Trauma Therapy in Austin and Online Across Texas

You may feel easily overwhelmed, reactive, or emotionally flooded during everyday situations. Some people notice difficulty calming down or an undercurrent of irritability or fear.

It’s common to steer clear of reminders, situations, or conversations that bring up the emotional residue of what happened. This is a result of “overgeneralization,” where the brain and nervous system become avoidant of anything remotely resembling the original trauma.

Sometimes trauma leaves an emotional imprint that shapes how you see yourself, others, or the world. You might notice increased self-criticism, difficulty accessing positive emotions, or a sense of heaviness that’s hard to shake. Some people feel disconnected from the things they once enjoyed or find it harder to trust their own reactions and instincts.

Your body may stay on guard, scanning for cues of danger even when you’re not consciously thinking about the event. This can feel like restlessness, a racing mind, increased startle responses, or difficulty feeling settled.

Your mind may feel busy, restless, or easily distracted. Sleep might feel light, interrupted, or harder than usual to settle into.

Some people notice a sense of emotional distance, difficulty feeling present, or a disconnection from themselves and their body. This can be your mind’s way of giving you space when things feel too intense.

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EMDR therapy has been shown to reduce PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

A high percentage of individuals no longer meet criteria for a trauma or stressor related diagnosis after EMDR.

One study from the National Institute of Mental Health found 8 sessions of EMDR was superior to fluoxetine (antidepressant) for depression.

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By targeting and reprocessing key past experiences underlying current symptoms, energy and resources are freed up to move from surviving to thriving.

By coming to understand the effects of trauma on the brain and nervous system, learning coping skills, and targeting present triggers with EMDR, the present moment can shift from a place of fear and dread to the zone of creativity, motivation, and action toward your goals.

Post-traumatic growth goes beyond simply returning to the previous state before the trauma, it’s marked by shifts and transformations in mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth, leading to a new quality of life.

After healing the past, many people find they are able to reconnect with their passions, zero in on new directions in life, and build relationships that feel stable and rewarding.

Empowering you to capture these positive changes and helping you reach your goals is one of my favorite parts of therapy.