Healing from mental health conditions and substance use disorder often requires more than just willpower—it requires addressing the pain that fuels it.
At The Raleigh House, we understand how deeply trauma can be intertwined with these challenges. That’s why we offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, providing a trauma-informed approach that helps you heal at the root.
To learn more about EMDR treatment, contact us directly or continue reading below.
What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
EMDR is a specialized, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps reduce the emotional distress linked to painful memories.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.
This process can help lessen the emotional hold those memories have over you, fostering emotional healing and resilience.
How does EMDR work?
During EMDR sessions, you’ll be guided through recalling distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation—typically through eye movements, tapping, or sounds.
This specific technique activates both sides of the brain, allowing traumatic memories to be processed and stored more adaptively.
Over time, the emotional charge associated with these memories diminishes, allowing you to approach life with greater balance and stability.
What to expect during EMDR sessions
Before beginning therapy, your clinician will take a detailed personal and medical history to understand your unique experiences and treatment goals.
From there, EMDR sessions follow a structured process designed for safety, emotional balance, and gradual healing:
- History and preparation: You and your therapist discuss your background, challenges, and goals for therapy.
- Targeting memories: Together, you’ll identify distressing memories or triggers to focus on.
- Desensitization: Guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation help you process these memories safely.
- Installing positive beliefs: You’ll work to replace negative self-beliefs with healthier, more adaptive thoughts.
- Body scan and reevaluation: Each session concludes with an assessment of any physical or emotional responses and adjustments to treatment as needed.
This structured approach to EMDR ensures you process trauma at a pace that supports both emotional safety and long-term recovery.
The role of trauma in mental health disorders and addiction
Many people struggling with mental health disorders and substance use disorders have experienced trauma—whether it stems from childhood adversity, abuse, neglect, or other life-altering events.
Trauma can create emotional pain that feels unbearable, leading many to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol or experience worsening mental health symptoms. Without addressing these root causes, recovery can feel out of reach.
At The Raleigh House, we know that untreated trauma often prevents lasting recovery.
EMDR therapy helps you break that cycle by targeting the root causes of emotional pain, allowing true healing to begin.
EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
While The Raleigh House offers EMDR as a trusted, evidence-based treatment for trauma and addiction, we also recognize the benefits of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Both therapies use eye movement–based techniques to help clients reprocess distressing memories. However, ART is designed to achieve results in fewer sessions, often providing faster symptom relief.
Our licensed therapists are trained in both EMDR and ART and will help determine which approach best fits your goals, comfort level, and treatment timeline.
EMDR for substance use disorder
EMDR therapy for substance use focuses on identifying and addressing underlying trauma that may drive addictive behaviors.
By processing these painful experiences, EMDR can help reduce emotional triggers that lead to substance use. This empowers you to break free from the cycle of addiction by healing the emotional wounds that contribute to it.
At The Raleigh House, EMDR therapy is used to support recovery from a range of substance use disorders, including:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid use disorder (heroin, prescription painkillers, fentanyl)
- Stimulant use disorder (cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines)
- Sedative or benzodiazepine misuse
- Marijuana or alternative substance misuse
Research published in the National Library of Medicine shows that when trauma is treated alongside addiction, individuals experience improved emotional regulation, reduced cravings, and stronger recovery outcomes
EMDR for mental health disorders
Beyond substance use disorder, EMDR is a powerful tool for treating a wide range of mental health conditions. It is effective for individuals struggling with:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Grief and loss
By targeting and reprocessing distressing memories and negative thought patterns, EMDR helps reduce symptoms and fosters emotional resilience. This therapy provides a path toward improved mental health by addressing the root causes of emotional and psychological distress.
The benefits of EMDR for substance use and mental health disorders
EMDR therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals working through substance use and mental health challenges, including:
- Reduced cravings and triggers: By processing traumatic memories, EMDR can diminish emotional triggers that often lead to substance use or mental health flare-ups.
- Improved emotional regulation: EMDR helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring symptoms.
- Empowerment in recovery: As traumatic memories lose their emotional power, you gain greater control over your choices and behaviors.
- Long-term healing: EMDR addresses the root causes of addiction and mental health disorders, promoting lasting recovery rather than symptom management.
Many clients report an enhanced sense of self-awareness, peace, and confidence after completing EMDR treatment.
Comprehensive EMDR therapy in Colorado
At The Raleigh House, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive, trauma-informed care that supports every stage of your recovery journey.
Our licensed therapists specialize in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and integrate it into personalized treatment plans that address both trauma and co-occurring mental health or substance use challenges.
Whether you’re beginning your recovery journey or seeking to deepen your healing, EMDR can be a transformative tool for building resilience, restoring balance, and reclaiming your sense of peace.
We offer EMDR therapy at both of our premier Colorado locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the peaceful Colorado countryside, The Ranch provides a serene space for those looking to recover from trauma, mental health conditions, and addiction. With nature-inspired therapies and a nurturing community, the ranch is an ideal place to find peace and heal.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, our newest facility offers the same clinical excellence and unique healing experiences for trauma, mental health, and addiction. It’s an excellent setting as well for those individuals needing physical accessibility support in a beautiful and nurturing environment.
You’re not alone in this process. We’re here to walk beside you every step of the way. Ready to start healing? Contact us today to learn how EMDR therapy in Denver can help you reclaim your life.
At The Raleigh House addiction treatment center, Denver, our mission is to help individuals and families find lasting healing through compassionate, evidence-based care. As a leading recovery facility in Denver, we provide personalized programs that address both substance use and mental health conditions, empowering clients to rediscover balance, resilience, and hope.