Blog Articles

EMDR Therapy: Common Myths vs. Scientific Reality

You may have heard someone mention EMDR therapy, maybe a friend who swears it changed their life or a podcast that made it sound almost magical. But then you start researching and find conflicting information online. Will it erase your memories? Is it just fancy hypnosis? Does it work? EMDR myths and misinformation abound, making …

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The Science Behind EMDR: How it Works in the Brain

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 …

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EMDR: The 8 Phases & What Happens During Each

Navigating the aftermath of distressing experiences can feel like being caught in a swirling eddy – the current keeps pulling you back to the same painful spot. You might be experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or a persistent sense of unease that follows you through your daily life. Perhaps you’ve heard about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing …

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Emotional Stages of Divorce: How to Cope

Divorce is more than paperwork. It is a life event that touches your routines, relationships, and sense of self. You may notice many emotions in divorce: grief, anger, relief, regret, and sometimes hope. That emotional journey can feel disorienting and lonely, especially when the legal process moves faster or slower than your heart. You are …

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Finding Meaning After Loss: A Guide to Moving Forward

When you lose someone close to you, the world feels like it tilts off balance. Daily routines, your sense of identity, and even simple interactions can feel unfamiliar and heavy. Loss leaves behind silence, unanswered questions, and a space that feels impossible to fill. And yet, through grief, many people eventually find threads of meaning. …

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The Five Stages of Grief: A Guide Through Loss

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 …

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Overcoming Nightmares & Sleep Issues in Kids

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, …

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Positive Affirmations for Kids: Build Confidence & Resilience

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” …

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Teaching the Value of Forgiveness to Kids

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 …

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How to Support Your Kids Through Divorce

Divorce changes more than your relationship status. It changes the rhythm of daily life for everyone involved, especially your kids. Children often do not have the words to describe their feelings, so those emotions may show up as acting out at school, becoming unusually quiet, or clinging to you more than usual. Many kids do …

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Defeating Fear: Overcoming Avoidance & Taking Control

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 …

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Overcoming Perfectionism: Steps to a More Balanced Life

Perfectionism can be exhausting. The constant pressure to get everything just right can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and never quite satisfied. Even when things go well, perfectionists often find themselves focusing on the one thing that didn’t. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And the good news is that perfectionism isn’t something you’re …

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Simplify Your Life: Decluttering & Minimalism for Greater Happiness

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 …

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Supporting a Child Through Grief & Loss 

Losing someone we love is never easy. For children, it can feel especially confusing. They may not fully understand what’s happening, and their feelings can change from one moment to the next. One minute they’re asking big, deep questions about death—and the next, they’re playing like nothing ever happened. That’s not unusual. It’s how many …

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Neurobiology of Trauma: How Traumatic Experiences Affect the Brain and Body

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 …

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Navigating Intergenerational Trauma & Breaking the Cycle

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 …

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What is EMDR? An Intro by Firefly Therapy Austin

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 …

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