FAQ: Using EMDR for Addiction Treatment

Answers to Questions About Addiction Treatment

 

What if I already have a therapist for my addictions?

That’s great!   We can work collaboratively with you and your therapist to do EMDR processing on the places where you’re stuck and not getting resolution.  Because you already have a therapist, we can usually get started with the EMDR processing after just a few session and stay focused on the trauma resolution or arousal desensitization, as you continue with in your initial treatment provider.

What types of addictions does EMDR work for?

     While different addictions have certain aspects to them that make them unique, the EMDR focus on trauma, trigger desensitization and ‘state’ change is basically the same in the treatment of all addictions.

Can we do EMDR using video conferencing?

Yes, in most cases.

Am I an addict?

There is no one thing that makes a person an ‘addict’ or not.  In fact, the label is not as important as effectively addressing the behavior.

Questions around addiction you may asked yourself are:

  • “Is my behavior compulsive?”  That is are you doing the same self-destructive types of behavior over-and-over, even though you’ve told yourself many times that you would stop.
  • “Is my behavior hurting others emotionally or would it hurt others if they found out about it?:
  • “Am I missing work because of my behavior?”
  • “Are others telling me I have a problem even though I don’t see it or believe them?”

With regards to a possible sexual addiction, it is helpful to take the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) to find out how your behavior compares to others with or without sex addiction.  We will go over the results with you as part of your treatment.  – See more at: http://compassionworks.com/addictions/am-I-an-addict/#sthash.hOD8aVCr.dpuf

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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.

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