Rewiring the Addicted Brain with EMDR-Based Treatment

by Dr. Laurel Parnell

As a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of trauma, Dr. Laurel Parnell has found that many people who have suffered the effects of trauma use addictive substances or behaviors in an effort to relieve their pain.

In Rewiring the Addicted Brain with EMDR-Based Treatment, Dr. Parnell applies her extensive expertise in Attachment- Focused EMDR and Resource Tapping to the clinical challenge of addictions recovery. It is filled with brain-wise, compassionate, resilience-supporting EMDR-based techniques that can be easily integrated into all levels of addictions treatment.

Therapists and substance abuse counselors will find this a useful guidebook to help them navigate the difficult and complex terrain of addiction treatment—one that recognizes and addresses trauma and integrates repair of attachment deficits.

Case material is interwoven throughout the text; also included are chapters presenting in-depth cases which illustrate the techniques. These cases include history and background of the clients as well as actual sessions employing the interventions specific to rewiring the addicted brain.

Also, available is the new workshop based on Rewiring the Addicted Brain. Learn how to apply EMDR-based techniques in a holistic, integrative approach to the treatment of addictions and dysfunctional behaviors. Click here to learn more about the workshop.

Dr. Parnell has written a hopeful, and user-friendly book that is a paradigm shift in the field of addictions. “Rewiring the Addicted Brain” reframes the painful and clinically challenging issue of addictions and is full of treatment suggestions that can be understood and applied by anyone who reads it —clinicians of every stripe and lay people as well. Not only does this book offer a compassionate understanding of the early attachment wounds that are the underpinnings of many addictions, but, most importantly, demonstrates how to use Dr. Parnell’s world – renowned Attachment-Focused innovations to change the addicted brain towards health and wholeness.

Constance Kaplan, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, EMDR Senior Trainer and Faculty, Parnell Institute