Trainer: Gerard Ilaria, LCSW-R
On-Demand: Available with lifetime access for asynchronous learning. This course was recorded on November 13th, 2025.
In clinical practice, addictions and compulsive behaviors are rarely “bad habits”. They are survival strategies rooted in trauma, attachment wounds, and dysregulated nervous systems. Many EMDR-trained clinicians feel confident with single‑incident trauma, but less sure when addiction, shame, dissociation, and complex trauma collide.
This advanced EMDR training is designed to bridge that gap. EMDR for the Treatment of Addictions and Compulsions gives trauma therapists a clear, neuro-informed pathway to integrate EMDR into addiction treatment, reduce relapse risk, and support sustainable recovery.
This on-demand program is ideal for clinicians who want to deepen their trauma therapist training with practical, session-ready EMDR interventions specifically tailored to substance use, process addictions, and compulsive coping patterns.
Because the best learning happens when you feel safe. Ask freely, show up fully, and learn in a relational, non-judgmental environment built for practitioners like you.
Expect real case examples, clear guidance, and a teaching style that makes even complex topics feel approachable so you can confidently use what you learn in session right away.
Join a community of clinicians learning side by side, sharing real case insights and peer support so you can grow your skills with confidence alongside your peers in meaningful connection.
By the end of this EMDR & addictions training, you’ll be able to:
These protocols are presented in a clear, step‑by‑step format so you can immediately apply them in EMDR sessions with clients navigating addiction, compulsions, and complex trauma.
This advanced EMDR training builds on your basic EMDR skills and expands your capacity to work confidently with addictions, compulsions, and trauma‑linked coping strategies.
You’ll learn how to:
Throughout the course you’ll see how EMDR can move clients beyond insight alone, toward genuine nervous system change, reduced shame, and more sustainable sobriety.
On-demand specialized EMDR training, neuro-informed teaching, and a supportive clinician community.
Apply DeTUR, FSAP, CravEx, and Connecting the Consequences to addiction and compulsive behavior.
Apply the Binge–Withdrawal–Preoccupation framework to EMDR case conceptualization.
Learn Gerard Ilaria's signature EMDR innovation for rapid craving reduction.
Submit questions and connect with peers through the on-demand course community.
Build relapse prevention plans for high-risk situations like bars, social media, and people-based triggers.
On-demand access means you go at your own pace. Lifetime access is included, so you can return whenever you need it.
Case-grounded teaching from a clinician with 35 years of trauma practice and the developer of the Buzzkill™ protocol.
Join TTI's shame-free community of practitioners for ongoing conversations, support, and resources. No cost, no catch.
This EMDR & addictions training is designed for:
EMDR‑trained clinicians (EMDR Basic Training required) who treat:
Trauma therapists seeking advanced trauma therapist training that integrates EMDR with addiction, shame, and survival‑based coping.
Clinicians working in:
EMDR therapists who feel confident with single‑incident trauma but less certain about:
If you want your EMDR training to directly support your work with addictions and compulsions, and you’re ready for concrete, protocol‑level guidance, this course is a strong next step in your EMDR and trauma therapist training pathway.
"I do this work to help clients find relief and reduce risk. EMDR is so impactful with this population and I wish I had learned these interventions sooner in my career."
- José, inpatient SUD therapist
Gerard Ilaria, LCSW‑R, is an EMDRIA‑certified EMDR therapist and long‑time trauma specialist with over 35 years of experience in trauma, addiction, and complex clinical presentations. His career began during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, continued with combat veterans with PTSD, and most recently has focused on cross‑addicted members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gerard’s background includes:
Trained at Columbia University (BA) and Columbia School of Social Work (MSW), Gerard now serves as President of Bilateral Health, LLC, where he focuses on EMDR training, trauma therapy, and advanced EMDR applications for addictions and complex trauma.
His teaching style is practical, trauma‑informed, and clinician‑centered, making this course a valuable addition to your EMDR training and broader trauma therapist training journey.
Welcome, objectives, and presenter introduction
Introduction to addiction, trauma, and EMDR fundamentals
Addiction neurobiology and EMDR Phase 1–2 resourcing foundations
Resourcing techniques and addiction-specific EMDR protocols
Future template and Buzzkill™ protocol for behavior change
Wrap-up, key takeaways, and Q&A
EMDR Basic Training
4 CEs are available upon completion of all course material.
Trauma Therapist Institute is an approved continuing education provider. ACE, NBCC and EMDRIA CEs are available for this course. APA CEs are not available for this course.
Participants must complete the full training to receive credit.
Trauma Therapist Institute, #1869, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 1/16/25 - 1/16/28. Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.
Trauma Therapist Institute is an EMDRIA Approved Training Provider. TTI courses are individually approved. CE Certificate will contain course approval number.
To receive a CE certificate, participants must complete the entire course, complete the post-test with a score of 80% or above, and complete the course evaluation. You may retake the post-test as needed. Once completed, a CE certificate will auto-populate to your online account.
Please reference our cancellation policy here (bottom section of this page).
