Erika Hughes

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR therapy, is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Rather than relying only on talking through painful memories, EMDR works with the brain’s natural ability to process and store information in a healthier way. Many people who have struggled with anxiety, PTSD, or other lingering emotional challenges find that EMDR helps them feel relief more quickly than traditional talk therapy.

Adolescence is a time of incredible growth, but it can also be a period when past or recent traumatic experiences come to the surface. Teens who have faced loss, bullying, accidents, abuse, or other painful events often feel overwhelmed by emotions they can’t quite name. They might seem withdrawn, anxious, irritable, or disconnected.

Living with substance use challenges is rarely about the substance alone. Many teens and adults also struggle with anxiety and depression, and these conditions often feed into one another. Understanding this connection—known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis—is an important step toward healing.