DeTUR Therapy
DeTUR (Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing)
DeTUR (Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing) emerges from the Accelerated AIP (Adaptive Information Processing) EMDR model developed by A.J. Popky, Ph.D. Specifically designed to address addictions and dysfunctional behaviors, this protocol targets the underlying traumas, emotional triggers, and urges that perpetuate maladaptive patterns.
Rather than focusing solely on surface behaviors, DeTUR works at a deeper level to interrupt the cycle of craving and relapse by identifying and processing the core drivers of dysfunction. The approach is structured, compassionate, and highly individualized, comprising several key phases:
Resource Installation: Strengthens the client's access to positive internal resources and emotional regulation skills, laying the groundwork for trauma reprocessing.
Positive Treatment Goal Identification: Clients define clear, personalized goals that reflect their values and desired outcomes for recovery.
Trigger Identification and Desensitization: Using EMDR-based techniques, clients identify emotional, cognitive, and situational triggers. These are then systematically desensitized to reduce their power and emotional charge.
Urge Reprocessing: The protocol directly targets the urges that drive addictive behavior, utilizing bilateral stimulation to reprocess the urge and decrease its intensity and frequency.
Relapse Prevention Planning: Clients develop practical, individualized strategies for maintaining progress, anticipating high-risk situations, and reinforcing long-term recovery.
This integrative method bridges trauma therapy with addiction treatment, offering clients a path to lasting healing by addressing not just what they do, but why they do it. Through DeTUR, clients gain insight, resilience, and empowerment—moving beyond symptom management toward meaningful transformation.
DeTUR AAIP Urge Protocol for Addictions and Dysfunctional Behaviors
I employ a distinctive strategy known as DeTUR (Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing) to address addictions and other dysfunctional behaviors. Developed by A.J. Popky, Ph.D. as part of the Accelerated AIP model and integrated within EMDR therapy, DeTUR is a powerful, structured protocol that facilitates recovery by targeting the urges and triggers that drive maladaptive behaviors.
The DeTUR protocol consists of several focused phases:
Accessing Positive Resources: Clients identify and strengthen internal coping resources to build emotional resilience.
Positive Goal Setting: We collaboratively establish realistic, motivating recovery goals that reflect the client’s vision of a healthy, functional life.
Trigger Identification & Desensitization: Clients learn to recognize the emotional, cognitive, and situational triggers of their urges. Through desensitization techniques, these triggers lose their emotional charge, weakening their ability to provoke relapse behaviors.
Urge Reprocessing: Using bilateral stimulation and EMDR techniques, we process the urge itself—decreasing its intensity and increasing the client’s control over impulsive responses.
Relapse Prevention Strategies: Tailored plans help clients maintain progress by anticipating high-risk situations and reinforcing self-regulation skills.
By guiding individuals through this protocol, I support them in addressing the deeper roots of dysfunctional behavior, including underlying traumas and unresolved emotional patterns. My approach emphasizes empathy, clinical precision, and evidence-based practices, adapting to each client’s unique needs.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed therapy and extensive experience in treating addictive and compulsive behaviors, I help clients create sustainable change and reclaim agency over their lives.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
The DeTUR Protocol
The DeTUR protocol consists of four distinct phases, all aimed at assisting clients in overcoming dysfunctional behaviors by addressing the underlying traumas and triggers that contribute to these patterns.
In the initial phase, clients are empowered through resource access, involving the recognition and utilization of internal strengths to manage challenging emotions and triggers. This may include accessing positive memories, images, or practicing self-affirmations.
The subsequent phase involves creating positive treatment objectives tailored to the client's specific needs, such as reducing the frequency or intensity of certain behaviors. Techniques like visualization and affirmations are used to reinforce these objectives.
Moving to the third phase, EMDR techniques are employed to identify and desensitize triggers. Clients identify specific events, circumstances, or emotions that trigger certain behaviors and learn to reduce their sensitivity to these triggers.
The final phase of the DeTUR protocol focuses on preventing relapse. Clients develop coping strategies for handling triggers and cravings, often incorporating mindfulness methods. Additionally, they create a plan to respond in case of a relapse.
Overall, the DeTUR protocol is designed to empower clients, providing them with effective strategies to manage triggers and cravings, ultimately leading to lasting recovery.
My Experience
My expertise lies in anxiety, OCD (dysfunctional behaviors), trauma therapy, and substance abuse/addiction. If any of these issues are impacting your life, we can collaborate to provide you with the relief and support you seek.