As an EMDR therapist, some of the most common stories I hear begin with a quiet sentence spoken almost in a whisper— “I grew up in an alcoholic home.” Even before clients describe what that means for them personally, I understand the weight of those words. Growing up with one or more alcoholic parents is not simply a difficult childhood circumstance; it is a chronic relational trauma that shapes the brain, nervous system, and sense of self in profound ways. Many adults who we

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “What’s wrong with me?”  after a small mistake or emotional reaction, you’re not alone. That question — that sinking feeling that you are the problem  — is one of the most painful hallmarks of shame. And for many people, that shame isn’t a character flaw. It’s a trauma response . As a trauma therapist, I’ve sat with countless clients who carry deep feelings of unworthiness, self-blame, and fear of being “too much” or “not enough.” They

Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office, hospital room, or emergency department feeling more shaken than helped? Do you avoid going to the doctor even when you need to? Maybe your heart races at the sound of medical equipment, or you feel anxious and out of control when thinking about a past medical experience. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it may be a sign of medical trauma . Many people don’t realize that medical procedures or experiences, even

How Internal and External Expectations Can Lead to Chronic Stress and Self-Sabotage If you're someone who’s been told you're “so smart”...