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”...

If you’ve been living with ADHD, you probably know it’s about a lot more than getting distracted or misplacing your keys. The experience...

You’ve likely heard the phrase before—maybe from your therapist, a podcast, a friend, or even in your own head: “I know I need to do the...

If you grew up with a narcissistic parent, you might find yourself wrestling with emotional puzzles that never quite fit together. Maybe...

If you've ever felt your heart race, your breath become shallow, or your body tense up when confronted with stress, you're not alone....

Disclaimer:  This blog is a fictional account created to illustrate how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can...

Living with the challenges of chronic stress stemming from ADHD, trauma, and anxiety can feel overwhelming. The interplay of these...

If you’ve ever been curious about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how it affects your life, you’re in the right place. PTSD is...

Hello there! If you’ve ever found yourself endlessly delaying tasks while striving for perfection, you’re certainly not alone. While...

Hey there, everyone! If you’ve found yourself stuck in the cycle of overthinking, you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge that many of...

Imagine you're Sarah, friendly with a heart of gold, but burdened by the nagging inner voice of toxic shame and guilt. Despite your...

Hey there! Let's talk about something that's tough but important: childhood trauma. If you're an adult who's been through it, you might...

In the intricate dance of social interaction, the desire to please others often takes center stage. For many of us, it's a familiar tune,...

As a therapist specializing in anxiety, I've come across a myriad of stories from individuals grappling with the intertwined challenges...

Do you find yourself caught in a loop of self-criticism, replaying past mistakes and worrying about future outcomes? Does the pressure to...

Are you constantly battling anxiety, feeling like you’re stuck in a whirlwind of worries and stress? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by...