EMDR Therapy Denver

Process traumatic memories, release emotional burdens, and create a path toward healing with EMDR therapy.

Unresolved trauma often lies at the heart of addiction and mental health challenges. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based approach to addressing these underlying issues.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the brain’s innate ability to process trauma, helping clients move beyond their past experiences toward lasting recovery. At Mile High Recovery Center, we integrate EMDR therapy into our treatment approach, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

During EMDR treatment, clients briefly focus on traumatic memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation-typically in the form of guided eye movements, tactile taps, or auditory tones. This dual-attention process appears to help the brain process disturbing material in a new way, similar to what occurs naturally during REM sleep. The result is that traumatic memories become less vivid and emotionally charged, allowing clients to develop healthier perspectives and responses.

EMDR therapy is particularly valuable in addiction treatment because it addresses the underlying trauma that often drives substance use. Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with painful memories or experiences. By processing these traumas through EMDR, clients can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce their reliance on substances.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

The EMDR therapeutic process follows a structured, eight-phase approach that ensures comprehensive treatment and lasting results. Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a safe and effective path to recovery.

History and Treatment Planning: Your therapist collects your background information and creates your personalized treatment plan
Preparation: Learn coping skills to handle emotions that may arise during therapy
Assessment: You identify specific memories to target and their associated negative beliefs
Desensitization: Process traumatic memories while experiencing bilateral stimulation
Installation: Positive beliefs replace negative ones connected to your trauma
Body Scan: Identify and process any remaining physical sensations linked to the memory
Closure: Stabilization techniques ensure you leave each session feeling grounded
Reevaluation: Your therapist assesses your progress to guide further treatment

This methodical approach ensures that treatment is thorough and that each client receives the specific support they need throughout their healing journey.

The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy offers significant advantages for individuals recovering from both trauma and addiction. Its unique approach provides relief that often cannot be achieved through traditional talk therapies alone.

Clients in our program experience transformative benefits, including:

Addresses root causes of addiction by targeting underlying trauma that often drives substance use
Provides relief with fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapies
Reduces distressing symptoms like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares
Minimizes trauma retelling without requiring extensive verbalization of painful details
Improves self-perception by replacing negative self-beliefs with positive, empowering ones
Enhances emotional regulation through developing better responses to triggering situations
Decreases physiological reactivity by reducing physical symptoms associated with trauma

Many clients experience profound shifts in how they view themselves and their past experiences. As traumatic memories lose their emotional charge, individuals often discover a newfound sense of freedom and possibility. This transformation creates fertile ground for sustained recovery and personal growth.

Why Choose Mile High Recovery Center For EMDR Therapy?

Mile High Recovery Center delivers a specialized EMDR therapy program that distinguishes itself through our dedication to both neurobiological expertise and genuine emotional support.

What makes our EMDR approach unique:

Targeted & Individualized: We customize interventions to your specific trauma and substance use patterns.
Skilled & Empathetic: Our therapists blend specialized training with genuine understanding of addiction.
Sequential & Adaptable: We follow EMDR's proven methodology while adjusting to your processing style.
Evidence-Based & Community-Supported: We utilize proven techniques enhanced by strong peer connections.

Located in Denver’s vibrant community, our treatment center provides an ideal setting for processing trauma in a safe, contained environment. This balanced approach supports both the structured work of memory reprocessing and the integration of new perspectives into daily life, creating a solid foundation for lasting freedom from trauma’s grip.

Begin Outpatient Rehab at Mile High Recovery Center Today

In Denver’s City Center neighborhood, Mile High is here to help you thrive throughout the Denver Metro area. If you or someone you love is ready to take the next steps towards recovery, call us today at 303-268-2144 to learn more about our outpatient programs.