The new year is in full swing and people are in the process of making changes. From January-March, I typically see a lot of new people in therapy and I love it! I also have heard time and again how challenging it can feel to start therapy, to restart therapy after taking a break, to find a therapist, and to choose out of the many therapists out there. Maybe you are starting therapy for the first time ever or maybe you realize it is time to get back into therapy. I’ve seen a lot of people this year that have had okay therapy and are wanting trauma therapy specifically. Whatever the case, I hope this guide is helpful for you.

This is actually a book from 2015, but it seems to have hit the cultural zeitgeist during Covid. Lindsay Gibson eloquently spells out the effects of emotionally immature parents on people and how it contributes to people’s mental health. It is 200 pages long and seems like it could be a quick read. However, there is a lot to unpack, even in the title. Several times, I would re read a passage or a paragraph to really chew on what she was saying. A friend mentioned having read it and she said, “I felt personally attacked” in the 1st few chapters. I did not feel attacked, but it resonated, both personally and with the work I do with people who have have developmental and attachment traumas. My parents were great as yours may have been, but they weren’t perfect. As the book progressed, there were helpful tips on relating to emotionally immature parents, recognizing emotionally mature people, and how to be emotionally mature yourself.

Neuroception is our brain-body’s surveillance system. Like a home security system, it is always scanning to see if there is danger or safety.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. For people who have never experienced suicidal thoughts, it can seem unimaginable to want to end one’s life. For people who experience suicidal thoughts, continuing life feels unbearable. For people who have lost a loved one to suicide, the pain is personally difficult and has a ripple effect. Loss to suicide comes with many feelings and beliefs.

EMDR is effective with a wider range of issues than strictly PTSD.  EMDR has demonstrated effectiveness in healing from negative experiences as well as enhancing the positive traits and experiences to improve how you feel and act in your life.

As a form of healing, EMDR can address negative symptoms associated with: Grief, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, addictions, relationships, breakups, performance, self esteem, and many other things.

What is psychological trauma?