Craig Givens, MS, LMHC, NCC is a Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. In 1996, Craig graduated from Nova Southeastern with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling, and became a licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2000. Craig received his EMDR training in 2006 then progressed to become a certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant. He is currently a member in good standing of EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Craig began his professional career working with the severely, chronically mentally ill, and later transitioned into the substance abuse field, where he specialized in working with clients that were dually diagnosed, victims of trauma, and those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. He currently helps those who are members of ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families). His expertise includes treating a range of issues that span:
- ACA related traumas and dysfunction
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Food addictions and related issues
- Gambling addiction
- Sex Addiction
- Compulsive lying
- Compulsive shopping
- Mood and thought disorders
- Panic attacks
- Grief and related issues
- Anger resolution
- Phobias and Fears
- Performance Anxiety – sports related, etc.
- Physical Pain
Craig has worked extensively with many who have suffered complex traumas. He likens trauma to something that has been frozen in time and stashed to the back of one’s consciousness. As he explains, trauma gets activated when something in the present moment resembles an old traumatic experience and by its resonance, triggers fear and even paralysis. By using EMDR, the stored memories get gently processed and released.
The result is that the trauma may still be remembered, but it no longer has the same stronghold over the individual.
“My true joy is seeing a trauma sufferer smile at the end of a session and say, “This just doesn’t seem to bother me anymore. What did you do?’’
I generally say that I didn’t do anything, but facilitated your being able to work through the issue.