EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a revolutionary therapeutic approach that has transformed the lives of many individuals struggling with painful memories, traumatic experiences, and emotional distress. But how does EMDR work in the brain to bring these transformative changes? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of EMDR therapy and its profound impact …
What are people talking about when they refer to the eight phases of EMDR? Let’s get into it. Phase 1: History Taking & Treatment Planning We always begin with establishing your goals for therapy and getting a detailed history, including a timeline of your symptoms and the emotions, beliefs, and bodily sensations that go along …
Dating again after a divorce can be both exciting and intimidating. It’s a new chapter in your life, and while it might feel daunting, it’s essential to approach it with an open heart and mind. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process of starting over and dating after divorce: Give Yourself Time …
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, often bringing up a wide range of emotions. If you’re going through a divorce, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what’s expected or how to cope. Though each person’s journey differs, many experience similar emotional stages during and after divorce. Knowing what to expect can help you …
When you lose someone close to you, the world feels like it tilts on its axis. Everything you once knew—routine, relationships, even how you see yourself—can feel unfamiliar and heavy. Loss leaves behind silence, unanswered questions, and a hollow space that can be difficult to fill. Yet, through that grief, many people eventually find threads …
Grief is a powerful emotion that can come out of nowhere, catching you off guard. The grieving process varies depending on your relationship with the person you’ve lost and the circumstances of the loss. Whether you’re mourning a parent, grandparent, close friend, or spouse, understanding the five stages of grief can help you navigate this …
Nightmares and sleep issues can be common for children and distressing for parents. Poor sleep affects a child’s mood and overall well-being, so addressing these concerns is essential. This guide provides tips on creating a calming sleep environment and supporting your child in overcoming nightmares and sleep difficulties. Create a Calm Bedtime Routine A predictable, …
Why Positive Affirmations Matter Children are constantly forming beliefs about themselves and the world around them. The way they think about themselves shapes their confidence, resilience, and overall well-being. Positive affirmations—simple, encouraging statements—help reinforce a child’s self-worth, promoting a strong mindset that supports growth and emotional health. At first, repeating phrases like “I am strong” …
Forgiveness is a crucial life skill that helps children develop empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience. It’s not about excusing hurtful behavior, but rather letting go of negative emotions and moving forward positively. Here are some strategies to help teach your children about forgiveness: Lead by Example Children learn best by observing adults. Model forgiveness in …
Navigating a divorce can be a challenging and emotional process for everyone involved, especially for children. As a parent or caregiver, supporting your kids during this time of family changes is crucial. It might be difficult to nurture your relationship with your children during this time, so I have outlined some tips to help children …
Do you find yourself avoiding certain situations or conversations? Overcoming avoidant behavior can be challenging, but with persistence and effort, progress is possible. In this article, we will explore steps you can take to overcome or ease your avoidant behavior. Recognizing and acknowledging avoidance is the first step to resolving it. Identifying the root causes …
Overcoming perfectionism can be a beneficial step toward personal growth and reduced stress. Embracing imperfection and letting go of perfectionism can lead to a happier life. Perfectionism is the tendency to have excessively high standards for oneself and to strive for flawlessness in all areas of life. While high standards can benefit certain situations, perfectionism …
Do you feel overwhelmed coming home to a cluttered environment? Maybe you’re finding that your house or apartment is constantly scattered with things everywhere, even though it feels like you keep it clean… most of the time. Have you considered the link between your inner sense of calm and a messy home? Simplifying your life …
Losing a loved one is difficult at any age, but for children, grief can feel incredibly confusing and overwhelming. Depending on their developmental stage, their understanding of death may be limited, and their emotions can shift quickly. One moment they may ask deep questions about death and dying, and the next, they may be playing …
Why Relationships Feel So Hard Sometimes Every couple experiences conflict, but it can feel frustrating, exhausting, and even hopeless when the same arguments keep coming up. Maybe one of you feels unheard, or your fights escalate over small things. Perhaps you love each other deeply, but resentment is building, and you don’t know how to …
Have you ever wondered about the physical components of trauma and how it affects the body? Underneath the surface, many different things could occur when dealing with trauma. The neurobiology of trauma involves understanding how traumatic experiences can profoundly impact the brain and body. Trauma is a distressing, frightening, or overwhelming situation that can lead …
Trauma doesn’t just affect the person who experiences it—it can leave deep imprints that ripple across generations. If your family has a history of loss, displacement, violence, or hardship, you may feel like you’re carrying wounds that aren’t entirely your own. Intergenerational trauma, also called generational trauma or transgenerational trauma, refers to the ways trauma …
Trauma can leave a profound and lasting impact, making it challenging to feel safe, present, or connected. It can stem from many experiences, such as childhood abuse, sexual assault, car accidents, the loss of a loved one, or even natural disasters. Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others experience ongoing anxiety, flashbacks, emotional …
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a specialized therapy designed to help individuals process trauma and reduce emotional distress. Originally developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR has become a widely recognized and effective treatment, particularly for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At its core, EMDR helps reprocess distressing memories …
When scrolling on social media, have you ever found yourself thinking, “Man, I wish I had that (insert any desirable object or feeling) in my life” or “I wish my body looked like that”? Social media can breed comparisons to people you know or, most commonly, to strangers. People like highlighting curated lives, idealizing body …