Using EMDR with Craving and Addiction Disorders

Date: Friday, October 26, 2018, 9:00am – 5:00pm.  Registration and Continental Breakfast at 8:30am.

Location: St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 South 8th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402 (FREE PARKING)

Cost: Early Registration $125 until October 5. Late Registration $140

Limit: Seating is Limited

Substance use is a coping mechanism that many rely on during difficult times. It is a form of self-medication that is readily available and socially acceptable, up to a point. For those with a history of trauma, a reliance on mood altering substances can readily lead to dependency and addiction.

Statistically up to 75% of clients with a history of trauma have co-occurring substance-related or addiction disorders. In terms of our client base, the chances are better than average that those seeking therapy are experiencing problems related to drug and alcohol use, whether or not they have admitted this to you, or perhaps even to themselves.

Untreated trauma contributes to addiction disorders, and addictive symptoms complicate the treatment of trauma. It is a vicious cycle that can be particularly challenging to resolve. This workshop will help you gain a sense of competency in how to identify and deal with these diagnoses in your case load.

In this workshop you will learn the role neurobiology plays in addiction disorders and a variety of effective preparation phase tools. Larry will demonstrate and review Thought Field Therapy, Recovery Centered Resourcing, and relevant EMDR addiction protocols. He will then teach you the Craving and Consequence of Use (CCU) protocol he developed which has been highly effective in helping clients overcome addictive urges. Data from a recently completed research study (in publication) of the CCU protocol will be reviewed.

This adapted approach to EMDR points the way to changing behavior while strengthening a sense of self. The client can replace hopelessness and shame for hope and empowerment.

Larry Anderson, Psy.D. is a psychologist in private practice who has worked in the field of recovery and trauma for more than 20 years. He has been immersed in the recovery community for more than 30 years and is considered one of the leading experts in how to target the interface between trauma and addiction.

In addition to private practice, Larry consults with several Twin Cities chemical dependency treatment programs, at times meeting with program participants on-site to aid them in curbing their craving and resolving the trauma that led to their addiction. Larry has published on gender specific treatment approaches, presented on an array of chemical health and mental health topics, and served as a special witness before the Minnesota Supreme Court on co-occurring mental and chemical health disorders.

Dr. Anderson has used EMDR extensively since being trained in 1999.  He is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and a Facilitator with the EMDR Institute and the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program.

Dr. Anderson holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.

Participants will be able to:

  1.  Discuss addiction disorders with clients in a way that maximizes their understanding of, and comfort level with, the disease of addiction and the various treatment options.

  2.  Effectively use the Craving and Consequence of Use (CCU) protocol to help clients reduce their cravings.

  3.  Clarify three adaptations of the standard EMDR protocol inherent in the Cravings and Consequence of Use (CUC) protocol.

  4.  Identify two additional EMDR Phase 2 preparation tools which are especially helpful for clients with co-occurring mental health and addiction diagnoses.

  5.  Explain the significance of neurobiological advances in the field of addiction disease.

Anyone who has completed an EMDRIA Approved Basic EMDR training, which is required for attendance.  This workshop will be held in a facility that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Forliti Gathering Room, St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402. (Free Parking)

There are several hotels that are walking distance to St. Olaf. The following hotels are within a three block radius: the Hilton Minneapolis, Hyatt Place, W Minneapolis-The Foshay, Hotel Ivy, The Marquette Hotel, Crowne Plaza, and Best Western.