Laura Pearl, LCSW

Let’s be honest -life can throw some curveballs. Some just nick you. Others? They hit square in the chest and leave a mark that doesn’t fade easily. That’s trauma. But here’s the hopeful twist: healing is absolutely possible. With the right kind of therapy, that heavy emotional backpack you’ve been lugging around can start to feel a lot lighter. What Is Trauma Therapy? Trauma therapy isn’t a single technique or “talk about your feelings” session -it’s a structured, evidence-based approach to help people recover from distressing or life-altering experiences. The goal? To process painful memories safely, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild trust in yourself and the world. Whether the trauma came from a single event (like an accident), repeated exposure (like chronic abuse), or a complex history (like long-term neglect), therapy helps your brain and body finally exhale. Also Read: The Link Between Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Understanding Trauma Trauma can affect every layer of yo...

 Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and intimidating, especially when exploring something new like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). If you’re considering EMDR therapy, you might be wondering what actually happens during a session and how to prepare for it. To help ease your concerns, let’s walk through what you can expect in your first EMDR session. What Is EMDR Therapy? EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, sounds, or tapping—to help your brain reprocess painful memories. Over time, the intensity of those memories decreases, allowing you to move forward without being triggered by the past. Read More:   What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work? The First Session: What Happens Your initial EMDR session is not about diving straight into painful memories. Instead, it’s focused on creat...