Treating Addictions with EMDR Therapy and the Stages of Change

Mental health practitioners must be prepared to treat addiction-related issues-affecting up to 50% of mental health clients-whether or not clients present with addiction as a primary concern. This practical roadmap to the treatment of addictions advocates an underutilized-yet highly effective-method of intervention: EMDR. It is the first book to integrate the stages of change model with EMDR's phases for successful treatment outcome. It addresses the scope of problems relating to addiction, including relevant statistics and descriptions of substance and process addictions, and considers the connection between addiction and trauma.

The authors describe in detail the Transtheoretical Model, tracing its development and theoretical foundations. They discuss each of its stages in depth,presenting and integrating EMDR interventions used by therapists in each stage. The interventions are useful for helping clients at any motivational level. Case vignettes in each chapter illustrate how EMDR techniques are use

Nancy J. AbelThe Journal of EMDR Practice and Research.

John M. O'Brien, PhD , is in private practice in Portland, Maine, USA since 1998. He specializes in the treatment of substance abuse, grief, trauma and gay/lesbian issues. Dr. O'Brien served on the American Psychological Association's Committee on Rural Health as well as Chair of Sections on LGBT Issues and Independent Practice of Division 17, Counseling Psychology. He is a Past President of the Maine Psychological Association and is currently the Continuing Education Chair. Dr. O'Brien is Adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine, Augusta and is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant who provides consultation on EMDR, CBT, DBT, and addictions treatment. He is co-author of two articles published in The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research.