You’re An Amazing Mom
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carolyn (@integritas_wellness_recovery) Hey, new mom. This – this being a mom thing – it’s hard. It’s not you. It’s just so. Hard. ❤️ Especially in a society that does not support moms, while also expecting us to be all the things, all the time, to everyone. […]
What Is Bilateral Stimulation?
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carolyn (@integritas_wellness_recovery) Bilateral stimulation is the mechanism used in EMDR for trauma processing and self-resourcing. The EM in EMDR stands for eye movements, which is a kind of bilateral stimulation. But bilateral stimulation is any alternating stimulus that crosses the midline of the body, and therefore […]
Understanding EMDR and Its Long-term Benefits
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy proven to help people suffering from trauma. It has been used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other conditions related to past traumatic experiences. EMDR is a relatively new therapy – it was formulated in 1989 by Dr. Francine Shapiro, who began using it […]
What is EMDR, and How Can It Help With Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by fear, worry, and unease, which can be overwhelming and debilitating. Many people with anxiety cope with their symptoms through therapy, medication, or both. One therapy approach that has gained increasing attention as an effective treatment for anxiety is […]
Birth Trauma and EMDR Therapy – Carolyn’s Story
One of my specialty practice areas is birth trauma, specifically using EMDR therapy to treat birth trauma. This blog post will discuss what birth trauma is, my own experience with birth trauma, and how EMDR therapy can be helpful in treating birth trauma. What is Birth Trauma? Any traumatic event surrounding the birth of a […]
Sibling Celebration Class September 24 and November 5
Integritas Wellness and Recovery LLC is excited to announce that, due to the popularity of the first Sibling Celebration class we will be holding the class two additional times – September 24th and November 5th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Michaela McDonald, MSS LSW, couples and family therapist at Integritas, will be offering a […]
5 Things To Expect During Intensive EMDR Treatment.
The goal of intensive EMDR treatment is to help individuals process traumatic memories more quickly than in traditional weekly EMDR sessions. In addition, intensive EMDR treatment can reduce emotional, cognitive, and somatic symptoms stemming from traumatic events or terrible life experiences and help you learn coping skills to re-regulate your nervous system. Expect An Initial […]
10 Things You Actually Need Postpartum
Instagram will tell you that you need cute clothes, a “how many months” mat for monthly pictures, 600 contraptions that take up space in your house, baby toys. None of those really matter. I gave birth 3 times in under 5 years, and this is what actually mattered to me. 1. Food. If someone wants […]
Carolyn’s EMDR Journey
I’m about a year and a half out from completing my basic training in EMDR. I completed the basic training – 50 hours of training, over two three-day weekends – in December 2020. I’m a convert and an evangelist for EMDR now – so much so, that I just completed the lengthy process of becoming […]
What Is Dissociation?
Dissociation is often misrepresented Dissociation is a word that gets tossed around a lot and can really be taken out of context. It gets weaponized, both by popular culture and by the medical profession (I see you, DSM!) as something that means someone is very impaired, someone who has “multiple personalities”. Note: that term is […]
