in Atlanta, GA, you’re in the right place. MARR Treatment Centers has many qualified EMDR therapists who offer in person sessions to help you on your healing process.

Whether you’re in Roswell, Decatur, Athens, or Alpharetta, finding an EMDR therapist is within reach.

Finding the Right EMDR Therapist

When looking for an EMDR therapist, it’s essential to find a clinician who is properly trained and experienced. Look for therapists who are certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), as this ensures they have met specific training and practice standards.

Many LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), and NCC (Nationally Certified Counselor) in Atlanta offer EMDR therapy as one of their specialties.

It’s essential to make sure your certified therapist has experience in the areas that you need.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy has been proven effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and phobias
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Complex trauma
• Low self-esteem
• Grief and loss
• Transitions

What to Expect During an EMDR Session

A typical EMDR therapy session lasts 60-90 minutes. Before starting desensitization, your therapist will take a detailed history and develop a treatment plan with you. The treatment approach involves eight phases:

1. History and Treatment Planning: The therapist assesses the client’s history, identifies potential targets for EMDR processing, and develops a treatment plan.
2. Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR therapy process to the client and teaches coping mechanisms to manage any distress that may arise during processing.
3. Assessment: The client identifies a target memory, including the image, negative belief, emotions, and physical sensations associated with it.
4. Desensitization: The client focuses on the target memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation. After each set of stimulation, the therapist asks the client to report what came to mind. This process is repeated until the client’s distress level decreases significantly.
5. Installation: The therapist helps the client identify and strengthen a positive belief to replace the negative belief associated with the target memory.
6. Body Scan: The client focuses on the target memory and the positive belief while scanning their body for any remaining tension or discomfort. Any residual tension is then processed using bilateral stimulation.
7. Closure: The therapist ensures that the client is stable and grounded at the end of the session. They may also provide coping strategies to use between sessions.
8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist re-evaluates the target memory and related issues to ensure that the healing process is complete.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’re struggling with the effects of traumatic experience or other distressing life experiences, EMDR therapy may be a helpful option. It’s a safe and effective treatment that can help you process and heal from painful memories, reduce your symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.

Talking with an EMDR therapist is a great first step.

Considerations

• Cost: The cost of EMDR therapy varies depending on the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and location. Health insurance may cover a portion of the cost.
• Commitment: EMDR therapy typically requires multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. It’s important to be committed to the process and willing to engage actively in the therapy.
• Emotional Intensity: EMDR therapy can be emotionally intense, as it involves revisiting painful memories. However, your therapist will provide support and guidance throughout the process to help you manage any distress that may arise.

Make MARR Your Choice

At MARR Treatment Centers, we understand the profound impact that trauma and addiction can have on individuals and their families. That’s why we offer EMDR therapy as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment programs.

Our team of experienced clinicians are trained in EMDR therapy and are dedicated to helping our clients heal from the underlying trauma that may be contributing to their addiction.

How MARR Uses EMDR

At MARR, EMDR is used within both our Men’s and Women’s Addiction Treatment Programs. Our therapists use EMDR therapy with adolescents and adults in a variety of ways:

• Trauma Resolution: EMDR helps clients process and integrate traumatic memories that may be driving their addiction.
• Relapse Prevention: By addressing underlying trauma and emotional distress, EMDR can help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Improved Mental Health: EMDR can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that often co-occur with addiction.
• Self-Esteem: EMDR can help resolve the issues that cause the client to have low self-esteem.

End Negative Thoughts Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and believe that trauma may be a factor, we encourage you to consider MARR Treatment Centers. Our integrated approach to treatment, which includes EMDR therapy, can help you break free from the cycle of addiction and build a foundation for lasting recovery.

Reach out today at (678) 805-5100 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you on your journey to healing.