An eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy program is an effective form of psychotherapy that helps people who have experienced a traumatic event cope with the feelings and emotions it creates. It is a non-medicinal form of therapy that focuses on the specific thoughts or memories that trigger their symptoms and teaches them new thinking patterns to replace negative behaviors. This program is very beneficial in the recovery process when combined with other behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment to minimize disruptive symptoms. 

At BRC Healthcare, our trauma-informed therapy programs support the recovery journey of individuals who have experienced past or recent trauma and are struggling to manage their symptoms. Our therapists sit down with each client one-on-one to build trust and open communication so they feel comfortable talking about the trauma and begin to move past it. Clients will also participate in group therapy sessions to practice coping and communication skills and develop healthy relationships with their peers. If you want to learn more about our Austin, TX addiction therapy programs, call 888.559.2036 today or send a message using our online contact form. 

What Is EMDR Trauma Therapy?

EMDR is a relatively new form of therapy for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders, social anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and phobias. It was originally developed in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorders and uses bilateral eye movement and distraction techniques while clients recall past or recent traumas. 

There are eight phases of an EMDR therapy program:

1. History taking – During this phase, therapists will gather all personal information from the client to target the trauma that is causing the most problems. 
2. Preparing the client – Therapists will discuss each step of EMDR trauma therapy and answer any questions they have about what to expect. 
3. Assessing the target memory – During this phase, clients will focus on the specific trauma to determine a base level of how it affects them. They then compare the results of future sessions to determine if progress is being made. 
4. Desensitization – Clients will recall the trauma while they practice left-to-right eye movement and talk about the feelings that they experience. They repeat this practice until recalling the event is no longer distressing. 
5. Installation – Therapists continue working with each client to instill and strengthen positive feelings and memories when recalling the traumatic memories. 
6. Body scanning – During this phase, clients will focus on the physical effects that recalling the trauma creates while practicing their new positive thinking patterns. 
7. Closure – Therapists will evaluate their progress in addressing the specific trauma and repeat any phases as necessary until all symptoms are gone.
8. Evaluating treatment results – At the end of the program, therapists will reevaluate the client’s overall mental health and discuss any new memories or symptoms that may have appeared. 

BRC Recovery offers EMDR therapy in Austin, TX, for men and women struggling to cope with past or recent traumas. Our team has experience treating all types of trauma, from combat experience, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, the sudden loss of a loved one, and other types of traumatic events.

The Benefits of an EMDR Therapy Program

There are many positive benefits of participating in an EMDR therapy program for treating past or recent traumas. It helps clients realize with power within them to change their thinking patterns and stop letting their past control their current behaviors and actions. 

Just some of the benefits of EMDR trauma therapy programs include:

• Encourages clients to communicate with others and that it is okay to talk about their feelings. 
• EMDR therapy helps clients rethink past events and enable them to break them down so they no longer trigger any symptoms, panic attacks, or drug and alcohol cravings. 
• EMDR can improve relationships and allow clients to be more open with their partners.
• Decreases the symptoms of panic attacks when triggered as they have become desensitized to the memories of the trauma.
• Greatly improves overall mental health and allows clients to handle future stresses more effectively. 

EMDR therapy is a beneficial program for treating PTSD and other anxiety disorders when combined with other therapies and medication as part of an all-encompassing recovery program. The skills clients learn through the program will improve other aspects of their lives and allow them to reach their true potential. 

Find Trauma-Informed Therapy Programs at BRC Healthcare in Austin, TX

BRC Healthcare is a fully accredited mental health treatment facility that is available for those who need assistance in coping with their anxiety disorders. We provide clients with inpatient and outpatient treatment programs as well as alumni programs for continued support. Each program includes a wide range of therapies and medical treatments based on the unique symptoms and causes behind the condition. 

If you are ready to gain control of your anxiety, contact us at 888.559.2036 today to find out how our EMDR therapy in Austin, TX, can benefit your mental health.