EMDR UK present a 2025 pre-conference special with LCSW, Hope Payson discussing the use of EMDR Therapy to address addiction.

EMDR Association UK - Past, Present and Future

EMDR UK presents a pre-conference 2025 podcast with
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR Consultant Hope Payson.
Hope draws on over 30 years of experience working with addiction and trauma, firmly believing they are deeply interconnected. Her journey with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) began during her time in an outreach program, where she encountered what she describes as the "wildest therapy" she had ever seen. Though initially skeptical, her perspective shifted after working with a client who had hit rock bottom following a relapse and overdose. With no other options proving effective, she decided to take a leap of faith, setting aside her fear of triggering another relapse. The result was transformative—her client achieved a remarkable recovery, solidifying her belief in EMDR's power to heal.

Hope emphasizes that addiction often serves as a symptom of underlying trauma, highlighting the intrinsic link between the two. She acknowledges, however, that one of the greatest challenges for EMDR therapists lies in crafting effective treatment plans tailored to each individual. At the 2025 conference, she will share practical strategies and insights to help fellow practitioners navigate this complex process.

This is a Laura Beech production for EMDR UK.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and presenters and are not endorsed by the Association.