Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action
Trauma, Treatment, and Taking Control of Your Care with Susan Maroto
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/ Tempus Genomic Testing 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
