The EMDR Confidence Lab is a structured, supportive consultation space designed specifically for newly trained EMDR therapists who want to build real clinical confidence—not just check a box for hours.

Trauma is a term that’s often thrown around, especially today but its depth and complexity are often misunderstood. As a therapist who specializes in trauma, I can tell you that it’s far more than a mere "bad experience." Trauma can have lasting effects on the mind, body, and emotions, influencing our relationships and behaviors in ways we may not even fully understand. In this post, we’ll explore what trauma is, the different types of trauma, and most importantly, how individuals can heal.

Let’s talk about one of the most popular buzzwords in the world of mental health: trigger. It seems like every time we scroll through social media, watch a Bravo show, or even overhear conversations, we hear someone saying, “Ugh, I’m so triggered right now!” But as a therapist, I can’t help but notice that this term has continued to morph into something far removed from its true meaning. I first wrote about triggers back in 2018. So let’s take another dive in with a bit of humor and a lot of heart—what exactly is a “trigger,” and why is the cultural version of it not quite on the mark?

Discover how IFS and EMDR work together in trauma therapy to create safety, reduce overwhelm, and gently heal complex trauma and attachment wounds.

What if nothing about you is wrong? Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you understand your protective parts and reconnect with your calm, compassionate Self. Discover a new path to healing.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Across cultures, it has long been honored as a sacred pause—a moment to slow down, turn inward, and trust that light will return. I got inspired today to theme a yin yoga class I taught today around Winter Solstice, especially when it happened to be Winter Solstice when I taught it. And if you didn’t know, yep, I am also a yoga teacher in addition to being a therapist.

Reality TV doesn’t always portray therapy accurately (see my previous blog about SLOMW), but the recent therapy session on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC) with Ms. I have an announcement aka Britani Bateman and her daughter surprised many viewers—and many trauma therapists—by showing what real trauma therapy can actually look like.

Dissociation is a term you may have heard in conversations about trauma or mental health, but it can feel elusive or hard to describe. At its core, dissociation is a psychological response to overwhelming stress or trauma—an adaptive mechanism that allows a person to “disconnect” from experiences, emotions, or memories that feel too painful to process in the moment. While it can protect you in the short term, chronic dissociation can interfere with your ability to feel present, connect with others, and live fully in your body.