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a therapist holds two fingers up during emdr therapy programIn some cases, trauma and other adverse experiences can lead to severe mental health conditions. Sometimes, it can even feel like there is no way to escape these symptoms. However, when you contact Harmony Hills and ask us about our therapy programs, you’ll learn that we can provide you with the tools to cope with your trauma. EMDR therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is a non-invasive treatment method that helps you reprocess traumatic events. It’s also evidence-based psychotherapy, meaning that experts in psychological trauma have studied it extensively. As a result, there is verifiable proof that this treatment method is an effective tool for treating trauma.

At Harmony Hills, we’re proud to offer a wide array of therapeutic methods to help give you the best possible chance of long-term healing from mental health concerns. To learn more about our mental health therapy programs, contact the team at Harmony Hills today by calling 855.494.0357.

What Is an EMDR Therapy Program?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) helps people work through trauma and disturbing memories alongside the other mental health issues they wish to overcome.

This psychotherapy was developed in the 1980s to treat people who had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder characterized by distressing memories, flashbacks, or stimuli that make people relive the trauma they wish to forget. However, with the help of an EMDR therapy program, one can address the trauma and take the next step in life.

Signs an EMDR Therapy Program Can Help

Post-traumatic stress disorder manifests in a variety of symptoms, which can be categorized into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, causing significant distress and making it difficult to function.

  • Intrusive memories – This may include recurrent, unwanted, distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, or upsetting dreams about the traumatic event.
  • Avoidance – This could be avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event or trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.
  • Adverse changes in thinking and mood – Symptoms can include negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world, hopelessness about the future, memory problems, difficulty maintaining close relationships, and feeling detached from family and friends.
  • Changes in physical and emotional reactions – Symptoms can include being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.

Understanding the symptoms of PTSD is the first step towards healing.

How Is an EMDR Therapy Program Different from Other Therapeutic Methods?

EMDR therapy is different from other trauma-focused psychotherapies in that it focuses on memory and changes how the brain stores that particular memory. Other treatments focus on changing the emotions, thoughts, and responses resulting from traumatic experiences. EMDR also does not require guests to have extended exposure to the upsetting memory or detailed descriptions of the trauma experienced.

The goal of EMDR therapy is to help desensitize a person to any memories that can cause anxiety, panic, or stress. This therapy lets the brain’s information processing system create new internal associations as you focus on the thoughts, feelings, memories, and other associations you may feel during the treatment.

What Happens During an EMDR Therapy Program?

During an EMDR therapy program session, the therapist works with the person as they revisit a memory of a negative encounter. The therapist guides the person as they reprocess the memory for short periods lasting as few as 30 seconds.

The therapist may wave a finger or two back and forth during that time and ask you to follow the movement with your eyes. Conversely, the therapist may use tapping movements, vibrations, or tones in one ear on different body sides. The stimuli that occur as you remember the trauma help the client reframe their thoughts and emotions about the distressing memory.

People of different ages and backgrounds have found EMDR helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and boosting overall health and well-being.

Our Therapy Modalities

We offer a broad range of treatment modalities, including but not limited to:

Across all our treatment programs, clients will be able to experience a mental health treatment plan that incorporates:

At Harmony Hills, we believe everyone deserves a chance at a happier, healthier life. We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for those in our care to heal and grow. Our team of professionals is ready to help you navigate your journey towards recovery.

Learn More About the EMDR Therapy Program at Harmony Hills

At Harmony Hills, we realize that when you’re battling trauma and other mental health issues, you may feel like you can’t escape. Fortunately, that is not true. We can give you the care and support you need to break free from these debilitating conditions.

You don’t have to be trapped by your trauma. With the help of our holistic therapy programs, you can blossom into the person you’ve always wanted to be. To learn more about our treatment options, contact Harmony Hills today at 855.494.0357.

Clinically Reviewed By:
Melinda Marino, LCSW, QS

Melinda Marino, LCSW, is a distinguished mental health professional based in Florida, boasting a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work from the prestigious University of Central Florida. With two decades of expertise in the field, and a decade of Licensed Expertise, Melinda's journey includes a pivotal two-year role at Harmony Hills, where she ascended from Clinical Director to the esteemed position of Executive Director within a year. Her exceptional leadership has not only fostered growth within the team and organization but also exemplifies her unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond her professional endeavors, Melinda finds fulfillment as an avid Cheer Mom, balancing her dedication to her family with her passion for community engagement.