Feeling State Addiction Protocol for Addiction Recovery
Addictions develop when a desired emotional state becomes tightly linked to a specific behavior. For example, if the feeling of being a “winner” becomes paired with gambling, the person may gamble in order to access that feeling. When an intense desired emotion becomes fixated to a behavior, an addictive pattern can form.
To treat addiction at this level, I use the Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP), developed by Dr. Robert Miller. FSAP is a modified form of EMDR therapy designed to break the fixation between the emotional state and the compulsive behavior—the core mechanism that maintains addiction.
During treatment, clients identify the exact emotional state and behavior involved. Using the modified EMDR protocol, the fixation is processed and resolved. FSAP can be effective for substance-related addictions such as smoking, as well as behavioral or impulse-control disorders including compulsive gambling, shopping, sexual behaviors, shoplifting, and more.
How the Feeling State Addiction Protocol Works
The FSAP process typically includes the following steps:
- Identifying the specific behavior associated with the strongest positive emotional charge
- Identifying the emotional state underlying that behavior
- Using a modified EMDR protocol to break the connection between the feeling and the behavior
- Processing the negative beliefs that maintain the compulsive fixation
Once the fixation is resolved, cravings and urges no longer need to be actively managed. The behavior itself no longer carries the compulsive pull, allowing individuals to make choices based on intention rather than impulse.
Any underlying trauma connected to the addictive pattern is then addressed using standard EMDR therapy, supporting deeper and more lasting recovery.
To learn more about the Feeling State Addiction Protocol, visit
www.fsaprotocol.com.
Support for Change Is Available
If you are struggling with addictive or compulsive behaviors and traditional approaches have not worked, FSAP may offer a different path forward. We can explore whether this approach is appropriate for your situation.
Vancouver EMDR Therapy PLLC
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