Somatic Experiencing and EMDR for Trauma
At Cliffside Malibu, we continue to do the hard work of making sure research is solid and results are proven for therapies that have been in use for a significant amount of time.
By combining two therapies that give the best possible outcomes for those trying to cope with past traumas or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we can give our patients the ability to succeed in moving past their pain and on to healthy lives. The two therapies mentioned here can be used separately or together to gain the tools and patterns to succeed, and both are known to succeed in timeframes that are significantly shorter than more conventional therapies.
How We Treat
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, growing out of her experience that eye movement was beneficial to her own ability to deal with stressful past experiences. EMDR uses your own physical eye movements in very specific ways directed by your therapist, to alter your body and mind’s response to your past trauma. The combination of eye movement techniques, as well as other physical and therapeutic techniques used by your therapist, can help shift your old patterns into different, healthy associations.
A number of clinical studies have shown definitively that EMDR can assist you in using your own instinctive ability to heal and do so more rapidly than most conventional therapies.
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Somatic Experiencing®
Somatic Experiencing was developed by Dr. Peter Levine from his more than four decades of successful practice in clinical settings. His rich experience and education in myriad disciplines created an approach that meets the patient where they are mired in a pattern of unhealthy responses to past trauma. Somatic Experiencing was constructed from Dr. Levine’s observation of behaviors on the part of those
animals that are often in life-threatening situations, but are able to quickly shed their fear and distress after the event.
Rather than therapy which has you express stressful emotional responses in an attempt to move beyond past traumas, Somatic Experiencing helps you progress toward establishing your own physical and mental response patterns. This allows you to dissipate the distressing emotional reactions in a measured, step-by-step response. The technique has also proven to assist in helping you heal more rapidly than many conventional therapies.
Walking Alongside You in Recovery
Combining EMDR and Somatic Experiencing
Together, EMDR and Somatic Experiencing build on your own physical responses to help you alter your previous reactions to the memories you’ve been unable to resolve. Your treatment team will assess your readiness in addressing your trauma and build a treatment plan that identifies the plan to utilize one or both modalities. Both therapies use physical processes established and practiced during your treatment, along with other techniques. The therapist will guide you to develop your own patterns and build your own tools to heal the wounds from your past trauma.
Your deep involvement in building these mental and physical pattern responses and tools will enhance your own sense of your personal power and strength, allowing you to heal from the traumas of your past
Personalized Care
Evidence-Based Therapy
EMDR is a recognized form of evidence-based therapy, and Somatic Experiencing is an evidence-supported therapy. Using known, proven practices is part of Cliffside Malibu’s approach to all therapeutic treatments. We combine substantial clinical experience and effective treatments for the best outcome possible for all patients. All treatments are evaluated on a regular basis to continue to maintain these high standards, and as every person has unique needs in therapy, every treatment strategy is constructed to fit that person.
Stories of Success
What Our Patients Are Saying About Cliffside Malibu
Confidential Insurance Verification
Accepting Most Major Insurance Plans
Cliffside works with a variety of insurance plans. Our admissions team will verify your benefits and clearly explain the options available before admission. We firmly believe in eliminating barriers to treatment. It’s why we closely work with major insurance carriers to ensure everybody receives the treatment they deserve. We also accept private payments for additional convenience.
Your Recovery Starts Here
Take the First Step in the Most Important Journey of Your Life
Call now to speak confidentially with an admission counselor.