Trauma

I specialize in treating trauma.

I specialize in treating the unrecognized forms of trauma—the subtle, yet deeply impactful experiences that shape our sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. These so-called “little t” traumas aren’t small at all. Their impact can be as profound as any major traumatic event because of they often happen for years.

Unrecognized Types of Trauma Include:

Emotional neglect – Growing up in a home where feelings weren’t acknowledged, comfort wasn’t given, or parents were too distracted to be emotionally present.
Frequent moves or instability – Changing schools often, living in unpredictable environments, or not having a steady sense of “home.”
Being the “good kid” – Feeling responsible for keeping the peace, taking care of siblings, or managing parents’ emotions.
High expectations or pressure to succeed – Feeling like love and acceptance depend on achievements, grades, or being “perfect.”
Lack of autonomy – Growing up in a strict or controlling environment where choices and opinions weren’t valued.

Inconsistent parenting – Never knowing what version of a parent you were going to get – calm and loving one day, distant or angry the next.
Feeling unseen or unheard – Being the “forgotten” sibling, being compared to others, or having emotions dismissed as “not a big deal.”
Medical trauma – Hospital stays, surgeries, or even just feeling afraid and powerless in medical settings.
Bullying (even at home) – Siblings, parent, or peers making fun of you in ways that felt cruel or relentless.
Parental stress– Absorbing the anxiety, financial struggles, or relationship issues of the adults around you.

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Trauma isn’t just what happens to you; it’s also what you didn’t get – love, safety, validation, and a sense of belonging. These experiences can shape how we attach to others, handle emotions, and see ourselves.

How I Help Clients Heal

I use EMDR to help you heal from trauma. EMDR heals trauma by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and impact. Here’s how it words:

Accessing Traumatic Memories

In an EMDR session, you focus on an activating memory while the therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or sounds), This helps desensitize the experience.

Reprocessing the Memory

While you’re recalling the traumatic memory, the bilateral stimulation allows the brain to process the memory more fully, from an adult perspective. The memory is brought from the unconscious part of the brain into conscious awareness, where it can be reinterpreted and updated.

Desensitizing Emotional Responses

As the memory is processed, the emotional intensity attached to it decreases. The negative emotions, like fear or sadness, become less overwhelming, and the trauma no longer triggers the same physiological reactions (like tension, panic, or anxiety).

Changing Negative Beliefs

Trauma often leads to negative beliefs about oneself, such as “I’m not safe,” “I’m unworthy,” or “There’s something wrong with me.” EMDR helps replace these beliefs with healthier, more adaptive ones, improving self-esteem and confidence.

Clearing the Body's Trauma Response

Trauma isn’t just stored in the brain—it also affects the nervous system and the body. Through EMDR, the trauma is cleared from both the mind and the body, reducing ongoing physical symptoms like tension or hypervigilance.

Healing Trauma: Where We Start

We start with what symptoms or triggers are currently interfering with your life. We will trace those back to their origins and reprocess the past connections. Then we will work on future anticipatory fears. Don’t worry if you think you can’t remember specific memories! I have a technique for that.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

I offer two effective options for EMDR therapy: traditional EMDR therapy and EMDR intensives. Whether you’re looking for consistent weekly care or a more immersive experience, there’s a path to fit your unique needs and goals.

Traditional EMDR Therapy

Widely recognized and backed by research
Broad focus
A journey of growth
Lean back and enjoy the ride of self exploration
Long term healing and commitment to therapy
Long term solution focused

Learn More About EMDR

EMDR Intensives

Cutting-edge and backed by research
Specific focus
Fast track to growth
Go deeper, quicker
Long term healing in less time
Short term solution focused