"Part of me wants to quit, and part of me doesn't": An Integrative Developmental Approach to Addiction

Susan Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Diplomate in private practice in San Diego, CA. She specializes in the use of EMDR therapy to treat complex trauma and addictions. She was a Principal Investigator in a pilot study using an Integrated Trauma Treatment Program (ITTP) in an adult drug court combining EMDR therapy and Seeking Safety©. She currently integrates Internal Family Systems “informed” ego state work within the EMDR protocol to deepen and enhance treatment with these complex clients.

Ms. Brown co-authored “Integrated trauma treatment in drug court: Combining EMDR and Seeking Safety” (Brown et al. 2015); Co-authored 2 book chapters, EMDR: Mental Health-Substance Abuse (Brown, Stowasser, & Shapiro, 2012) and EMDR Therapy and the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Addiction, In Innovations in the Treatment of Substance Addiction, (Brown, Stowasser & Shapiro, 2016); and co-authored the article, ‘EMDR in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder’ (Brown & Shapiro, 2006).

Susan has presented nationally on the use of EMDR with trauma and addiction. She is an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Basic Training Facilitator for the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program and the EMDR Institute. She currently teaches 2-day workshops on the utilization of EMDR therapy, integrated with ego state applications for complex trauma, addictions and other self-defeating behaviors.