EMDR for Addictions:  Treating Unconscious Attachments of Desire

EMDR is fast becoming a standard part of the major addiction treatment programs.  That is because EMDR works directly with the mid-brain to desensitize touchstone traumas and desensitize current triggers which drive current addictive behavior.  EMDR goes to a deeper processing level than teaching and cognitive-behavioral therapies, which don’t impact the way the memories are stored in the body/mind.


When using EMDR: 

  • We help define current triggers that cause relapse and acting out
  • We select which triggers to use as targets for desensitization
  • We use EMDR to let the current triggers guide us to ‘touchstone’ events that are the source of static, maladaptive memories
  • EMDR can be used directly to address the ‘arousal template’ and to reduce its charge
  • We teach state change techniques for relaxation and to help shift brain states
  • We use EMDR to build and expand positive, adaptive neuro-networks to provide and interal source of strength and support
  • EMDR teaches the ability to stay with uncomfortable feelings and emotions so they can resolve and integrate

 

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Dr. Amber Quaranta-Leech, LPC-S

Amber holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Texas and Oklahoma and holds Supervisor credential for Texas. Amber is an EMDRIA consultant and trainer. She has over a decade of experience in the trauma field in work with uniformed services, domestic violence, childhood trauma and abuse, and recent mass trauma events. Amber provides consultation for EMDRIA certification, for consultants-in-training, and supervision for LPC-Associates. Amber continues to research the benefits of EMDR therapy with a variety of populations. Her goal is to help build strong clinicians who are well versed in trauma interventions to better support their clients. Amber sees a limited number of clients with a focus on trauma work, she is also a Certified Career Counselor and Certified through EAGALA to provide equine-assisted therapy. 

Dr. Jose Carbajal, LCSW

Dr. Jose Carbajal, a U.S. Army veteran, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a master’s in theological studies from Baylor University, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive teaching experience, Jose specializes in trauma, sexual abuse recovery, domestic violence, and substance abuse. His research focuses on trauma interventions, neuroscience, and faith. He is EMDR Certified, an Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer, with numerous publications and professional presentations to his name.

Dr. Amanda Martin, LMFT-S, LPC, BCN

Amanda Martin holds a PhD in Family Therapy and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. With over 14 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals and families in residential and outpatient settings. Amanda also provides supervision for EMDR certification, EMDR consultants-in-training, and LMFT-Associates. Her mission is to help people find a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling path in life. Her warm, supportive, and interactive counseling style incorporates Symbolic Experiential Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, HeartMath, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Collaborative Problem Solving.