Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you—it’s also about what didn’t happen. It can be the absence of safety, stability, or emotional connection when you needed it most.

As an adult, you may now realize that your childhood—or even your marriage—was not as emotionally safe as it seemed from the outside. Perhaps your parents provided for you materially but were emotionally unavailable, volatile, or overly critical. Maybe there was constant conflict at home, a parent struggling with depression or anger, or a lack of affection and reassurance.

Many clients have grown up with a parent showing traits of Borderline Personality Disorder or Narcissistic Personality Disorder—walking on eggshells, never sure which version of that parent would appear. Others learned to suppress their needs, avoid conflict, or overachieve just to feel “enough.” These early experiences can lead to chronic anxiety, depression, or even PTSD symptoms—sometimes without you realizing it.

You might struggle with social anxiety, finding groups or new people overwhelming, shutting down when faced with unfamiliar interactions. If you feel trapped by fear, longing instead to trust the world and those around you, to overcome anxiety, and to rebuild your life, friendships, and even love—full healing is possible. Therapy can guide you there.

These early experiences leave a lasting impact—shaping how you relate to yourself and others today.

What is trauma?

Trauma is not just the event itself but the lasting impact it has on your mind, body, and nervous system. Trauma can come from a single incident (such as an accident or loss) or from ongoing experiences (such as abuse, neglect, or living in a stressful environment). When trauma isn’t processed, it can show up as anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty in relationships, feeling “stuck,” or even physical symptoms.

How does trauma affect the brain and body?

Unprocessed trauma gets “stuck” in the nervous system, meaning your brain and body keep reacting as if the danger is still happening. This can look like hypervigilance, overreacting to stress, shutting down, or avoiding reminders of the event. Therapy helps the brain and body reprocess these experiences so you can feel safe and present again.

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess traumatic or distressing memories. While focusing on a painful memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This process activates your brain’s natural healing system, allowing the memory to move from being “stuck” and overwhelming into something you can remember without the same emotional intensity.

What is the process of EMDR therapy?

The EMDR therapy process includes eight phases:

1. History-taking & treatment planning – identifying target memories.
2. Preparation – building coping skills and safety.
3. Assessment – measuring disturbance levels and identifying negative/positive beliefs.
4. Desensitization – reprocessing traumatic memories with bilateral stimulation.
5. Installation – strengthening new positive beliefs.
6. Body scan – noticing and releasing residual tension.
7. Closure – ensuring stability at the end of each session.
8. Reevaluation – reviewing progress in following sessions.

This structured process ensures safety and gradual healing.

What kinds of trauma can EMDR therapy help with?

EMDR is highly effective for PTSD, childhood trauma, accidents, medical trauma, grief, assault, relational wounds, and more. It also helps with anxiety, depression, phobias, imposter syndrome, and performance-related blocks.

How will healing from trauma change my life?

Healing from trauma allows you to feel calm, connected, and present. Clients often report:

• Reduced anxiety and stress.
• Less reactivity to triggers.
• More ease in relationships.
• Greater self-compassion and confidence.
• A sense of freedom and peace that wasn’t possible before.

Trauma therapy doesn’t erase the past, but it transforms how the past affects your present and future.

Is EMDR therapy right for me?

If you’re struggling with painful memories, overwhelming emotions, or patterns that keep repeating in your life, EMDR therapy may be a good fit. In our work together, I provide a safe, compassionate, and structured environment so you can heal at a pace that feels right for you.

How do I get started with trauma therapy?

You can schedule a consultation directly through my website. I offer in-person therapy and EMDR in Costa Mesa, California, and online therapy for clients in Arizona and California. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you heal, grow, and thrive.