Why I Became An EMDR Therapist
Girl with curly blonde brown hair, arms crossed over leg, smiling with floral pink and blue shirt on with jeans. Caption reads “Why I Became And EMDR Therapist” with website link to “https://soul-mission.org”
How I Realized Talk Therapy for Trauma Wasn’t Enough
Very early on in my life, I had always been an empathic helper... I know, shocker, right?! It only makes sense that I would go into a helping profession from this. But when I got into the field, I quickly realized that the system of care was broken and did not serve the people it was meant to help. I had clients who were craving change but stuck in cyclical life situations that kept them from truly creating the change they wanted. I had other clients who were too stuck in cycles of poverty, trauma, addiction, and abuse to even imagine that they deserved more. And then, I worked with children who were caught in the crossfire. And while many times, talk therapy was what that person needed, to feel heard and seen by another human being, I felt like it didn't do enough to help them heal in the long-term way they truly needed and deserved.
To be clear, with my whole heart, I believe that the system of care needs to be dismantled and broken before we can build something that works for the people it needs to work for. I also believe that the systems of oppression that keep people from reaching their full potential should be dismantled, broken, and set on fire. So much work needed and continues to need to be done, and as one therapist, I knew I couldn't do this on my own. I also knew that I probably never would see the fruits of my work and what so many before me have dedicated their lives to.
So, while all this work is being done and systems and cycles are being broken and set on fire, individual people still need healing. There are still so many who deserve to find their truth, voice, and authentic core that has been hidden away underneath years of trauma and relationships that were unfair to them.
My Personal Experience With EMDR Therapy in Tampa
Personally, I first experienced EMDR from the client seat at the beginning of 2019, and I was shocked. I knew about EMDR and had the research, but to experience it - I was 100% blown away. To be able to process something with these eye movements and allow my brain a chance to heal and find new ways of looking at the same crappy situation that impacted my life and my view of myself was frankly astonishing. It felt like and has continued to feel like brain magic. After that therapy session, my shoulders became lighter, and my body felt a bit freer. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be trained in this modality, so I could help others feel the same type of healing and lightness in their body.
I Know Trauma Can Be Scary..And I’ve Seen Healing Happen With EMDR Therapy
So I sought our training for EMDR therapy that wasn't too far outside of Tampa, and I haven't regretted a day since then. Since being trained in EMDR therapy and experiencing it firsthand for the first time, I've had many people ask me questions out of nervousness and worry. To that nervousness and fear, I can say I understand. It can be unsettling and even disturbing thinking about memories that have been hurtful and traumatizing. AND that part of EMDR therapy should only be done once you feel safe and stable with skills to cope, with a therapist you can trust. For these reasons, I spend a lot of time setting the foundation with the clients who have chosen me to work alongside them in their healing journey. If you are curious about EMDR therapy in Tampa or virtually anywhere in Florida, please reach out for a free consultation. I would love to chat, answer your questions, and help you figure out if EMDR therapy is right for you. You can click the button below or call me directly at (813)738-3600.
