EMDR Therapy in Colorado | Acqua Recovery
At Acqua Recovery, we understand that trauma often lies at the heart of addiction and mental health struggles. Our Colorado locations in Fort Collins and Boulder offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a powerful, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals process traumatic memories and build lasting recovery. If you’re searching for EMDR therapy in Colorado, our compassionate team is here to guide you through your healing journey.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and proven effective for treating trauma, PTSD, and various mental health conditions.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy helps the brain process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. During EMDR sessions, clients recall distressing images while receiving bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, allowing individuals to heal from psychological trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase treatment approach that addresses past traumatic experiences, present triggers, and future challenges:
Your therapist will gather information about your background and identify target memories for processing.
You’ll learn relaxation and coping techniques to help you feel safe and stable during treatment.
Your therapist will help you identify specific memories, images, emotions, and physical sensations associated with your trauma.
Using bilateral stimulation, you’ll process traumatic memories while your therapist guides you through the experience.
Positive beliefs and coping resources are strengthened and integrated into your memory network.
Your therapist will check for any residual physical tension or distress related to the trauma.
Each session ends with techniques to help you return to a calm, balanced state.
Progress is assessed, and additional targets for processing are identified as needed.
Conditions Treated with EMDR Therapy in Colorado
EMDR therapy Colorado programs at Acqua Recovery effectively treat a wide range of trauma-related conditions and mental health disorders:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is particularly effective for processing traumatic events that continue to cause distress, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
- Addiction and Substance Use Disorders: Many individuals struggling with addiction have underlying trauma that contributes to their substance use. EMDR helps address these root causes.
- Anxiety Disorders: Traumatic experiences often manifest as anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. EMDR can reduce anxiety symptoms by processing the underlying trauma.
- Depression: When depression stems from traumatic experiences or negative life events, EMDR therapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve mood.
- Childhood Trauma: EMDR effectively processes experiences of abuse, neglect, or other adverse childhood events that continue to impact adult functioning.
- Complex Trauma: For individuals who have experienced multiple traumatic events or prolonged trauma, EMDR provides a structured approach to healing.
Why Choose EMDR Therapy at Acqua Recovery Colorado?
Experienced Clinical Team
Our Colorado locations feature highly trained clinical staff with extensive experience in trauma treatment and EMDR therapy. Our team understands the complex relationship between trauma and addiction, providing integrated care that addresses both concerns simultaneously.
Trauma-Informed Approach
Every aspect of treatment at Acqua Recovery is designed with trauma survivors in mind. We create a safe, supportive environment where healing can occur at your own pace.
Integrated Treatment Model
EMDR therapy is seamlessly integrated with other evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
Comprehensive Care Options
Our Colorado locations offer both Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care, allowing EMDR to be incorporated into your overall treatment plan.
Holistic Healing Environment
In addition to EMDR, we offer complementary therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, trauma-informed yoga, and mindfulness practices to support your complete healing journey.
EMDR Therapy and Addiction Recovery
Trauma and addiction are deeply interconnected. Many individuals turn to substances as a way to cope with painful memories, emotions, and experiences. Traditional addiction treatment that doesn’t address underlying trauma often falls short of providing lasting recovery.
EMDR therapy Colorado programs at Acqua Recovery recognize this connection and provide comprehensive treatment that addresses both trauma and addiction simultaneously. By processing traumatic memories through EMDR, clients often find:
- Reduced cravings and triggers for substance use
- Improved emotional regulation and coping skills
- Decreased symptoms of PTSD and anxiety
- Enhanced self-esteem and sense of personal empowerment
- Stronger foundation for long-term recovery
The Science Behind EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is backed by extensive research and has gained recognition from leading mental health organizations worldwide.
Impressive Treatment Outcomes
Research consistently demonstrates EMDR’s remarkable effectiveness in treating trauma and PTSD. Studies show that up to 90% of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after only 3 90-minute sessions, while 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. Additionally, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions.
Clinical Validation and Recognition
EMDR therapy has earned the highest recommendation across most clinical practice guidelines, including those from the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of PTSD, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).
Rapid Treatment Effects
One of EMDR’s most remarkable features is its ability to produce rapid results. Studies demonstrate that 3 sessions of EMDR therapy resulted in an 84% remission of PTSD diagnosis with a large and significant pretreatment versus posttreatment effect size, making it an efficient treatment option for individuals seeking trauma recovery.
Research indicates that EMDR therapy helps the brain process traumatic memories more naturally, reducing their emotional charge and allowing for healthier integration. Brain imaging studies show that EMDR therapy creates positive changes in brain regions associated with memory processing and emotional regulation.
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
Beginning EMDR therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never experienced this type of treatment before. At Acqua Recovery’s Colorado locations, we ensure you feel prepared and supported throughout your EMDR journey.
Initial Assessment
Your EMDR therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your trauma history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. This helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Building Safety and Stability
Before processing traumatic memories, your therapist will help you develop coping skills and emotional regulation techniques. This foundation is crucial for safe and effective EMDR processing.
Processing Sessions
During EMDR processing sessions, you’ll remain fully conscious and in control. Many clients report feeling surprised by how manageable the process becomes once they begin.
Integration and Healing
As you progress through EMDR therapy, you’ll likely notice improvements in how you think and feel about past traumatic experiences. Many clients report feeling “lighter” and more at peace with their memories.
Begin Your Healing Journey with EMDR Therapy in Colorado
Trauma doesn’t have to define your life or control your recovery. With EMDR therapy Colorado programs at Acqua Recovery, you can process painful memories, reduce trauma symptoms, and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and mental wellness.
Our compassionate team understands the courage it takes to face trauma and seek help. We’re here to support you every step of the way, providing expert clinical care in a safe, nurturing environment designed to promote healing and growth.
Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of childhood trauma, EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool in your recovery toolkit. Combined with our comprehensive treatment approach and supportive community, EMDR therapy offers hope for a brighter, healthier future.
Ready to begin your healing journey? Contact Acqua Recovery Colorado today to learn more about our EMDR therapy programs and take the first step toward trauma recovery and lasting wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR therapy sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, which is longer than traditional therapy sessions. The extended time allows for complete processing cycles and ensures clients feel stable before leaving each session.
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No, you don’t need to provide detailed verbal descriptions of your traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR allows your brain to process memories without repeatedly discussing painful details, making it less re-traumatizing.
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EMDR therapy is integrated into both our PHP and IOP programs in Colorado. Sessions are scheduled alongside other therapies like group counseling and individual therapy, helping address underlying trauma that may contribute to substance use patterns.
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EMDR therapy is generally very safe when conducted by trained professionals. Some clients may experience temporary increases in vivid dreams or emotional sensitivity between sessions, which are normal parts of the healing process and typically decrease as treatment progresses.
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