EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy for Trauma & Addiction | West LA Recovery
Heal from the Past, Build a Future in Recovery with EMDR
Address the root cause of addiction. Find freedom from the pain of past trauma.
At West LA Recovery, we understand that addiction is often a response to underlying pain, and that unresolved trauma can be a powerful driver of substance use. That’s why we offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, a highly effective, evidence-based treatment designed to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences that may be fueling your addiction. By addressing the root cause, EMDR can help you build a more stable and resilient foundation for lasting sobriety.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a specialized psychotherapy approach that helps individuals heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy that focuses on changing emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from a distressing issue, EMDR helps the brain reprocess the information itself.
During an EMDR session, your therapist guides you through a series of bilateral stimulations (such as eye movements or tapping) while you bring a specific memory to mind. This process helps your brain’s natural healing mechanism to work through the trauma. The once-disturbing memory becomes less intense and emotionally charged, allowing you to move forward without the weight of the past.
How EMDR Supports Addiction Recovery:
Unprocessed trauma can create triggers and overwhelming emotional states that make it difficult to maintain sobriety. EMDR helps to:
- Reduce Cravings: By desensitizing you to the traumatic memories that may trigger substance use, EMDR can significantly reduce cravings and the urge to self-medicate.
- Heal Underlying Trauma: Address the core issues that contribute to addiction, rather than just managing the symptoms.
- Break the Trauma-Addiction Cycle: Stop the cycle where traumatic stress leads to substance use, which in turn creates new trauma.
- Improve Emotional Regulation: Learn to cope with difficult emotions without resorting to substances, building a healthier response to stress.
- Strengthen Self-Worth: Release negative beliefs about yourself that stem from trauma and replace them with a more positive self-image.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR can be highly effective for individuals in recovery who have a history of:
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or abandonment
- Accidents, medical trauma, or natural disasters
- Combat-related trauma
- Chronic stress or anxiety
- Co-occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
Our compassionate team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if EMDR is the right therapeutic modality for your specific needs.
What to Expect During a Session:
Heal Your Past. Reclaim Your Future.
Don’t let the pain of trauma define your future. EMDR therapy at West LA Recovery offers a path to profound healing, allowing you to build a stable and fulfilling life in recovery.
Contact West LA Recovery today for a confidential consultation.