Building Bridges lead therapist Kurt Fairbank finished his EMDR certification this past month. It was a five-day intensive put on by EMDR Consulting. The consultants are all specialists in using EMDR in their clinical practice and are experienced in teaching others how to integrate it into their work. They have grown to be one of the largest training organizations in the United States and Canada. The company has trained over 10,000 clinicians on how to integrate EMDR into their practice.

EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, focuses on an individual’s present issues. By using eye movements and other forms of stimulation, it activates the brain’s ability to resolve the issues. EMDR focuses on the brain’s ability to constantly learn, modify, and adapt, otherwise known as Adaptive Information Processing (AIP).

Adaptive learning is constantly updating memory network systems, retaining what is important from past experiences and letting go of unnecessary information, and it has been used very successfully in the treatment of trauma. It allows the client to feel better than just thinking they are “better.” The client must be ready for this type of modality, and it should only be used by licensed clinicians who are certified.

Kurt Fairbank is the owner and clinical director of Building Bridges, and a primary therapist. Kurt holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Licensed Addiction Counselor, is Certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and is also now certified in EMDR. We are excited to offer this new service to the families and students of Building Bridges. Having worked professionally with youth for over twenty years, Kurt is devoted to the health and well-being of the young men he works with every day, and is excited to continue to evolve and grow the program to benefit the students.

About Building Bridges

Located in Thompson Falls, Montana, Building Bridges serves young men, ages 14-18, who are struggling with substance abuse and other co-occurring disorders. We utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions in dealing with trauma, unwanted behaviors, substance misuse, and other diagnoses while providing a normative environment to begin practicing learned therapeutic tools.