Healing Trauma & Addiction with EMDR
Evidence-Based Therapy to Help You Move Forward
Michelle is currently accepting new clients ages 14+ for psychotherapy & EMDR sessions via telehealth.
By Michelle Johnson, MA, LPC, LAC
EMDR Therapist & Supervisor at Free Yourself
When Trauma and Addiction Intersect
Many people who struggle with addiction are also carrying painful experiences from the past. Trauma can shape how you experience emotions, respond to stress, and perceive safety in the world.
Sometimes alcohol, drugs, or certain behaviors become ways to cope with overwhelming anxiety, distressing memories, or emotional pain. What once helped you survive can eventually feel like being stuck in a cycle you can’t escape.
You are not broken. These patterns often develop because your mind and body were trying to protect you.
Counseling offers a safe, supportive space to understand these patterns with compassion rather than judgment. Healing is possible — and you do not have to face it alone.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is the emotional and nervous system response to an experience (or series of experiences) that feels overwhelming, frightening, or deeply distressing — exceeding your ability to cope at the time.
Trauma often occurs when something is:
1
Too Much
2
Too Fast
3
Too Scary
4
Too Painful
Examples of Traumatic Experiences
Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Serious accidents or medical crises
Violence or crime
Sudden loss of someone close
Childhood neglect or instability
Ongoing stress
(domestic conflict, addiction in the family, unsafe environments)
Common Trauma Responses
Anxiety, fear, shame, guilt, or emotional numbness
Sleep difficulties or fatigue
Feeling jumpy or constantly on edge
Intrusive memories
Avoiding reminders of the event
Feeling unsafe even when things appear okay
Trauma is not about weakness. These responses are often survival skills that stayed activated longer than necessary. Your nervous system was trying to protect you.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition involving physical or psychological dependence on substances (such as alcohol or drugs) or behaviors (such as gambling or internet use).
It’s more than a habit. Addiction can affect:
Brain chemistry
Decision-making
Emotional regulation
Relationships
Daily functioning
When trauma is unresolved, substances or behaviors may temporarily numb distress — but they rarely address the root cause. That’s where trauma-focused therapy can make a meaningful difference.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps people heal from trauma and distressing memories by helping the brain properly process what happened.
After trauma, memories can feel “stuck” in the nervous system — as if the experience is still happening. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they feel like something in the past, not something continuing in the present.
During EMDR, a therapist uses guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds while you safely recall parts of the memory. This process, called bilateral stimulation, supports the brain in storing the memory in a healthier, more adaptive way.
Many people notice that:
Triggers feel less intense
Emotions become more manageable
Negative beliefs lose their grip
Healthier coping becomes possible
Therapy always moves at your pace. Your comfort, safety, and story matter.
What can EMDR therapy help with?
EMDR is especially effective for treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety disorders, addiction, and more.
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Childhood Trauma
Abuse
Accidents
Violence
Medical Trauma
-
Panic Attacks
Phobias
Social Anxiety
-
Underlying trauma driving substance use
Relapse triggers tied to past experiences
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Grief & Loss
Performance Anxiety
Disturbing Memories
Negative Core Beliefs (“I’m not safe,” “I’m not good enough”)
Why Many Therapists Use EMDR
EMDR is widely respected because it:
Does not require repeatedly talking through every detail of the trauma
Often works faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma
Focuses on how the brain processes memory
Is evidence-based and extensively researched
At its core, EMDR helps your brain heal from painful experiences so they no longer control your present life.
A Safe, Supportive Space to Heal
Healing from trauma and addiction requires safety, compassion, and steady support. Therapy provides a space where you can understand your patterns without shame and begin creating meaningful change.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or ready for something different, support is available. You do not have to carry this alone. If you're ready to explore healing in a supportive, structured way, reaching out is a strong first step.
About the author
Michelle Johnson, MA, LPC, LAC
EMDR Therapist
Supervisor at Free Yourself
Michelle Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, and EMDR therapist who specializes in trauma-informed care and addiction treatment. As a Supervisor at Free Yourself, she is committed to providing compassionate, client-centered therapy that honors each person’s unique story.
Michelle integrates evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, to help clients safely process painful experiences, reduce emotional reactivity, and build healthier coping strategies. She works with adolescents (14+) and adults and understands the complex relationship between trauma and substance use.
Michelle is currently accepting new clients via telehealth and is dedicated to creating a supportive space where healing and lasting change are possible.