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EMDR Therapy

Get Started with the Canyon Addiction Treatment Center

Our Professional staff is here to get you or your loved one started on the road to lasting recovery.  Contact us today at 424.465.5182.

People gather and bond in EMDR therapy

Welcome to The Canyon, your trusted partner in outpatient addiction treatment and rehab in sunny Santa Monica, California. The Canyon’s staff understands that overcoming addiction is a journey that requires comprehensive care and personalized attention. The addiction therapy programs offered at the treatment center provide a unique blend of approaches designed to address both mental health and substance use issues. One such therapeutic approach the staff utilizes is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Call 424.465.5182 or contact The Canyon online to learn more about EMDR therapy in Santa Monica, CA.

Why Addiction Therapy Is Essential for Recovery

Addiction is not just a physical battle—it’s a mental one, too. It can change the way your brain functions, making it challenging to quit without professional help. Here’s why addiction therapy is crucial:

  • It helps identify and deal with triggers – Therapy enables you to understand what triggers your cravings and how to manage them effectively.
  • It addresses co-occurring disorders – Many people who struggle with addiction also have mental health conditions. Therapy can treat these issues concurrently.
  • It teaches coping strategies – Through therapy, you learn healthy ways to cope with stress and other emotions instead of turning to substances.
  • It facilitates long-term recovery – Therapy provides the tools and support needed to maintain sobriety long after leaving the treatment center.

At The Canyon, the staff uses eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as part of their comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. This unique form of therapy has been proven effective in addressing underlying traumas and emotional wounds that may contribute to addictive behaviors.

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What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy’s beginnings can be traced back to the late 1980s when psychologist Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., first discovered it. Originally used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR therapy has since been adapted for use in treating addiction and other mental health conditions.

EMDR therapy involves using rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while recalling a traumatic memory or disturbing thought. This process helps to rewire the brain, allowing individuals to process and heal from past traumas that may be contributing to addictive behaviors.

This interactive psychotherapy technique is used to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy can be an effective part of an integrated approach to addiction treatment, helping clients address and process these traumatic experiences in a supportive environment.

What to Expect from EMDR Therapy in Santa Monica

At The Canyon, EMDR therapy sessions are conducted by specialists who understand the complexities of addiction. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Initial phase – This involves history taking and preparation, where you’ll discuss your history with the therapist. This helps them understand your needs and tailor the therapy to suit you.
  • Desensitization phase – During this phase, you’ll be asked to focus on a traumatic memory while the therapist initiates eye movements. This process can help change the way these memories affect you.
  • Installation phase – Here, positive beliefs and thoughts are reinforced, helping you to react differently to the triggers associated with your addiction.
  • Aftercare – Following EMDR sessions, we offer an aftercare program to provide ongoing support as you continue your journey to recovery.

The dedicated staff at The Canyon takes a compassionate, supportive approach to EMDR therapy, ensuring that each client feels comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

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Engage in EMDR Therapy at The Canyon

Overcoming addiction is a challenging journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Canyon, the staff is committed to providing a high level of care and personalized attention to every client. The treatment center’s EMDR therapy in Santa Monica is just one of the many ways the staff helps clients heal from addiction and move toward a healthier future. Call 424.465.5182 or contact The Canyon online to learn more.