EMDR and Addiction

Why do some clients relapse again and again—despite insight, motivation, and support? What if the real root of addiction isn’t willpower, behavior, or even the substance itself—but a memory network wired for survival? In many clients, addiction is not the primary problem—it’s an attempt to feel safe, connected, or alive in a world that has consistently felt unsafe, isolating, or overwhelming. And unless we target the emotional circuitry that keeps that need alive, treatment stays stuck.

This course gives you a way to finally reach the part of the brain where trauma and addiction meet—and rewire it. Grounded in EMDR and neuroscience, it offers a practical and powerful approach to help clients reclaim choice, connection, and a sense of self that no longer depends on the next high.

Megan Salar, MSW, ACADC, CCTP-II, EMDR-C, is a nationally recognized EMDR clinician, trainer, and author. Having trained thousands of clinicians in trauma and addiction treatment across the U.S. and abroad, Megan brings a masterful integration of EMDR and real-world clinical insight. Her experience running award-winning treatment centers and her authorship of widely used EMDR workbooks position her as a trusted voice in this complex field.

In this self-paced course, Megan takes a clear, step-by-step approach to teaching effective trauma-informed strategies for addiction treatment. She blends psychoeducation, clinical wisdom, and hands-on EMDR techniques so that clinicians walk away not only informed—but equipped.

Topics include the neurobiology of addiction, the addiction memory network, insecure attachment and substance use, the Positive Feeling State Protocol, and an in-depth understanding of the DeTUR model. You’ll also explore how to identify core traumas linked to addictive urges, use bilateral stimulation effectively, and develop personalized treatment goals rooted in client strengths.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand and apply EMDR protocols: Learn how to use the DeTUR and Positive Feeling State protocols to target urges and cravings.
• Trauma-informed treatment planning: Identify and process core traumas behind addiction using EMDR strategies.
• Effective clinical interventions: Gain practical tools and resourcing strategies to use in sessions when clients experience triggers or cravings.

Why this course?

• Expert-led and trauma-informed: Megan Salar’s decades of clinical and training experience ensure this course bridges both theory and practice.
• Built for behavioral health clinicians: Specifically tailored to the day-to-day challenges clinicians face when working with clients with addictive behaviors.
• CE from a trusted provider: Telehealth Certification Institute is known for equipping healthcare professionals with relevant, ethical, and high-quality continuing education.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the basics of the DeTUR protocol/model.
• Describe how to uncover core-rooted traumas linked to addictive tendencies.
• Use resourcing skills and brief interventions to assist clients when triggered with urges.
• Analyze how to utilize and establish the Positive Feeling State (PFS)
• Plan effective ways to identify the positive goal and anchoring techniques to enhance goals.
• Demonstrate how to move from addiction-based interventions to EMDR trauma-based interventions.

If you want to move beyond symptom management and help your clients break free from the trauma-addiction cycle, this course offers the knowledge, tools, and inspiration you need. Join us in redefining what recovery can look like—rooted in safety, choice, and lasting change.

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This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Instruction consists of 6 hours of video instruction and a post-test.