Understanding EMDR therapy
EMDR trauma therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help you process and heal from traumatic memories. By engaging specific bilateral stimulation techniques, such as guided eye movements, it allows your brain’s natural information processing system to integrate distressing experiences, reducing their emotional impact and changing negative beliefs associated with them. If you’re living with co-occurring mental health and substance-use challenges, EMDR can be a powerful component of an integrated treatment plan.
Origin and development
EMDR therapy emerged in 1989 when psychologist Francine Shapiro discovered that certain eye movements appeared to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts. Over the decades, rigorous research and clinical practice refined the method into a structured eight-phase protocol. According to the EMDR Institute, more than 30 controlled outcome studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for trauma, with some research showing that 84% to 90% of single-trauma victims no longer met the criteria for PTSD after only three 90-minute sessions [1].
Adaptive Information Processing model
At the heart of EMDR is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that traumatic memories are stored differently in the brain than nontraumatic ones. When a distressing event occurs, normal neural networks can become disrupted, causing memories to remain “frozen” and trigger flashbacks or negative beliefs. EMDR’s bilateral stimulation—through eye movements, sounds, or tactile signals—facilitates new associations, enabling your mind to reconnect these memories into a wider, adaptive memory network and promote natural healing [2].
How EMDR works
Understanding the mechanics of EMDR therapy can help you feel more confident about engaging in the process. Each session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and a single traumatic memory often requires three to six sessions. More complex trauma histories may extend to eight to twelve sessions or beyond.
Eight-phase protocol
EMDR follows a clear eight-phase structure to ensure comprehensive and safe treatment:
- History and treatment planning
- Preparation and skills development
- Assessment of target memory
- Desensitization with bilateral stimulation
- Installation of positive cognition
- Body scan for residual tension
- Closure and self-soothing techniques
- Reevaluation of previous sessions
This phased approach ensures you have the emotional regulation skills needed before processing trauma, fosters safety during desensitization, and assesses ongoing progress.
Bilateral stimulation methods
While eye movements are the most recognized form of bilateral stimulation, therapists may also use alternating auditory tones or tactile taps. These methods are thought to mirror biological processes similar to REM sleep, allowing your brain to shift perspectives on traumatic events and discard maladaptive beliefs like “I am powerless” in favor of adaptive ones such as “I can cope” [1].
EMDR effectiveness and evidence
Decades of research reinforce EMDR trauma therapy’s status as a best practice for PTSD treatment, with endorsements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, World Health Organization, and other agencies globally.
PTSD treatment results
Clinical trials report high remission rates for PTSD. A Kaiser Permanente study found that 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria after six 50-minute EMDR sessions [1]. A meta-analysis in 2025 confirmed moderate-grade evidence supporting EMDR’s efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms over a three-month treatment period [3].
Applications beyond PTSD
Although EMDR is widely recognized for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, it is also expanding to address:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
Some providers specialize in EMDR for adolescents and children, helping change the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors linked to disturbing experiences without requiring detailed verbal recounting [2].
Safety and side effects
EMDR therapy carries minimal risk. The most common side effects are temporary negative thoughts or emotional discomfort between sessions, which therapists manage through preparation and support. Recovery time between sessions is typically minimal, and ongoing self-soothing techniques ensure you remain grounded [2].
EMDR in integrated care
If you’re managing both mental health concerns and substance-use challenges, integrating EMDR into a broader treatment plan can address underlying trauma that often drives addictive behaviors. Recovery Bay is committed to this integrated approach, offering EMDR alongside other proven therapies.
Dual diagnosis therapy
Treating trauma and addiction concurrently reduces the risk of relapse and promotes lasting recovery. Through a dual diagnosis therapy framework, EMDR sessions target trauma-related triggers while specialized addiction counseling addresses substance-use patterns.
Combining with CBT and DBT
Pairing EMDR with other evidence-based modalities enhances emotional regulation and coping skills. At Recovery Bay, you’ll benefit from:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for challenging negative thought patterns
- Dialectical behavior therapy for distress tolerance and mindfulness
This combination empowers you to process trauma safely and apply practical skills in everyday situations.
Holistic modalities
Beyond psychotherapy, holistic approaches support mind-body healing. Our trauma informed therapy program incorporates:
- Yoga to release physical tension
- Meditation for grounding and focus
- Nutritional guidance to support brain health
These practices reinforce therapeutic gains and promote overall wellness.
EMDR for relapse prevention
Processing trauma with EMDR helps you build resilience and reduce the emotional triggers that can lead to substance use.
Emotional regulation skills
EMDR’s preparation and closure phases include learning self-soothing strategies drawn from stress management therapy. These techniques, such as paced breathing and guided imagery, help you navigate cravings and high-risk situations calmly.
Ongoing psychiatric support
Continued psychiatric support therapy ensures medication management and monitoring of co-occurring conditions. Regular check-ins with a psychiatrist complement your EMDR sessions and provide stability as you apply new coping mechanisms.
What to expect during EMDR
Knowing what happens in a typical EMDR journey can demystify the process and set clear expectations.
Initial assessment
Your therapist will conduct one or two intake sessions to discuss your history, identify distressing events, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Preparation phase
In this phase, which may include one to four sessions, you learn emotional regulation and stabilization techniques. Establishing a “safe place” visualization ensures you can return to calm if needed during processing [4].
Desensitization and closure
During processing, you focus on the traumatic memory while following bilateral stimulation. Sessions conclude with self-soothing methods to restore balance. A body scan in phase six checks for residual tension; the goal is to recall the event without physical distress.
Choosing EMDR therapy
Selecting the right EMDR provider involves evaluating credentials, treatment settings, and program features.
Finding qualified therapists
Look for clinicians certified by recognized bodies such as EMDRIA and with experience in trauma and addiction. Verify their training in the eight-phase protocol and ability to tailor EMDR within an integrated framework.
Residential and outpatient options
Recovery Bay offers both inpatient and outpatient settings to match your needs. You can engage in EMDR as part of individual therapy addiction, group program addiction, or family therapy. Specialized residential tracks include:
- Anxiety treatment residential
- Depression treatment residential
- PTSD treatment residential
- OCD treatment residential
- Bipolar disorder treatment
Outpatient programs allow you to apply EMDR skills in daily life while maintaining home responsibilities.
By choosing an integrated EMDR trauma therapy approach, you address the root causes of distress and addiction, build resilient coping strategies, and lay the foundation for long-term recovery. Engage with your therapist, ask questions, and commit to the process—your healing journey starts with understanding the positive impact of EMDR.
