EMDR For Addictions: Get Results Beyond Just Talking About It
EMDR is fast becoming a standard part of the major addiction treatment programs. That is because EMDR works directly with the mid-brain to desensitize touchstone traumas and desensitize current triggers which drive current addictive behavior. EMDR goes to a deeper processing level than teaching and cognitive-behavioral therapies, which don't impact the way the memories are stored in the body/mind.
When using EMDR:
- We help define current triggers that cause relapse and acting out
- We select which triggers to use as targets for desensitization
- We use EMDR to let the current triggers guide us to 'touchstone' events that are the source of static, maladaptive memories
- EMDR can be used directly to address the ‘arousal template’ and to reduce its charge
- We teach state change techniques for relaxation and to help shift brain states
- We use EMDR to build and expand positive, adaptive neuro-networks to provide and interal source of strength and support
- EMDR teaches the ability to stay with uncomfortable feelings and emotions so they can resolve and integrate
How CompassionWorks can help
- We can provide a thorough sex addiction evaluation - Online (Skype) or in-person
- Individual counseling using EMDR treatment
- Provide EMDR therapy as an adjunct to your current addiction treatment - to include sex addiction
- EMDR treatment will be confined to trauma resolution and trigger desensitization and will be coordinated with your regular provider, if you are already in treatment
- We provide consultation with your current EMDR therapist regading strategies for using EMDR with addictions
- Video conferencing distance counseling and/or in-office visits are available
- Individual and couples counseling is available
- Sexaul abuse, trauma and general issue counseling is offered
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| Brain State |
Use This Tool |
Effect |
| 1. Feeling Great! |
Sanctuary Tool |
Celebrate 1 |
| 2. Feeling Good |
Feelings Check Tool |
Get to 1 |
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Emotional Housecleaning Tool |
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This is a new area of interest for me that I am exploring. From doing self-EMDR and mindfulness techniques, I have come to belief that the level of stress we are at is what is driving our behavior and that our brain is changing levels of stress all the time.
One of the tasks in EMDR therapy is to make a list of the ten most highly charged emotional things that have happened to you. Usually, this would be over your lifetime; however, this could also be for a recent trauma or event that would have several different aspects to it.
We do this to help identify targets upon which to do the EMDR processing.
- Think of times when you were emotionally upset.
- Something unfair, threatenting or life-threatening was done to you or someone close to you.
- You witnessesed or experienced an emotionally charged event.
Take it easy on yourself when doing it.
Notice how difficult it is to start it.
Notice feelings that arise while doing it.
Notice that these things all have an
See more CompassionWorks Today posts for Addictions