Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects more than 5% of Americans. Almost three-quarters of the people living in the United States today will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. At Mile High Recovery Center, providing trauma-informed mental health and addiction therapy programs in Denver, Colorado, is how we serve those processing traumas and trying to manage their PTSD.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for treating single-event trauma and PTSD. Its efficacy has gained EMDR therapy a great deal of traction within the professional therapy landscape and is practiced by over 100,000 clinicians worldwide. At Mile High Recovery Center, our EMDR-trained clinical staff can help you or someone you love with trauma, panic disorders, depression, grief, and anxiety independently and as part of a dual diagnosis with addiction. Call 303-268-2144 to speak with someone from Mile High Recovery Center’s  clinical staff about our EMDR treatment in Denver, Colorado.

How Does Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy has eight phases and focuses on three time periods, past, present, and future. Upsetting memories and the events that relate to them are addressed as current disturbing situations, with attention given to skill development to be used in the future when responding to distressing events. Treatment lasts varying lengths, depending on the number of traumas and at what age PTSD began. The goal for the client is a swift and effective healthy change. Some single-event traumas can be effectively treated in under 10 hours. The eight phases include the following:

  • Phase 1: Taking a history – During this phase, you and your therapist will decide what the EMDR will target, including past trauma or traumatizing and disturbing present-day situations.
  • Phase 2: Handling stress – The therapist teaches imagery between sessions and other techniques to reduce stress during this phase. The therapist may teach you a variety of imagery and stress reduction techniques you can use during and between sessions.
  • Phases 3–6: Identifying and processing a target – You identify a visual image associated with the traumatic memory, a negative or maladaptive belief about yourself, any emotions or physical reactions and sensations related to the original traumatic event, and finally, a positive belief. Focusing on the above, you work on EMDR processing with the therapist, using bilateral movements such as tapping or eye movement. This is done in repeated steps until no distress is associated with the targeted experience.
  • Phase 7: Journaling – The client keeps a diary of related feelings or other information.
  • Phase 8: Evaluating Progress – Your progress will be assessed by reviewing the work done to ensure that all emotional and physical responses to traumatic memory have been eliminated. This will increase the likelihood of responding to current and future distress without triggering a trauma response.

 

People who have undergone EMDR therapy are empowered by situations and experiences that once deeply violated them. They have shifted their memories into a source of strength and triumph.

Find EMDR Therapy In Denver, Colorado, At Mile High Recovery Center

Trauma, deep grief, profound loss, and other wounding experiences affect people deep in their bodies and minds. They may not even realize the many ways these experiences manifest in their lives, throwing obstacles in their way and paralyzing them when they most need to take action. Fortunately, EMDR treatment is an effective and evidence-based approach that addresses addiction and prior trauma based on understanding how the two intersect in the brain.

Seeking quality treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, from depression to PTSD, is the first step in healing. Contact Mile High Recovery Center today at 303-268-2144 to learn more about how your healing journey can begin with the help of our clinical staff.

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.