Mark Lyga, MSW, MAC, LAC, and Tammy Alexander, MS, LCPC Building Bridges therapist and family therapist, completed a 50-hour EMDR Training, in treatment guidelines published by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. EMDR therapy is recognized as evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other trauma and stressor disorders.  Approved EMDR Training provides clinicians with the knowledge and skills to utilize EMDR therapy, a comprehensive understanding of case conceptualization and treatment planning, and the ability to integrate EMDR therapy into their clinical practice.  It included instructional hours of the History and Overview, Distinguish Model, Methodology, and Mechanism, Learning the Adaptive Information Processing and its clinical implications.  They participated in a supervised practicum to facilitate the demonstration and practice of EMDR.  Direct behavioral observation and feedback was given while there was an opportunity to practice with real-life experiences.

Consultation provides an opportunity for the integration of the theory of EMDR along with the development of EMDR therapy skills. During the training, Alexander and Lyga received individualized feedback and instruction in the areas of case conceptualization, client readiness, target selection, treatment planning, specific application of skills, and the integration of EMDR therapy into clinical practice. Consultation is about real cases and not experiences that occur in practicum.

Consultation increases the use of EMDR therapy by those who have received training, reduces the formation of bad habits and the risks of problematic use of EMDR. It also allows the clinician to develop and integrate EMDR therapy skills creatively into their other skills in a way that enhances clinical efficiency and effectiveness in helping a wider range of clients meet their goals for change.

About Building Bridges 

Building Bridges is a therapeutic boarding school in Thompson Falls, MT for boys 13-18 with substance and behavioral issues. The passion is creating a structure that mirrors real life with the goal to have the boys attend public school.  Building Bridges seeks to bring real life to treatment through redirection and empowerment. They strive to teach the young men to see how substance has created behaviors that have gotten in their way of pursuing their passions.  By teaching them how to have self-confidence and create a more positive manner they are able to see their growth through using what they learn in a normalized safe environment that will transfer to wherever their next step is.