Substance abuse and addiction have their roots in a variety of potential underlying causes. For many people, one such cause is exposure to a seriously traumatic life event. In the wake of this exposure, you may start drinking or taking drugs. You may also increase your existing level of substance use. The end result in some cases is the onset of a substance use disorder (SUD).
During SUD treatment, enduring trauma can make it much harder for you to keep your recovery on track. For this reason, effective options for easing trauma may be crucial to your rehab success. The list of these options includes a unique method called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR uses a multistep process to help you work through past traumas and heal.
Do you or your loved one need EMDR as part of your treatment for drug or alcohol problems? In the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire, turn to our top-rated drug rehab in Bluffton, Southern Sky Recovery. Our South Carolina EMDR services can help you deal effectively with the ongoing impact of past traumas. As a result, you may find it much easier to restore emotional balance and make real progress in substance rehab.
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 80s as a way to help people affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is perhaps the quintessential trauma-related mental health condition. It produces multiple effects that combine to make you feel highly distressed and reduce your ability to function. Today, EMDR is also used to help people whose trauma symptoms don’t meet the criteria for PTSD.
At its core, EMDR is a form of psychotherapy. However, it differs from other therapies in important ways. As its name implies, the focus is on processing traumatic memories that remain ‘stuck’ in your thoughts and emotions. When these memories are unstuck, their effects on you can decline and fade away.
EMDR is a multistep procedure. It begins with a series of preparatory actions that include:
Next, your therapist will assess the ways in which you’re affected by a given traumatic memory. These effects can include such things as:
Next comes what’s known as the desensitization phase of EMDR. During this phase, you move your eyes back and forth in a rhythmic pattern. At the same time, you focus your attention on the targeted memory. While doing these two things, you tell your therapist about any thoughts that come up.
Your therapist then helps you choose a positive thought to attach to that memory. As you focus on this thought, your therapist helps you increase its strength. While keeping your memory and your positive thoughts in mind, you turn your attention to the sensations generated in your body. The goal here is to identify any physical distress tied to the memory. If you’re experiencing this distress, your therapist will take extra steps to help you work through it.
You may or may not completely process the targeted memory by the time you’re done with a given EMDR session. If you do process it, you move on to the next one. If not, your therapist will show you how to deal with it until you start your next session.
Have more questions about EMDR or any of its individual steps? Consult the helpful staff at Southern Sky today.
The typical weekly session of EMDR therapy can last anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and a half. In all cases, only you and your therapist participate. Some people start to feel better soon after they start EMDR. However, your total time in therapy may last up to three months or so.
What affects your treatment timeline? Factors that may have an impact in your case include:
For more details on the potential duration of EMDR and our Bluffton addiction treatment options, contact us today.
The team at Southern Sky Recovery is available to help you or your loved one in finding the best treatment options that work for your individual needs. Our program is rooted in a philosophy based on client-first care and personalized solutions. Call us today to start your journey to long-term healing.
How can an EMDR treatment center help you recover from substance abuse or addiction? To answer this question, we must first consider the potential impact of unresolved trauma on your drug or alcohol use. As it turns out, this impact can be substantial.
Studies show that people who live through trauma may start self-medicating themselves with drugs or alcohol. That’s true whether or not they qualify for a diagnosis of PTSD. Specific problems that may lead to drinking or drug use include:
There are two unfortunate potential consequences of using drugs or alcohol in these circumstances. First, you may end up putting yourself on the fast track to substance abuse/addiction. To make matters even worse, self-medication with drugs or alcohol has a limited effect when it works at all. In fact, your actions may have the opposite effect and increase your future trauma risks.
Trauma therapies are known for their ability to support recovery from substance problems. They work by removing one of your potential motivations for drinking or using drugs. When this motivation is gone, you may find it easier to halt your substance intake. You may also find it easier to make progress in your drug or alcohol recovery program.
EMDR is widely viewed as an evidence-based option for trauma treatment. In other words, its results are backed by substantial research and study. Some studies suggest that it can produce even better results than cognitive-behavioral therapy, another common choice for trauma-related recovery.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is one of the newer options for evidence-backed trauma treatment. Over the past few years, it’s grown in popularity. However, not all rehab providers offer it. Think you or your loved one may benefit from EMDR therapy? You’ll need to find facilities in your area that include it among their recovery resources. You’ll also need to make sure that your chosen therapist is well-trained in the therapy’s methods.
At Southern Sky, we feature Southern Carolina EMDR services among our many options for addiction recovery. Every day, we rely on these services to support drug and alcohol treatment plans. In all cases, we make sure that customized EMDR fits in well with other aspects of your particular plan. Contact us today to find out more.
Southern Sky Recovery is here to help. Our central location in Bluffton, SC allows us to service clients in the Lowcounty & Coastal Empire areas.
Dr. Katerina Marroquin received her PhD in Psychology from Walden University, her Master’s in Social Work from Florida International University, and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University. Dr. Marroquin has been a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Georgia since 2017. She is excited to bring her passion and experience to the community.
Dr. Marroquin has served as a clinical therapist working with adults and adolescents in recovery from drugs or alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health diagnoses during all levels of care. (Detox, residential and outpatient treatment, and group/individual therapy sessions.) Dr. Marroquin creates a courageous environment where everyone can truly embrace themselves without the fear of judgment and/or rejection. Dr. Marroquin also enjoys self-care implementation and loves being a part of the change process.
Nathan began his passion for addiction treatment after entering long-term recovery in 2013. While working as a counselor and director in multiple treatment settings, Nathan acquired a bachelor’s in psychology, followed by a double master’s in clinical mental health (LPC) and healthcare administration (MHA). During this time, Nathan built a strong focus on quality clinical care, family systems, and patient safety. His long-time dream has been to bring addiction treatment home to the Lowcountry in Beaufort County. Nathan maintains a simple philosophy regarding addiction treatment, put the patient first! Nathan also serves on the board of the South Carolina Board of Recovery Residence.
Nathan is also a USCG licensed boat captain and was a mate and captain for ten years before moving to the addiction treatment field. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending time in the kitchen.
Erica is a dedicated professional with a background in military finance and public performance. She proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Finance Specialist, where she graduated with honors from the U.S. Army Finance School. Her military experience strengthened her leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Additionally, she worked full-time as a Human Resources Civil Service Technician for the Florida National Guard State Headquarters.
Originally from Jacksonville, Erica later relocated to South Carolina in 2024 to begin a new chapter both personally and professionally. Alongside her finance expertise, she is also a stand-up comedian, bringing confidence, creativity, and strong communication skills to every audience she encounters. Erica combines professionalism, resilience, and humor in all aspects of her career and community involvement.
David is a dedicated, client-centric mental health professional with a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical experience. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and completed a master’s degree with a clinical concentration, preparing him to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care. Over the past four years, David has worked in inpatient and correctional settings specifically focused on substance use disorders, as well as in broader mental health roles. He is known for honoring the uniqueness of each client and for intentionally tailoring his approach to meet their individual needs, histories, and treatment goals.
Outside of his professional work, David is a devoted family man. He has been married to his wife for 19 years, and together they are proud parents of two sons, ages 14 and 17. David enjoys reading, following sports, and traveling whenever possible. He values balance, empathy, and respect in all aspects of his life, bringing the same commitment and care to his family that he brings to the clients he serves.
Sierra is a dedicated addictions counselor passionate about helping individuals navigate recovery and build more stable, fulfilling lives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health from Seton Hill University and an Associate’s degree in Human Services with a certificate in Addiction Studies from Allegany College of Maryland. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University and holds her ADC-IP credential in South Carolina, working toward full ADC credentialing and LPC licensure.
Sierra has experience across detox, residential, and outpatient levels of care, providing both group and individual support. She uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach to help clients build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and apply what they learn in treatment to everyday life. She is especially passionate about working with individuals who are motivated for change but feel stuck, helping them create practical, personalized paths to recovery.
Originally from West Virginia, Sierra relocated to South Carolina in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys coffee shops, farmers’ markets, beach days, reading, and exploring with her dachshund, Cooper.
Ben is a person in long-term recovery with a gift for creativity, a deep connection with people, and a passion for helping others find their path to sobriety. After getting sober in 2018, he discovered that authenticity was the greatest gift he could offer. Embracing it brought genuine connection, creative freedom, and a beautiful life in recovery.
With experience in multimedia, fine art, and digital design, Ben studied photography at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has spent years working as a professional photographer and marketer. He has also worked in recreational and art therapy for substance use treatment and has led educational groups on anger management and relapse prevention.
Ben believes that connection is the opposite of addiction—and that when we allow ourselves to be fully authentic, we become our most powerful selves, capable of deeper connection and better equipped to help others navigate a turbulent world.
Keith began his career in the maintenance and plumbing industry, where he built hands-on experience and a strong work ethic. During that time, he faced significant challenges with addiction. His decision to seek help led him to Southern Sky Recovery in Bluffton, South Carolina—an experience that transformed his life.
Through the support of Southern Sky Recovery, Keith rebuilt his foundation and discovered his true passion: serving others on their recovery journeys. He was given the opportunity to become the Men’s Residential House Manager, a role that allows him to guide, support, and mentor men as they work toward lasting recovery.
“For the first time in my life, I found a career that truly fulfills me. I love working in addiction recovery and being part of a community dedicated to helping others heal and grow.”
Outside of work, Keith enjoys spending quality time with his family. He remains committed to his own recovery and has a strong interest in nutrition and exercise, which help him stay grounded, healthy, and focused.
He is grateful every day for the opportunity to serve his community and work in a field that gives his life purpose.