White Horse Recovery continues to raise the bar in trauma-informed substance use treatment with the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), led by recently hired clinician Elias Koester, LICSW.
“EMDR helps process harmful memories that often drive individuals to self-medicate,†he said. “It gives clients a foundation to build recovery, even before full abstinence.â€
With a background spanning individual therapy, case management, in-patient psychiatric care, and community outreach, Koester cited a deep connection between trauma and substance use. “Most people with substance use disorder suffer from some form of trauma—whether emotional or physical,†he added.
Trained in EMDR in 2022, he noted the rigorous standards of certification, which included ongoing consultation and the requirement to practice with clients throughout the training process. “EMDR is gaining traction nationwide as one of the leading therapeutic treatments for trauma and PTSD,†he said.
Koester also employs Motivational Interviewing and the Stages of Change Model, evidence-based approaches that prioritize meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey. “Motivational Interviewing is a philosophy that aligns the clinician with the client,†he said. “It ensures the therapeutic relationship remains strong and grounded, which is vital to sustained engagement and healing.â€
As he settles into his role at White Horse Recovery, he cited “a simple goal.†“I want to be a steady presence for clients when they’re ready to seek support,†he explained. “A trainer once said, ‘Be a sunroof.’ Most people don’t use it often, but they want to know it’s there. That’s how I see my role—being here when the window of opportunity opens.â€
With locations in Ossipee, North Conway, Berlin, and Littleton, White Horse provides outpatient counseling, peer recovery support, wellness education, and prevention programming.