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Dangers of EMDR Therapy: What’s Real, What’s Myth, and How Risk Is Managed

Dangers of EMDR Therapy What's Real, What's Myth, and How Risk Is Managed

You may have read that EMDR can bring traumatic memories rushing back, leave someone emotionally overwhelmed, or make symptoms worse.

Perhaps you tried following an EMDR video or app on your own and felt unsettled afterward. Now you are wondering whether trying again with a therapist would be helpful—or dangerous.

Concerns about the dangers of EMDR therapy deserve an honest answer. EMDR can cause temporary distress, and poorly timed or improperly delivered trauma processing can destabilize someone. However, the risks are specific and manageable. A trained clinician does much more than guide eye movements. They assess readiness, build regulation skills, control the pace, monitor reactions, and help close each session safely.

New to the approach? Here is an overview of how EMDR therapy works.

Is EMDR Therapy Safe?

For appropriately assessed adults working with a trained clinician, EMDR is generally considered a safe, evidence-based treatment.

EMDR is recognized in major clinical guidelines as a trauma-focused treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs describes it as one of the most studied PTSD treatments and notes that it receives strong recommendations in several clinical practice guidelines. The American Psychological Association also includes EMDR among recommended treatments for adults with PTSD. (American Psychological Association)

That does not mean EMDR is effortless, appropriate for everyone at every moment, or guaranteed to work.

The process intentionally brings a distressing memory into awareness while the person attends to bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or tapping. That can activate difficult emotions and body sensations. The goal is not to overwhelm the person. It is to engage the memory while they remain connected to the present and able to tolerate what arises.

EMDR safety therefore depends on more than the technique itself. It depends on assessment, preparation, pacing, therapist competence, honest communication, and the person’s current stability.

The Real Risks to Understand

Most EMDR therapy risks involve temporary emotional activation rather than physical danger. The greatest problems tend to occur when trauma processing begins before someone is ready, continues after they have become overwhelmed, or is attempted without qualified clinical support.

Emotional Distress During and After Sessions

EMDR may bring up fear, sadness, anger, shame, grief, or physical tension connected to a traumatic experience.

A person may cry, feel temporarily anxious, or notice that a memory seems vivid during processing. Difficult emotions can also continue for a limited period after the appointment. Cleveland Clinic identifies negative thoughts or feelings between sessions as one of the more common negative effects associated with EMDR. (Cleveland Clinic)

Some activation is expected because meaningful material is being processed. However, the person should still be able to communicate, orient to the room, respond to the therapist, and regain stability.

Intense distress is not something a clinician should dismiss as proof that the therapy is “working.”

Physical Reactions

Some people report temporary fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, vivid dreams, lightheadedness, or changes in sleep after a session.

These reactions are usually discussed during informed consent and monitored over time. Persistent, severe, or medically concerning symptoms should not automatically be attributed to EMDR. They should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional.

The Emergence of Additional Memories

As one memory is explored, related images, sensations, thoughts, or fragments of other experiences may come to mind.

This does not necessarily mean EMDR has uncovered a perfectly accurate “repressed memory.” Human memory is reconstructive rather than a literal recording. New material may feel meaningful, but it should be approached carefully and without suggestion from the therapist.

A responsible clinician does not tell a client what must have happened, pressure them to produce memories, or treat every image that arises as confirmed fact. The focus remains on the person’s present distress and experience.

Delayed Reactions Between Sessions

Processing can continue after the appointment ends.

A person may notice dreams, emotional sensitivity, new associations, memories, or changes in how they understand an event. This is why a therapist should explain what may happen between sessions and establish a plan for managing distress.

Delayed reactions become more concerning when someone cannot sleep, function, work, eat normally, remain present, or maintain their safety.

Re-Traumatization and Overwhelming Activation

The greatest practical risk is not that EMDR permanently damages the brain. It is that traumatic material is activated too quickly or intensely for the person’s current capacity.

When someone moves outside their manageable emotional range, they may experience panic, severe dissociation, emotional flooding, numbness, confusion, or a sense of reliving the event rather than remembering it from the present.

This is sometimes described as re-traumatization, although that term is used differently across clinical settings.

Risk increases when:

  • Trauma processing begins without adequate preparation.
  • The therapist moves faster than the client can tolerate.
  • Dissociation is not assessed or recognized.
  • The person feels pressured to continue.
  • A session ends without sufficient closure.
  • The person attempts intensive processing alone with an app or video.

A trained clinician should notice signs of overload, stop or modify the process, and return to stabilization.

EMDR May Not Work for Everyone

EMDR is effective for many adults with PTSD, but no psychotherapy works for every person.

Someone may experience little improvement, dislike the format, struggle to stay engaged, or find another evidence-based approach more suitable. Treatment may also take longer when trauma was repeated, began early in life, or occurs alongside dissociation, substance use, depression, unstable housing, or unsafe relationships.

EMDR should not be marketed as a quick cure. EMDR International Association materials emphasize that treatment length differs according to the person, their history, current needs, and the complexity of their experiences. (EMDR International Association)

Lack of progress is a reason to reassess the plan—not a sign that the client has failed.

Becoming Overly Dependent on the Therapist

A strong therapeutic relationship can support safety, but treatment should gradually strengthen the client’s ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and use coping skills outside the therapy room.

Warning signs may include feeling unable to function without constant therapist reassurance, believing only the therapist can make distress stop, or being discouraged from using outside support.

Ethical care supports autonomy. The therapist should remain important without becoming the client’s only source of stability.

Normal Reaction vs. Warning Sign

The difference between productive emotional activation and an unsafe level of distress is not always obvious. The following comparison can help.

A reaction that may occur during normal processing

A warning sign that the pace or plan needs to change
Feeling sad, anxious, angry, or tired for a limited period Distress remains extreme or continues escalating between sessions
Remembering additional details or related experiences Feeling unable to distinguish a memory from something happening now
Temporary vivid dreams or emotional sensitivity Repeated inability to sleep, eat, work, or complete essential tasks
Needing grounding support near the end of a session Leaving every session highly dissociated, panicked, confused, or unsafe
Feeling emotionally activated while still aware of the therapist and room Losing significant time, becoming unresponsive, or feeling detached from reality
Symptoms fluctuate but gradually become more manageable Symptoms repeatedly worsen without adjustment to the treatment plan
Being able to tell the therapist to pause or stop Feeling pressured, shamed, or told that stopping means resisting recovery
Using coping skills and returning to baseline Coping strategies no longer work and no additional support plan is offered

One uncomfortable session does not automatically mean EMDR is unsafe for you. Repeated destabilization without reassessment is more concerning.

Can EMDR Make Things Worse?

EMDR can make someone feel temporarily worse, especially during the early stages of processing.

There is an important difference between temporary activation and clinical deterioration.

During temporary activation, difficult emotions or memories become more noticeable, but the person remains oriented, supported, and increasingly able to recover. Distress may rise during part of the session and then decrease through processing, grounding, or closure.

Clinical deterioration looks different. Symptoms become increasingly disruptive, the person loses functioning, dissociation intensifies, self-harm or suicidal thoughts emerge, or distress remains unmanageable between appointments.

A simplified processing timeline may look like this:

Before processing: The therapist assesses history, symptoms, safety, coping capacity, dissociation, medical concerns, and available support.

During processing: Distress may temporarily increase as the memory becomes active. The therapist monitors the person’s level of awareness and ability to stay connected to the present.

Before the session ends: The clinician uses closure and stabilization strategies, especially when a memory has not been fully processed.

Between sessions: The person tracks reactions, practices agreed-upon skills, and contacts the therapist or another appropriate support if symptoms exceed the plan.

At the next appointment: The therapist reevaluates what happened and adjusts targets, pacing, preparation, or the broader treatment approach.

The standard EMDR model includes eight phases: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Processing is only part of the model. (EMDR International Association)

Feeling worse is not automatically proof that treatment is progressing. It is information the therapist needs.

Why Is EMDR Considered Controversial?

EMDR is controversial for two main reasons.

First, some early claims about its speed and power were broader than the evidence could support. This created skepticism and made EMDR sound unlike other trauma-focused therapies.

Second, researchers have debated exactly why it works.

EMDR involves recalling a traumatic memory while performing a secondary task, commonly bilateral eye movements. One explanation is that this taxes working memory, making the memory temporarily less vivid and emotionally intense. Other researchers emphasize the role of exposure, attention, memory reconsolidation, therapist support, or the full structured protocol.

The debate is not simply between “EMDR works” and “EMDR is fake.” A treatment can show clinical benefit even while researchers continue studying which components produce that benefit.

Current clinical guidance is based on treatment outcomes, not on the claim that every proposed mechanism has been conclusively proven. EMDR remains recommended for PTSD in major guidelines, while questions about the exact contribution of eye movements and other components continue to be studied. (PTSD.va)

A credible clinician should be able to acknowledge that uncertainty without dismissing either the evidence or your concerns.

Who Should Be Cautious With EMDR?

There is no simple list of diagnoses that permanently disqualifies every person from EMDR.

However, some circumstances require additional assessment, stabilization, adaptation, specialist experience, or coordination with medical and psychiatric providers.

Significant Dissociation

People with substantial dissociative symptoms may need a longer preparation phase and a therapist specifically trained in both trauma and dissociation.

Moving directly into traumatic memories can increase disconnection, lost time, numbness, depersonalization, or emotional flooding. EMDR resources for complex trauma emphasize stabilization and preparation rather than rushing into reprocessing. (EMDR International Association)

Active Psychosis or Severe Loss of Reality Testing

Psychosis is not necessarily a permanent exclusion. Research has explored adapted EMDR with psychotic disorders. However, active, unmanaged symptoms require careful specialist assessment because trauma processing depends on maintaining enough present-moment awareness to participate safely. (EMDR International Association)

Acute Crisis or Immediate Safety Concerns

When someone is actively suicidal, unable to care for themselves, experiencing severe self-harm urges, living in immediate danger, or undergoing another acute crisis, safety and stabilization generally take priority over intensive trauma processing.

That does not mean trauma care is abandoned. It means the order and intensity of treatment may need to change.

Unmanaged Medical or Neurological Concerns

A seizure disorder, recent neurological change, serious cardiovascular condition, pregnancy-related concern, severe migraine condition, or another significant medical issue should be discussed with the therapist and relevant medical professional.

EMDR does not require eye movements in every case; other forms of bilateral stimulation may be considered. Still, a therapist should not offer medical reassurance outside their scope.

Severe Substance Intoxication or Unstable Withdrawal

A person needs enough attention, memory, and emotional regulation to participate safely. Active intoxication or medically risky withdrawal can interfere with that capacity and may require medical or substance use treatment first.

The correct question is often not, “Am I forbidden from doing EMDR?”

It is, “What assessment, preparation, or additional support would make trauma work safer for me?”

Dangers of EMDR Therapy Real Risks and Safety

Self-Guided EMDR Apps vs. Working With a Trained Therapist

Watching a moving dot on a screen is not the same as receiving clinician-led EMDR.

An app cannot reliably:

  • Assess dissociation or readiness.
  • Recognize emotional flooding.
  • Notice changes in speech, breathing, posture, or awareness.
  • Decide whether to continue, slow down, or stop.
  • Help distinguish productive activation from destabilization.
  • Modify the target when unexpected material emerges.
  • Provide clinical closure.
  • Respond appropriately to a psychiatric or medical emergency.

Research on fully self-administered EMDR remains limited. One review found only one small primary study and noted substantial methodological limitations, even though that study did not report serious adverse events. (PMC)

Apps may be used for therapist-approved grounding or bilateral stimulation in some circumstances. That is different from independently selecting a traumatic memory and attempting to process it without assessment or support.

A person who felt worse after self-guided EMDR has not necessarily proven that clinician-led treatment will also be harmful. They may have activated material without the preparation, pacing, monitoring, and closure that make the structured treatment safer.

Do not repeat the exercise simply to prove you can tolerate it. Tell a licensed trauma professional exactly what happened.

How a Trained EMDR Therapist Manages Risk

A trained clinician does not begin by asking you to revisit the worst moment of your life.

They begin by learning how your symptoms work.

Proper EMDR care commonly includes:

  • Reviewing mental health, trauma, medical, and substance use history.
  • Assessing dissociation and current stability.
  • Identifying internal and external support.
  • Explaining possible reactions and obtaining informed consent.
  • Teaching grounding, containment, and emotional regulation strategies.
  • Agreeing on a clear stop or pause signal.
  • Choosing targets carefully.
  • Adjusting the speed, length, and type of bilateral stimulation.
  • Monitoring whether you remain oriented to the present.
  • Using closure even when processing is incomplete.
  • Reevaluating reactions at the next session.

EMDRIA describes history taking and preparation as the first two phases of the standard protocol, with attention to pacing, target selection, and the client’s available resources. (EMDR International Association)

Questions to Ask an EMDR Therapist

Before beginning, consider asking:

  • Are you a licensed mental health professional?
  • Where did you complete your EMDR training?
  • Was the training approved by EMDRIA or another recognized professional body?
  • Are you EMDR-trained or EMDRIA-certified, and what is the difference?
  • How do you assess dissociation?
  • How will we decide whether I am ready for processing?
  • What preparation skills will we practice first?
  • What happens if I become overwhelmed or shut down?
  • How do you close an incomplete session?
  • What should I expect between appointments?
  • How can I contact the practice if I have a concerning reaction?
  • What alternatives will we consider if EMDR is not helping?

A competent therapist should welcome these questions.

Be cautious when someone promises rapid results, minimizes your concerns, encourages you to push through severe distress, or begins trauma processing without meaningful assessment.

What to Do if EMDR Goes Wrong

Tell your therapist clearly and as soon as possible.

Describe what happened in specific terms:

  • When did the reaction begin?
  • How long did it last?
  • Were you able to sleep and function?
  • Did you experience panic, dissociation, flashbacks, confusion, or unsafe thoughts?
  • What helped?
  • What made it worse?

Until you are reassessed, it may be appropriate to pause self-guided bilateral stimulation and avoid deliberately activating additional traumatic memories.

Use the stabilization strategies already developed with your clinician. These may include orienting to the room, naming present-day facts, paced breathing, sensory grounding, movement, contacting a trusted support person, or using a written safety plan.

Seek urgent medical or psychiatric help when symptoms involve immediate danger, suicidal intent, an inability to stay safe, severe confusion, loss of contact with reality, a seizure, chest pain, fainting, or another potentially serious medical event.

In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department when there is immediate danger or a medical emergency.

Considering EMDR? How to Start Safely

You do not need to decide based on frightening forum stories or marketing promises.

Start with an assessment.

Discuss your trauma history, current symptoms, dissociation, medications, substance use, medical concerns, prior therapy experiences, and what happened if you tried self-guided EMDR. Ask how the clinician prepares clients and how they respond when processing becomes too intense.

For adults in Massachusetts, Lion Heart provides individualized mental health care that may include EMDR when clinically appropriate. Some people begin processing relatively soon. Others benefit from more time building stability, addressing immediate stressors, or participating in broader trauma therapy first.

A careful pace is not a failure to progress.

It is part of responsible treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EMDR therapy safe?

EMDR is generally considered safe for appropriately assessed adults when it is delivered by a properly trained, licensed clinician. Temporary emotional activation may occur. Safety depends on preparation, pacing, monitoring, closure, and honest communication about reactions.

Can EMDR therapy make things worse?

EMDR can temporarily increase distress as traumatic material is activated. Symptoms should be monitored and should remain manageable with support. Severe, prolonged, or progressively worsening symptoms may indicate that processing is moving too quickly or that the treatment plan needs to change.

What Are the Side Effects of EMDR?

Possible short-term reactions include emotional sensitivity, fatigue, vivid dreams, headaches, temporary anxiety, or additional memories and associations coming to mind. Severe or persistent physical or psychiatric symptoms should be discussed with the therapist and evaluated appropriately rather than assumed to be normal.

Who Should Not Do EMDR?

There is no universal diagnosis-based ban. Adults experiencing an acute crisis, unmanaged psychosis, significant dissociation, unstable withdrawal, or certain medical or neurological concerns may need stabilization, specialist assessment, treatment adaptation, or medical coordination before trauma processing begins.

Is It Safe to Do EMDR on Yourself or With an App?

Self-guided trauma processing is not equivalent to clinician-led EMDR. An app cannot assess readiness, identify dissociation, manage emotional flooding, alter the protocol, or respond to an emergency. Self-help tools should not be used to process severe trauma without guidance from a qualified professional.

Why Do Some People Say EMDR Is Dangerous?

Some people experience intense distress after poorly paced, inadequately prepared, or self-guided processing. Others are concerned about debates over how EMDR works or have encountered exaggerated claims. The most serious risks are usually related to inappropriate timing, insufficient assessment, lack of stabilization, or unqualified delivery—not bilateral stimulation alone.

Final Thoughts

Being afraid that EMDR could make things worse is not irrational.

Trauma treatment asks you to approach experiences your mind may have spent years trying to avoid. You deserve more than vague reassurance.

The honest answer is that EMDR can feel intense. Temporary distress is possible. It does not help everyone, and it should not be delivered carelessly. If you’re near New Bedford, Raynham, or Bristol County, Lion Heart offers programs with that same approach.

The reassuring part is equally specific: a trained clinician does not simply open a traumatic memory and leave you alone with it. They assess your readiness, prepare you, monitor your nervous system, respect your limits, and change course when the process is not safe or useful.

Call (774) 341-4502 or explore EMDR therapy at Lion Heart.

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*The stories shared in this blog are meant to illustrate personal experiences and offer hope. Unless otherwise stated, any first-person narratives are fictional or blended accounts of others’ personal experiences. Everyone’s journey is unique, and this post does not replace medical advice or guarantee outcomes. Please speak with a licensed provider for help.

Tom believes that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, respected, and genuinely understood. His therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and trauma-informed care, creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, build resilience, and move toward lasting healing.

As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), Tom has experience working with individuals facing a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns across multiple levels of care. He is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths while developing practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. Tom views therapy as a collaborative partnership, tailoring his approach to meet each person’s unique experiences, goals, and values.

Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bay Path University with a concentration in Trauma-Informed Care, Tom is committed to continually expanding his clinical knowledge and providing evidence-based, culturally responsive care. He has a particular passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting men’s mental health, and helping adolescents and young adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and identity development.

Known for his calm presence, genuine empathy, and approachable style, Tom strives to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. He believes that healing occurs when individuals feel accepted for who they are while being encouraged to discover who they can become.

Outside of the therapy room, Tom enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, weightlifting, and staying active. He believes that maintaining balance, practicing self-care, and prioritizing overall wellness enhances his ability to support others as they pursue healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Arielle is a compassionate mental health clinician who believes that meaningful change begins with feeling safe, heard, and genuinely understood. As a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), she is dedicated to creating a welcoming, collaborative therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, build on their strengths, and move toward lasting emotional wellness.

Arielle’s approach is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and trust. She believes the therapeutic relationship serves as the foundation for growth and strives to balance compassion with thoughtful accountability. By helping clients recognize patterns, deepen self-awareness, and develop practical coping strategies, she supports individuals in creating meaningful, sustainable change both inside and outside of the therapy room.

Working collaboratively with each client, Arielle tailors treatment to meet their unique needs, values, and goals. She has experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and major life transitions, meeting clients where they are while encouraging growth at a pace that feels both supportive and achievable. Her person-centered approach emphasizes resilience, self-compassion, and empowering clients to develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Arielle earned her Master’s degree from Salem State University and completed her undergraduate education at The Pennsylvania State University. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, cultivate resilience, and create fulfilling lives built on hope, healing, and personal growth.

Jill is a dedicated behavioral health clinician who believes that healing begins when individuals feel truly seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. Since beginning her career in behavioral health in 2015, she has been honored to support children, adolescents, adults, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. Her diverse clinical experience has reinforced her belief that meaningful and lasting change begins with genuine connection, compassion, and a therapeutic relationship built on trust.

Throughout her career, Jill has served in a variety of clinical roles, including high school intervention specialist, family specialist and outreach worker, program clinician in a children’s emergency residence, and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) clinician before joining Lion Heart Behavioral Health in 2026. These experiences have provided her with a broad understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families face across the lifespan while strengthening her commitment to providing personalized, client-centered care.

Jill earned her Master of Science in Psychology with dual specializations in Educational and Counseling Psychology from Capella University and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from Kaplan University. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), integrating evidence-based interventions with warmth, authenticity, and genuine curiosity about each client’s unique experiences.

Known for her compassionate and approachable style, Jill creates a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring challenges, identifying strengths, and developing practical skills to navigate life’s obstacles. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek support and considers it a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they build resilience, foster self-understanding, and work toward meaningful, lasting recovery.

Jill is passionate about helping every client leave therapy feeling empowered, supported, and hopeful. She believes that with the right support, meaningful change is always possible and is committed to helping individuals discover the confidence and resilience needed to create fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.

Kevin brings a unique combination of professional expertise, lived experience, and genuine compassion to his work as a therapist. Since beginning his own recovery journey in 2016, he has remained committed to helping others discover that lasting recovery is not only possible, but transformative. His personal experiences have shaped his deep understanding of addiction, resilience, and the courage it takes to create meaningful change.

Over the past seven years, Kevin has dedicated his career to working with individuals navigating substance use disorders and recovery. He earned his Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) credential in 2024, further strengthening his clinical knowledge and commitment to evidence-based care. Clients appreciate Kevin’s authenticity, empathy, and ability to build trust through genuine connection. His approach is grounded in the belief that every individual possesses the strength and capacity for growth, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.

Kevin’s work is driven by a passion for empowering others to rediscover hope, develop confidence, and build fulfilling lives in recovery. He recognizes that healing extends beyond sobriety and focuses on helping clients develop the tools, insight, and resilience needed for long-term success.

Outside of the therapy room, Kevin is a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He has also been deeply involved in music throughout his life, performing as a lead vocalist with local bands for more than 30 years. His love of music, combined with his personal and professional experiences, allows him to connect with people from all walks of life in an authentic and meaningful way.

Kevin believes that some of life’s greatest challenges can become the foundation for purpose, healing, and personal transformation. His warmth, humility, and unwavering commitment to those he serves make him a trusted guide for individuals seeking lasting recovery and a renewed sense of hope.

Nicole brings nearly a decade of experience in substance use disorder treatment, having worked across multiple levels of care since 2015. With a background in psychology and extensive experience supporting individuals throughout their recovery journeys, she has developed a compassionate, person-centered approach that recognizes there is no single path to healing. Nicole believes that every individual’s lived experience is unique and deserving of respect, understanding, and individualized care.

Throughout her career, Nicole has been dedicated to helping clients move beyond symptom management by exploring the underlying patterns that contribute to substance use. She works collaboratively with individuals to strengthen emotional regulation, develop effective coping strategies, and build the insight and resilience necessary to support long-term recovery. Her therapeutic approach considers the whole person, recognizing the powerful connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences.

Known for her calm presence, genuine empathy, and ability to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships, Nicole creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges, celebrate progress, and embrace lasting change. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths, restore hope, and build lives that reflect their values and recovery goals.

Nicole believes recovery is about more than achieving sobriety—it is about creating a fulfilling, balanced life built on self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. She is committed to walking alongside each client as they navigate the challenges of recovery while helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to sustain meaningful, lifelong change.

Emily is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the path toward lasting recovery. She earned her Master of Social Work, with a Certificate in Trauma Practice, from Simmons University in 2024 and has continued to expand her clinical expertise through advanced training in co-occurring disorders and evidence-based treatment. Emily completed a Substance Use Disorders Certificate in Assessment and Treatment Strategies with Teens and Adults through Bridgewater State University and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling at Bristol Community College to further strengthen her clinical knowledge and specialized skills.

Emily’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), integrating practical, evidence-based interventions with genuine compassion and collaboration. She works alongside clients to better understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while helping them develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, and create meaningful, sustainable change. Emily believes that healing begins with feeling understood, and she is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where every individual feels empowered to grow at their own pace.

Known for her warmth, authenticity, and positive energy, Emily quickly builds strong therapeutic relationships founded on trust, respect, and encouragement. She is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome life’s challenges, and move toward lives that are aligned with their values and goals.

Outside of the therapy room, Emily is an accomplished lacrosse coach at both the club and collegiate levels. Having played competitively throughout high school and college, she enjoys mentoring athletes and helping them develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the field. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading and creating diamond art, finding creativity and balance through these hobbies.

Emily believes that growth is possible for everyone and is honored to walk alongside clients as they build resilience, discover hope, and create lasting change.

Amanda Campbell, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to adults experiencing a wide range of mental health and co-occurring conditions. 

Amanda provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing treatment planning as part of a multidisciplinary team. She believes in partnering with patients through shared decision-making, recognizing that each individual’s experiences, goals, and recovery journey are unique.

Amanda is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where patients feel heard and respected. She emphasizes evidence-based treatment, patient education, and practical strategies that empower individuals to build resilience, improve daily functioning, and achieve lasting mental wellness.

Nicole Hunter serves as Program Director with a leadership style rooted in authenticity, compassion, and lived experience. She has been in recovery from substance use for several years, and while recovery is the foundation of the life she has built, it is far more than something in her past—it continues to shape who she is, how she leads, and why she is so deeply passionate about helping others find their own path forward.

Nicole remembers what it felt like to walk into treatment, unsure of what life could look like on the other side. She also understands that recovery isn’t something we simply “graduate” from. Even years later, there are seasons when we need to reconnect with the tools, principles, and support that keep us grounded. Having experienced her own mental health challenges alongside recovery, she understands that healing is rarely one-dimensional. This perspective allows her to genuinely relate to individuals navigating both substance use and mental health, meeting them with empathy instead of judgment and hope instead of shame.

For Nicole, this work has never been just a career—it is deeply personal. Her passion comes from walking alongside people who are making one of the hardest and bravest decisions of their lives: choosing to rebuild. She believes there is something incredibly powerful about witnessing someone begin to believe in themselves again, often before they are able to see their own potential. Being trusted to share in that journey is something she never takes for granted.

Nicole believes every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued—not for who they might become someday, but for who they are the moment they walk through the door. No two clients are the same, and she is committed to ensuring treatment reflects the unique strengths, challenges, goals, and experiences of each individual. She believes healing happens through individualized care, genuine connection, and creating an environment where people feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to grow.

Nicole’s clinical philosophy combines evidence-based practices with the belief that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most powerful tools for change. Throughout her years working in behavioral health across a variety of clinical and leadership roles, she has developed a flexible, person-centered approach that meets individuals where they are while empowering them to discover where they are capable of going. She celebrates every step forward, knowing that meaningful progress is often made through small, consistent victories rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

Whether she is supporting clients or leading the multidisciplinary team at the program, Nicole lives by the principle of unconditional positive regard. She believes people grow when they feel respected, challenged, supported, and genuinely believed in. She strives to create a culture where clients and staff alike feel empowered to learn, take healthy risks, and recognize their own strengths.

Above all, Nicole believes that recovery is possible, healing is possible, and that every person deserves individualized care, unwavering respect, and the opportunity to build a life they are proud of. Her goal is simple: to help create a space where people feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to grow, and empowered enough to realize that lasting change is within reach.

Bill Abbate brings more than 16 years of experience in the substance use disorder field, along with over 17 years of sustained recovery, providing him with a unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience. Throughout his career, Bill has remained deeply committed to helping individuals and families discover hope, healing, and lasting recovery through compassionate, person-centered care.

Beginning his career as a Recovery Aide, Bill gained invaluable hands-on experience across the continuum of addiction treatment, developing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges individuals face at every stage of recovery. His dedication, leadership, and passion for serving others have guided his progression into his current role as Director of Patient & Family Services.

At Lion Heart Behavioral Health, Bill leads the Patient and Family Services Department, overseeing the Family Support and Recovery Coaching Program. He is responsible for developing and coordinating recovery coaching services, supporting and training family coaches, and ensuring patients and their loved ones receive consistent, evidence-informed care throughout the recovery process. Bill believes that lasting recovery extends beyond the individual and that empowering families is an essential component of long-term healing.

Bill holds credentials as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), and National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS). His leadership style blends clinical best practices with the power of lived experience, allowing him to build authentic relationships while fostering resilience, accountability, and hope among both patients and staff.

Known for his warmth, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to the recovery community, Bill is passionate about helping individuals recognize that recovery is not only possible—it can become a foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Outside of his professional role, Bill remains actively involved in recovery communities and enjoys attending recovery-focused events across the country. When he’s not supporting others, he enjoys traveling, motorcycling, surfing, and snowboarding. He is also a proud father who values family, connection, and living a life rooted in gratitude and service.

From the beginning of her career, Liz Forgue-McRae has believed that the best leaders are coaches first.

Her passion for helping others began long before entering the counseling profession as a competitive swim coach and manager at the YMCA, where she coached and mentored nearly 200 swimmers. Known for her unwavering encouragement and enthusiasm, Liz spent years helping young athletes push beyond perceived limitations, celebrate accomplishments, and develop confidence both in and out of the water. That same philosophy continues to shape her leadership and clinical approach today.

Liz earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth before completing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Bridgewater State University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor through the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MAMHCA).

With more than a decade of experience across the behavioral healthcare continuum, Liz has provided leadership and clinical services within inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and community-based treatment settings. Her professional experience includes program development, clinical supervision, staff training, compliance and quality improvement, and multidisciplinary leadership.

Liz has extensive experience working with first responders, active-duty service members, veterans, healthcare professionals, and individuals navigating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She is passionate about creating environments where individuals feel supported, empowered, and equipped to achieve lasting recovery and personal growth.

As Clinical Director, Liz is dedicated to fostering a culture of clinical excellence through compassionate leadership, evidence-based treatment, and meaningful collaboration. She believes exceptional care begins with exceptional teams and is committed to mentoring clinicians while ensuring every client receives high-quality, individualized treatment.

Whether leading a clinical team, developing innovative programming, or supporting individuals through life’s most difficult challenges, Liz remains guided by the same principle that first inspired her career: helping people recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and realize their full potential.