We are thrilled to announce that a dedicated group of staff and interns at Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) have recently completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy at River Community. This achievement was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Anna Lee, Director of Innovation; Lynetta Hale, Senior Clinical Director; and Sarah Tostado, Program Director of River Community. Funding for this training opportunity came from a Department of Health Care Services Behavioral Health Workforce Development grant. Training was provided by Daniel Doyle, Certified EMDR Consultant and Kathleen White, EMDR Consultant-in-training from the Institute for Creative Mindfulness.
EMDR therapy is a highly effective approach that equips individuals with powerful tools to address trauma and its impact on substance use and mental health. Our team members dedicated six full days to intensive training, ensuring that they are equipped to provide exceptional care to the individuals we serve. They will now embark on the next phase of their professional development, which includes consultation hours, enabling them to become recognized EMDR trained therapists. Moreover, several members of our team are considering pursuing certification as EMDR therapists, exemplifying our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to our participants/residents, and empowering them on their transformative journey toward healing and recovery.
This significant training milestone reflects our organization’s dedication to providing comprehensive and evidence-based services in the field of behavioral health. By incorporating EMDR therapy into our repertoire, we enhance our capacity to address the complex needs of our participants/residents, while promoting lasting positive change and improved overall well-being. We are proud of our team’s commitment to professional growth and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make within our organization and the community we serve.