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Choosing The Best Art Therapy EMDR Treatment

What are art therapy EMDR treatment options? Learn about the relationship between art therapy and EMDR and how to get treatment at True Life Care. Please contact our admission office for more informations about our art therapy EMDR treatment in New Jersey.

Art Therapy for Anxiety in New Jersey

Art Therapy EMDR Treatment

Art therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have both emerged as powerful tools for healing and growth. Discovering the best art therapy EMDR treatment options can help you get the help you need to treat any symptoms you may have.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a type of therapy that involves using art materials and creative processes. It is used to help individuals explore and express emotions, experiences, and thoughts. 

Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including:1

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Addiction

What Happens During Art Therapy EMDR Sessions?

During an art therapy EMDR combination session, a licensed art therapist will guide clients through the art-making process. They will provide prompts and exercises to help them tap into their emotions so they can create meaningful artwork.
Clients may work with a variety of art materials, such as:
  • Paint
  • Markers
  • Clay or collage materials

The art-making process in art therapy is more important than the final product. The therapist may ask clients to reflect on their artwork. 

They will discuss what it represents and explore the emotions and experiences that come up for them. This helps them gain insight into their thoughts and feelings and develop new coping strategies.

How Are Art Therapy EMDR Sessions Beneficial?

Art therapy can be beneficial for individuals who struggle to express themselves verbally. It is also helpful if they have experienced trauma or other difficult experiences, which is where EMDR can help too. 

These experiences are often challenging to put into words. It can also be a valuable complement to other forms of therapy. Some include talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy.2

Reputable rehab centers offer art therapy EMDR as part of their treatment programs alongside other evidence-based therapies. This helps clients achieve their mental health treatment goals and promote long-term recovery.

How Does Art Therapy EMDR Differ From Other Forms of Therapy?

Art therapy EMDR combination differs from other forms of therapy in several ways, including:
  • Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy. It uses art materials and creative processes as a means of communication. Meanwhile, other forms of therapy primarily rely on verbal communication.
  • Art therapy encourages clients to tap into their creativity and imagination. It provides a unique opportunity to express themselves. They do so in ways that may be difficult to put into words, which is what other talk therapies mainly utilize.
  • Art therapy is a non-judgmental process. It focuses on the creative process rather than the final product. This can be helpful for individuals who struggle with perfectionism or self-criticism.
  • Art therapy EMDR is particularly effective for individuals with difficulty expressing themselves verbally. It helps those with autism or developmental disabilities.

Why is Art Therapy an Effective Treatment Opportunity?

Art therapy provides a unique and effective way to explore and express emotions. It promotes self-awareness and develops coping skills. It can be used as a standalone therapy or as a complement to other forms of therapy.

What Is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach initially developed to treat trauma-related disorders.

It treats post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has since been used to treat various mental health conditions. Some include anxiety, depression, and addiction.3

What to Expect During EMDR

EMDR involves the use of bilateral stimulation. It can take the form of the following:
  • Eye movements
  • Auditory tones
  • Tactile sensations

During this stimulation, the individual recalls traumatic memories or experiences. The therapist guides the client through a structured protocol. 

It often involves focusing on the traumatic memory or experience while attending to external bilateral stimulation.

How Does EMDR Work?

The theory behind EMDR is that bilateral stimulation helps to stimulate the brain’s natural healing processes. It integrates the traumatic memory into the individual’s existing beliefs and self-concept.
This process leads to a reduction in the emotional intensity and distress associated with the traumatic memory. It also leads to an improvement in mental health functioning.

Role of a Therapist During EMDR

During an EMDR session, the therapist may ask the client to identify negative self-beliefs or emotions. These are often associated with the traumatic memories and then helps them to develop more adaptive and positive beliefs.

Why is EMDR an Effective Treatment Opportunity?

EMDR is an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders and other mental health conditions. It is often used with other forms of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and art therapy. 

It can particularly benefit individuals with difficulty processing and integrating traumatic memories.

How Are Art Therapy and EMDR Used Together To Treat Mental Health Conditions?

Art therapy EMDR is used in a holistic approach to mental health treatment. Art therapy helps individuals explore their emotions, memories, and experiences through creative expression. 

Meanwhile, EMDR helps individuals process traumatic or distressing memories and experiences.4

What Happens During Art Therapy EMDR Sessions?

During an art therapy EMDR session, individuals may create art pieces related to their traumatic experiences. They could also be emotions that they are struggling to process. This can include drawing, painting, sculpture, or other creative outlets. The therapist then guides the individual through a discussion of the artwork and the emotions and memories it brings up.
After an art therapy session, the individual may engage in an EMDR session with their therapist. During EMDR, the individual is guided to focus on a distressing memory or experience. At the same time, they engage in a series of rapid eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. This process can help to reprocess the memory and alleviate the emotional distress associated with it.
Together, art therapy EMDR is a powerful tool for individuals struggling with mental health conditions.

What Types of Mental Health Conditions Can be Treated With Art Therapy and EMDR?

Art therapy EMDR can treat a wide range of mental health conditions. They include:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Art therapy EMDR effectively treats PTSD. Art therapy can help individuals to express and process their emotions while EMDR can help them reprocess traumatic memories and reduce symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares.5

Anxiety Disorders

Art therapy EMDR can effectively treat various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Art therapy can help individuals to reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Meanwhile, EMDR can help to reduce anxiety by reprocessing negative beliefs and memories.6

Depression

Art therapy can be a valuable adjunct to traditional talk therapy in treating depression. Art therapy can help individuals to express their emotions in a nonverbal way. 

This can be particularly helpful for those who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings.7

Substance Use Disorders

Art therapy EMDR can also be used to treat substance use disorders. It helps individuals address underlying emotional issues that may have contributed to their addiction.8

Eating Disorders

Art therapy can also be helpful in the treatment of eating disorders. They allow individuals to explore their relationship with food and body image through creative expression. 

EMDR can also effectively treat underlying emotional issues that may have contributed to the development of an eating disorder.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Art therapy EMDR can be a valuable tool for rehabilitating TBI patients. It does so by promoting cognitive and emotional processing.

How Does Art Therapy Support the EMDR Process?

Art therapy can be an incredibly supportive addition to EMDR therapy. The art therapy EMDR combination provides a creative outlet for patients to express their emotions and experiences.

How Art Therapy Can Provide a Space for Healing

During EMDR therapy sessions, patients may become overwhelmed by intense emotions and sensations while they recall traumatic memories. This can make it difficult for them to fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Art therapy can provide a grounding tool for patients. It allows them to explore and process their emotions through a different medium.9
For example, patients may create art to represent their feelings and experiences related to a traumatic event. This can help them access and process those emotions more effectively.

What Role Does Creativity Play in the Therapy Sessions?

Additionally, creativity can play an essential role in the therapy sessions themselves. Art therapy provides a safe space for patients to explore their creativity and imagination. 

They explore aspects of themselves that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone.

The act of creating art can also be therapeutic. It provides a sense of accomplishment and self-expression that can improve mood and well-being.

Art Therapy Activities

In an art therapy EMDR session, patients may engage in creative activities such as drawing, painting, or sculpting while recalling traumatic memories.
Overall, art therapy can be an effective complement to EMDR therapy. It provides a creative outlet for patients to express their emotions and support their therapeutic journey.

What Should Someone Expect During an Art Therapy EMDR Session?

During an art therapy EMDR session, the therapist will typically begin by assessing the client’s needs. They will establish goals for the session. The therapist may also discuss the client’s history and current mental health concerns.

The session will then move on to the art therapy portion. It may involve creating art using various materials, such as paint, clay, or collage. The client may be asked to visually represent their current mental state or emotions.
They may be asked to explore a specific traumatic event or memory through art. The therapist will provide guidance and support throughout the art-making process.

What Happens at the End of the Session?

Once the client has completed their artwork, the therapist will move on to the EMDR portion of the session. This involves the client focusing on the traumatic memory or emotional state while engaging in a series of rapid eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques.
The therapist may also use other techniques, such as tapping or auditory cues. Throughout the session, the therapist will encourage the client to use their creativity to explore and process their emotions and experiences.
Art therapy can provide a unique way to access and express emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Meanwhile, EMDR can help to reprocess and reframe traumatic memories. The art therapy EMDR combination works in harmony.

What Are The Benefits Of Combining Art Therapy And EMDR?

Combining art therapy with EMDR has several benefits for individuals struggling with mental health conditions. Here are some of the ways that these two therapies work together:

Enhances Self-Expression

Art therapy provides a nonverbal form of expression that allows clients to communicate their feelings. This can help individuals who struggle with verbal expression. 

By incorporating art therapy EMDR, clients are given a safe and creative space to express themselves.

Provides a Sense of Safety

EMDR can be an intense and emotionally challenging process, especially when working through trauma. 

Art therapy can provide a sense of safety and grounding. It makes it easier for clients to tolerate and process difficult emotions and memories.

By incorporating art therapy EMDR, clients are more likely to feel safe and supported during the therapy process.

Enhances the Effectiveness of EMDR

EMDR can be a highly effective therapy for trauma and other mental health conditions. Still, the art therapy EMDR combination enhances its effectiveness by providing a more holistic approach to healing.

Encourages Creativity and Imagination

Art therapy encourages clients to tap into their creativity and imagination. This can lead to new insights and perspectives.
By incorporating art therapy EMDR, clients may be more likely to access their creativity and imagination. It can facilitate the processing and integration of traumatic experiences.

How Can True Life Care Mental Health Help?

Art Therapy EMDR New Jersey
At True Life Care Mental Health, we recognize the importance of offering a wide range of evidence-based therapies to help individuals with mental health and addiction issues.
Our team includes licensed art therapists and certified EMDR therapists who work collaboratively to provide an integrated approach to treatment.

Art Therapy EMDR at True Life Care

We use art therapy and EMDR to help clients access and process traumatic memories, emotions, and thoughts in a safe and non-threatening way.
Our therapists work closely with clients to create a personalized treatment plan. The duration of treatment can vary depending on the individual. Still, generally, sessions are held once or twice a week for several months.

How Else Can We Help?

In addition to art therapy and EMDR, we also offer a range of other evidence-based therapies, including:

Reach Out to True Life Care Today and Begin Healing

We offer a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. We can help clients achieve long-lasting recovery and wellness. We are the place for anyone in the recovery community.

Overall, we are committed to providing our clients the highest quality of care and support as they navigate their journey toward healing and recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out today. Please contact our admission office for more informations about our art therapy EMDR treatment in New Jersey.

Resources

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34456801/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25478139/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29928250
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30111254/
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29928250/
  6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32058073/
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32043428/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28302084/
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29708025/
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