Veterans dealing with PTSD, addiction, or difficult treatment experiences may have more options than they realize. In this episode, we sit down with clinical social worker Susan Maroto to talk about E.M.D.R. therapy, how trauma can remain unresolved for decades, and why finding the right therapist matters. Susan also explains pharmacogenomic testing and how genetics may help guide medication decisions. The conversation ultimately centers on asking better questions, exploring different treatment approaches, and becoming a stronger advocate for your own mental and physical health.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
- How E.M.D.R. therapy is used to help process traumatic memories
- The importance of experience and trust when choosing a trauma therapist
- How PTSD and substance use can be connected rather than treated as completely separate problems
- How family members can support someone going through trauma treatment
- How pharmacogenomic testing may identify potential gene-drug interactions
- Advocating for yourself when making mental health and medication decisions
0:00 – Intro
3:06 – Introducing Susan
4:53 – Stress, Trauma & PTSD
7:27 – What Is E.M.D.R.?
10:56 – What a Session Looks Like
15:02 – Choosing an Experienced Therapist
16:32 – Substance Use & E.M.D.R.
19:03 – Family Support
20:08 – Finding the Right Therapist
29:05 – Pharmacogenomic Testing
35:46 – When to Consider Testing
37:37 – Advocate for Yourself
41:18 – Reasons for Hope
Susan Maroto
Susan earned her master's degree in clinical social work from Bryn Mawr College in 1993 and has been working in the mental health field ever since. Her work has spanned schools, residential treatment centers, adoption agencies, and her private therapy practice, which she still maintains in Media, PA. Susan was trained in E.M.D.R., which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, in 1999. E.M.D.R. is the most effective treatment for PTSD of the treatment modalities that are in existence today.
EPISODE LINKS
Therapy With Susan: https://therapywithsusan.com/
Genesight Mental Health Meds Test
MORE RESOURCES
Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg
Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps
Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application
Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
