By Heidi Petijova, RP | True Roots Therapy
If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in the past, haunted by memories you can’t shake, or weighed down by a constant sense of fear or sadness, I want you to know you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with feel like they are carrying their trauma with them every day. It can feel like a heavy backpack you can’t set down, affecting your mood, your relationships, and even your ability to enjoy simple moments.
As a trauma therapist, I’ve seen how these experiences can leave deep marks on our hearts and minds. You might find yourself reacting strongly to reminders of past events, struggling to trust others, or feeling like no one truly understands what you’ve been through. These feelings can be overwhelming and isolating, not just for you but for those around you who want to help but don’t know how.
I believe there is hope, and that healing is possible. One approach I use in my work with clients is called EMDR therapy. If you’ve never heard of it before, that’s okay. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it’s a therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma in a way that feels safe, supportive, and effective.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is different from traditional talk therapy. Instead of spending every session talking in detail about what happened, EMDR helps you process the memories and feelings that are stuck in your mind and body. Through guided eye movements or other gentle, repetitive movements, EMDR activates your brain’s natural healing ability, allowing you to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce the emotional pain they cause.
I know it might sound strange at first, but EMDR is backed by strong research and is recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization for treating trauma and PTSD. Many clients who have tried other therapies without feeling better find that EMDR helps them finally move forward.
How Trauma Feels
Living with trauma can feel like you’re constantly on edge, as if danger is always around the corner. You might experience nightmares, flashbacks, or panic attacks. You may feel numb or disconnected from your body and your emotions. Everyday stressors can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to trust yourself or others.
Trauma can also make you feel like you’re trapped in a cycle of self-blame or shame. You might wonder why you can’t “just get over it” or feel frustrated when your mind keeps bringing you back to painful moments. These are normal responses to abnormal situations, and they don’t mean you’re weak or broken. They mean you’re human.
How Trauma Affects Others
If you love someone who has experienced trauma, you might feel helpless watching them struggle. It can be confusing to understand why they withdraw or lash out. You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells, unsure of how to support them. Relationships can become strained, and both partners can feel lonely and misunderstood.
Part of what makes trauma so painful is how it creates distance between us and the people we care about. Healing trauma is not just about helping one person feel better, but also about helping them reconnect with themselves and with those they love.
How EMDR Can Help You Heal
In our work together, EMDR can help you process your memories at your own pace, in a safe and compassionate environment. You don’t have to relive every detail of what happened. Instead, EMDR helps you change the way your brain and body respond to those memories, so they no longer feel as overwhelming or frightening.
Through EMDR, many people find that their anxiety decreases, their sleep improves, and they feel more in control of their emotions. They begin to notice moments of peace, joy, or connection that once felt impossible. Over time, the memories lose their power to hurt you, and you can start to build a life that feels free and fulfilling.
My Approach to EMDR Therapy
As your therapist, I bring a warm, gentle, and non-judgmental approach to every session. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and supported. I understand that healing can feel scary, and I will always work with you at your pace, never pushing you faster than you’re ready to go.
My work is trauma-informed, meaning I recognize how deeply trauma can affect every part of your life, from your thoughts to your body. I use a combination of EMDR, cognitive and dialectical behavioural therapies, and compassionate conversation to help you understand your patterns and find new ways to cope.
I believe that by reconnecting with yourself and understanding your past, you can build a future where you feel empowered, balanced, and whole.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re living with the effects of trauma, you don’t have to keep carrying this alone. Healing is possible, and EMDR therapy can help you find relief and hope.
I invite you to contact me today to book a free 20-minute consultation. Together, we can start your journey toward healing and help you reclaim your sense of peace and self.