Hi, I’m Tabitha and I’m a recovering perfectionist. I say recovering because it’s an ongoing process, sometimes a rather frustrating one if I’m being honest.

Perfectionism is sneaky. It disguises itself as high standards, as diligence, as caring deeply about doing things well. Before you freak out and say, “Hi, we need to have some standards here” let’s flesh out what I mean. High standards and care aren’t the issue; it’s what underlies those standards. There’s a relentless inner voice that keeps a running tally of every misstep, every shortcoming, every way you didn’t quite measure up today. That voice has a favorite word:

Should.

I should be further along. I should have handled that better. I should be more patient, more productive, more consistent, more spiritual, more everything. And underneath all of that shoulding is the unspoken belief that if you just judged yourself hard enough or tried harder, you’d finally become the person you’re supposed to be. And sometimes that shoulding is encouraged by environments we exist in—maybe our home or even our church community.

Here’s what I know after years of working with clients and walking this road myself: that belief is not true. And the connection between perfectionism and anxiety is far closer than most people realize.

What “Shoulding” Actually Does to You

In therapy, as you’ve seen above, I use this phrase: shoulding on yourself. And before you laugh — or wince — let me tell you why I use it deliberately. Because it captures something true about what harsh self-judgment actually does. It doesn’t clean things up, it actually just makes a mess.

When we should on ourselves, we are essentially telling ourselves that reality is wrong. That the way things are is unacceptable or not enough or wrong. And here’s the problem with that: saying something should or should not have happened doesn’t change the fact that it did. It also doesn’t mean whatever standard we’re applying is accurate. All it really does is add a layer of shame and self-condemnation on top of whatever already happened or whatever we’re trying to accomplish.

Perfectionism and anxiety are deeply linked because the perfectionist mindset is fundamentally future-focused and fear-driven. It’s not just I want to do well. It’s If I don’t do this perfectly, something bad will happen — I’ll be exposed, I’ll disappoint people, I’ll lose something important. It also indicates a standard, and we don’t always stop to explore where we got that standard from and whether it’s reasonable or not. That underlying fear keeps the anxiety engine running constantly, even when there’s nothing actually wrong.

And when we inevitably fall short of the impossible standard the negative self-judgment kicks in. And this, of course, fuels more anxiety. Which fuels more perfectionism. It’s a cycle that feeds itself, and it is exhausting. It’s for sure not a good time.

Has Harsh Self-Judgment Ever Actually Worked?

I want to ask you something directly: Has judging yourself harshly ever produced lasting change in your life?

I’m not asking whether it has ever motivated you temporarily. Sometimes shame and self-criticism do produce short bursts of behavior change. But lasting change, the kind that actually sticks and becomes part of who you are? I have never, in all my years of practice, seen harsh self-judgment produce that.

Think about it this way: if shoulding on yourself worked, I literally would not have a job. We would all just judge ourselves into excellence and go about our days. But that’s not what happens. What actually happens is that we judge ourselves, feel shame, either shut down or overcompensate, fall short again, judge ourselves again and the cycle continues.

The harsh inner voice isn’t making you better. It’s keeping you stuck. And the perfectionism and anxiety it fuels are not a sign of high standards, they’re a sign of rigidity and potentially past wounds that need some healing.

Pride Goes Both Ways

Here’s something that tends to surprise people: thinking too lowly of yourself is just as much a form of pride as thinking too highly of yourself. Both are a form of self-focus that pulls us out of the present moment and out of genuine connection, with others, with our work, and with God.

When we are deep in the perfectionism and self-judgment cycle, we are living on autopilot (if you’ve been reading along with these past blogs, you know that autopilot doesn’t help us get where we want to go). We reacti to an internal critic rather than responding to what’s actually in front of us. We are so consumed with measuring, evaluating, and finding ourselves lacking that we can’t be fully present in our own lives. We miss what’s actually happening because we’re too busy running the internal audit.

Romans 8:1 says it plainly: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Not a little condemnation. Not condemnation except for the really big failures. No condemnation. The inner voice that keeps up the running tally of your shortcomings is not the voice of the Holy Spirit. It is not godly conviction. It is condemnation and it is not from God.

The Difference Between Conviction and Condemnation

I want to make an important distinction here, because I know this is an area where well-meaning Christians can get real confused at times. There is a difference between godly conviction and the shame spiral of perfectionism and self-judgment.

Conviction is specific. It points to a particular thought, action, or pattern and invites you toward something better. It is ultimately hopeful. It says, “This can change. You can grow. Come this way.” And then it moves on.

Condemnation is global. It doesn’t point to a behavior, it indicts your whole self. It says, “You are the problem. You are not enough. You will never be enough.” It doesn’t invite you toward growth. It pins you to the floor.

Perfectionism lives in the condemnation space. And it is worth learning to recognize the difference, not so you can ignore genuine growth opportunities, but so you can stop letting a voice that isn’t God’s (or even your own voice at times) run your internal life.

The Grace-filled Alternative to Perfectionism and Anxiety

So if harsh self-judgment doesn’t work, what does? This is the part I love, because the alternative is not lowering your standards or giving yourself a pass on everything. It is something much more powerful and far more nuanced than that.

There is an essential truth that I come back to again and again, both in my own life and in my work with clients. It holds two things together at the same time: I am doing the best I can in this moment, and I can do better. Both are true. Neither cancels out the other.

This is what theologians call sanctification—the ongoing process of being changed into the likeness of Christ. We are redeemed and we are being changed. We are accepted as we are and we are not yet who we will be. There is no room for condemnation in that process. This is the essence of the now and the not yet.

Practically, this means replacing the should with something more honest and more useful. Instead of “I should be further along,” try: “I wish I were further along, and I’m going to take one step today.” Instead of “I should have handled that better,” try: “I didn’t handle that the way I wanted to. What can I learn from it? Do I need to make a repair with someone?” The facts stay the same. The shame is removed. And the path forward opens up.

Mindful Connection: The Antidote to the Perfectionism Spiral

One of the most powerful tools for breaking the perfectionism and anxiety cycle is the practice of mindful connection. As a reminder, that’s being fully present in the moment rather than lost in the internal audit of everything you’re doing wrong. We keep our feet in this present moment instead of the shoulding of it all.

When we are present we’re able to observe what’s actually happening without layering judgment on top of it. We can notice: I made a mistake. Full stop. Not: I made a mistake, which means I’m a failure, which means I can’t be trusted, which means… Just the facts. Just the moment. Just what is.

This is not lowering the bar. This is seeing clearly. And seeing clearly, without the distortion of perfectionism and self-judgment, is actually what makes genuine growth possible. You can’t address what you can’t see accurately. And you can’t see accurately when shame is clouding the lens.

Progress, Not Perfection

I say it constantly: mindful connection, not mindful perfection. Progress, not perfection. And I say it constantly because people — especially perfectionists (including me) — need to hear it constantly. Because the inner critic is loud, and the grace-filled alternative feels unfamiliar at first.

But here’s a big take away I want you to understand: choosing progress over perfection is not giving up. It is not settling. It is not a spiritual or personal cop-out. It is the only framework in which real, lasting change actually happens. Because change requires trying, and trying requires the willingness to be imperfect in the process.

There is only one perfect person. His name is Jesus. And He didn’t come to give us a higher standard to fail at; He came to set us free. That freedom includes freedom from the tyranny of the should. Freedom from the perfectionism and anxiety cycle that keeps so many of us exhausted and stuck. Freedom to show up, imperfectly and fully, and to grow.

You are not a project to be managed. You are a person to be loved.

I invite you to stop shoulding on yourself. It isn’t working anyway. This week I invite you to take one of the more gracious positions I outlined in this blog and try it out for yourself. Notice whether it’s easier or harder depending on the topic or situation. Notice what you feel in your body as you get curious. And if you need a little support with it, reach out to us for a free, 15-minute consultation. One of our fantastic therapist or coaches would be happy to help you build these skills and those new neural pathways that go with them!

Ready to break the perfectionism and anxiety cycle and find a more grace-filled way forward? Visit tabithawestbrook.com/online-courses to learn more about the Taking Every Thought Captive course series. Use code RESET24 for 80% off.

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Hope is one of the most overused and misunderstood words in healing spaces, yet it holds surprising depth when we stop tying it to outcomes and start treating it as a way of seeing. Today we’re exploring hope as a lens grounded in reality: it requires contact with pain, not distance from it. That may sound a bit scary, but leaning in with grace toward self is vital to the experience of hope.

Betrayal of Hope

Survivors often feel betrayed by hope because it was packaged as certainty—pray harder, believe more, get the miracle. That formula is shattered where grief and trauma live. Real hope sits inside paradox: we can touch the wound and still look for light; we can act while surrendering control; we can ask God boldly and accept that the answer may not match our script. This shift recovers agency, calms the nervous system, and reframes faith as presence rather than proof.

Embodied Hope

The path to that kind of hope begins in the body. Trauma is stored somatically (soma means body), so practices that regulate physiology become spiritual and psychological care. Nature (like being outside in said nature including things like forest bathing) reduces sensory noise and offers a safe container for reflection; even a paved path can be a sanctuary. Pairing time outdoors with slow breath, bilateral music, or a simple grounding sequence trains the system to tolerate stillness without flooding. As tolerance grows, intuition returns. Many survivors were taught to distrust their inner knowing or outsource it to authority figures. Some of the authority figures were destructive and harm happened instead of healing. Learning to notice what feels peaceful, what lands in the gut with quiet clarity, and what spikes urgency is a skill that can be rebuilt. Over time, these small repetitions lay new neural pathways, turning seconds of calm into minutes of embodied presence.

Boundaries and Hope

Boundaries are the scaffolding for this work. Confusing forgiveness with reconciliation traps many in unsafe loops; forgiveness releases the perpetrator of harm to God’s care, but reconciliation requires reliable behavior over time. Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing. That phrase becomes a compass in relationships—romantic, pastoral, or communal. We look for patterns, not promises; for humility that honors no as a complete sentence; for repair that includes changed behavior without deadlines or pressure. In betrayal recovery, distinguishing godly sorrow from toxic shame is key. Toxic shame centers the offender’s distress and seeks relief; godly sorrow turns toward the damage caused and tolerates discomfort without demanding access. When an apology ignores a boundary, it reveals allegiance to self-comfort rather than repair.

Another essential distinction is between addiction-related harm and coercive control. All addiction is abusive in impact, yet coercive control is a worldview of entitlement where a partner is treated as property. Both cause trauma, but the posture of the heart differs, and so does the trajectory of change. For survivors, clarity often emerges when the pace slows. Space reveals whether new behaviors endure without surveillance, whether boundaries are honored when inconvenient, and whether empathy expands beyond words. Community then becomes possible again—not naive or idealized, but wise and discerning. Healthy systems welcome questions, share power, and make amends without spin; manipulative systems punish dissent and baptize control in spiritual language.

Setting the Anchor of Hope

Finally, hope needs practices that set anchor. Breath prayers offer a simple, embodied ritual that steadies the mind while soothing physiology. We can borrow a Scripture from Revelation here as an example.

Inhale: Behold. Exhale: I am making all things new.

The words are small enough to carry yet large enough to hold grief and possibility together. On days when healing feels abstract, the anchor is presence—God within, breath within, and the next right step. On days when grief swells, lament is not a failure of faith but a doorway to it. This is hope without illusions: a steady lens that faces pain, cherishes agency, trusts mystery, and keeps lighting the path until our own eyes adjust to the dawn.

Finding Hope

If you’re struggling with finding hope, we’re here to help you. We have expert therapists and coaches that will walk with you to help you to help you find real, lasting hope that is more than a feeling and more a way of living. Reach out today for your free, 15-minute consultation.

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Lots of individuals overlook the critical step of finding the right therapist for trauma recovery. Ensuring that you connect with a therapist who truly understands the complex nature of trauma, particularly when it comes to domestic abuse and coercive control, is essential in your healing journey. In this post, we’ll discuss the critical factors to consider when choosing a truly trauma-informed therapist, share insights on what makes a therapist effective, and provide real, actionable steps that empower you to take control of your healing process. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to find a therapist that can walk with you on the journey and process of healing.

Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

Healing from trauma isn’t just a matter of time or thinking your way out of it; it requires an understanding of how trauma affects the mind and body and soul. Let’s be real, if you could just think your way out of it you wouldn’t even be here reading this guide! 

Traumatic events affect people differently and how it’s affected you is unique to you. Your journey starts with recognizing your impacts, which can include emotional distress, chronic anxiety, or difficulties in relationships. You also may notice impacts to you body – we call these somatic responses (“soma” means body). These are physical responses to the trauma. We’ve worked with clients who experience autoimmune disorders, nausea, joint pain, and all kinds of other things due to the trauma they’ve experienced. Understanding your personal impacts will help you articulate your needs and expectations when seeking therapy. And a good trauma-informed therapist will know how to help you even identify those impacts – it’s super common not to fully know them when you start healing!

What Makes a Therapist Trauma Informed?

The landscape of therapy is continually evolving, especially concerning trauma recovery. It’s essential to find a therapist who not only has the proper qualifications but is also actually trauma-informed. Taking a single or even a couple courses on trauma is insufficient. The field of trauma work is vast and growing as we learn more about the brain and body. Things like interpersonal neurobiology and epigenetics are game changers for how we understand impacts of trauma on people – even across generations. You really want to look for therapists who have specialized training in trauma. Some good training to look for are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting (BSP), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). These modalities have been scientifically proven to assist in the healing process for individuals who have experienced trauma. There also is great value in Narrative Focused Trauma Care (NFTC), which can be included with any of those others. In fact, a solid trauma-informed therapist likely has been trained in more than one of these modalities! If domestic abuse/coercive control is part of your story (or you think it might be) it is absolutely essential the therapist has been trained in that specifically. Many therapists think they “understand” abuse and they don’t, which creates significant danger for the client. 

The Importance of Compatibility

Not every therapist is the right fit for you. Some are more directive, some are less directive. Some are more “blank slates,” some will provide more feedback. You may have a preference on what style works best for you. No therapist should tell you what to do – period. It’s not their life. For folks coming out of abusive spaces where they’re used to being told what to do, it may feel very weird not to be told what to do – but I promise you, learning to use your voice is incredibly healing! A great trauma-informed therapist knows this and will encourage you in finding your voice!

It is incredibly important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. You need to feel safe with this person and feel like they hear you. A strong therapeutic relationship fosters trust and openness, which are absolutely vital for effective healing. That doesn’t mean you won’t feel anxious at times or emotional as you work through the deep healing, but you should feel like your therapist is a safe person to do the work with. If you line up ten therapists and only one is a good fit – pick that person. 

Evaluating a Therapist’s Experience

When searching for a therapist, evaluate their experience and expertise. Ask about their history of working with clients who have experienced the type of trauma you have, especially if it’s domestic abuse and coercive control. A therapist who is familiar with these issues can better understand your experiences and provide the necessary support. You can always ask things like, “How were you trained? What outcomes have you seen in your clients? Tell me your understanding of domestic abuse and coercive control.” Don’t be afraid to consider an intern. If they’re supervised by a skilled trauma-informed therapist it can be an amazing, lower cost way to engage in healing!

A solid trauma-informed therapist will always be happy to answer your questions. You are not a burden asking – this is your therapy. You have every right to make sure it’s a good fit!

Assessing Therapeutic Approaches

This might seem repetitive, but different therapists utilize various approaches to therapy. An approach is a perspective a therapist comes from. What is their basis? For example, at The Journey and The Process, we come from a systemic perspective – we want to understand your world and all its parts. From there, we generally take a somatic-based approach to therapy because the body keeps the score as it relates to trauma. We do engage the cognitive because it’s also important, but we do it from a more embodied approach. 

It’s beneficial to explore the methods and techniques a trauma-informed therapist employs and they should be able to explain it much like we just did above. It’s also helpful to ask about their treatment plans: Are they structured? Flexible? Will they adapt their techniques to meet your specific needs? What if you have questions about your treatment plan? How open are they to such questions? The best answer here is they should be very open!

Setting Clear Goals

Establishing treatment goals at the start of therapy can guide the process effectively. The therapist should partner with you to set goals. Some clients really don’t like goal setting, which is fine, but there should be some agreement on the trajectory of therapy. This will not only help set a pathway for your sessions but will also give you a sense of direction in the healing journey – and help you know if the therapy is effective. Goals can and sometimes do change or evolve as you work through trauma and you should be welcome to adjust them with your therapist!

Utilizing Supportive Resources

In addition to therapy, consider incorporating supportive resources like trauma-informed life coaching, peer support groups, or educational workshops that focus on recovery. There are some great ones out there! For example, you may have done some deep work and processed a lot in therapy already and now you’re ready for some additional life changes. A trauma-informed life coach could be exactly what you need! We offer that at our practice so we can help folks in different spots in their healing journey. We also offer groups for various topics, from healing a broken faith after trauma to healing from sexual harm. These can be great spaces to not only heal, but to build or rebuild healthy community with people who understand the struggle! Different seasons of healing need different things. If you haven’t done therapeutic healing work, we do suggest starting there first.

Understanding Costs and Accessibility

It’s important to be aware of any costs associated with therapy upfront. All therapists should be clear on fees. You should never, ever be surprised by a charge. If you will be using your health insurance you need to know if the therapist is in network or not. If he/she is not, then you will be required to pay up front and submit a bill – called a superbill – to your insurance to see if they will reimburse some or all of the cost. As unfun as money conversations can be for some folks, they are important so you can plan appropriately. 

Life is busy and it can get lifey. Getting to a therapy office can be tough. If accessibility is a concern, inquire about teletherapy options. For some folks, the best therapist for you might be hours away. Being able to do video sessions can give you access to the perfect care for you while mitigating distance. We strongly advise against using a therapy platform – think the ones that seem to advertise on every YouTube channel or podcast. They are deeply problematic and do not protect your data (one platform was fined heavily by the government for this failure). A more local therapist who does telehealth is a much better option and will protect you and your data far better.

The Role of Faith-Based Counseling

For individuals who value faith as part of their healing journey, exploring therapists who provide faith-based counseling may be beneficial. This is a really important place to ask some theological questions. Asking how a given trauma-informed therapist incorporates faith is vital so you know if it’s a fit for you. The best answer is, “I incorporate it however you would like.” We know in our practice how spiritual abuse can harm faith practice so we are gentle and the client directs any such incorporation. When God or Scripture has been used to harm it is vital for the client’s needs and desires to be prioritized! A good trauma therapist also will be open to you wrestling with your faith as you heal. That’s a normal part of the healing process!

Signs of An Effective Therapist

Throughout your journey, it’s crucial to recognize signs that your therapist is effectively guiding your healing process. Signs include feeling progressively more comfortable discussing your feelings, noticing shifts in your perspective regarding your trauma, and feeling empowered in your recovery journey. It’s not uncommon to also feel like some things are harder – you’re going to be looking at and working through hard things. Grief might surprise you, but it makes an appearance for most folks as they heal. It’s not super fun, but it is part of the process. If at any point you feel your therapy isn’t progressing, it’s essential to openly discuss these feelings with your therapist. Your therapist should welcome those discussions and either adjust or help you find a better fit.

Testing the Waters

Don’t hesitate to have a trial period where both you and the therapist assess the fit. It’s absolutely fine to see how it goes for a few sessions. No good therapist has a problem with that either! We want you to have the help you need and if we aren’t it, then we want to help you find it! Your therapy is about you – not the therapist. If you feel uncertain after a few initial sessions, it is perfectly okay to seek out other options. Therapy is a personal journey, and finding the right match is vital to ensure progress.

Between-session Techniques 

While working with a therapist, you can also explore between-session techniques to support your journey. This can include journaling your experiences, practicing mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, and setting daily intentions. Integrating these techniques into your daily life can enhance the therapeutic work you accomplish in sessions. We often give these types of activities as “homework” to help you build on recovery between sessions and to help you build in habits that help you for a lifetime. The goal is true healing and life change so we want to help you on that journey between appointments and this is one way we help you do that!

Where to Find a Qualified Trauma-informed Therapist 

One of the best ways to start is to ask friends who they see and like. Take a look at those therapists’ websites and see if any feel like a fit for you. Another tool is Google – search “Trauma therapists near me” or “EMDR therapist near me” or “Trauma therapist [MY STATE]” and put in your state. Then, check out websites and reach out with any questions you have. Any good trauma therapist is happy to answer your questions. We want therapy to be a good experience for you!!

You also can search online directories, such as Psychology Today, or specialized websites focused on trauma recovery. I will say, not all therapists are on these directories (our practice is not), so don’t forget to Google! 

Social media platforms and community organizations often have lists or recommendations for local mental health professionals who are trauma-informed, as well. Your church may even have a list of therapists they recommend. Any resource can be a jumping off point for getting ideas and then reaching out to see if a therapist is a good fit for you. 

What Questions to Ask a Prospective Trauma-informed Therapist

We’d love to help you know what questions to ask! Click here to get your free questions guide!

Next Steps

We hope this guide is helpful as you embark on your healing journey! We specialize in working with men, women, couples, and kiddos who have experienced trauma. If you’d like to see if we’re a good fit for you, we’d love to chat! Book a discovery call with us today! Click the link below and let’s help you heal!

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The post How to Choose a Trauma-informed Therapist Who Truly Gets It appeared first on Tabitha Westbrook.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR was developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, who noticed that her emotional distress reduced when she moved her eyes back and forth while thinking about a traumatic memory. After research, clinical trials, and decades of use—including endorsements by the US Veterans Administration and World Health Organization—EMDR is now recognized as one of the top evidence-based treatments for PTSD and complex trauma.

How EMDR Works

Think of your brain like a file cabinet. When trauma happens, it’s like someone opened that cabinet and dumped all your files on the floor. Memories become disorganized, raw, and easily triggered. EMDR helps your brain refocus and “refile” those memories in a way that reduces emotional distress and makes sense of your past.

Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones), EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories. It doesn’t erase what happened. Instead, it helps the brain integrate those experiences so they no longer hijack your emotions or body.

It’s Science—And It’s Biblical

I hear the concerns from Christian communities: “Is EMDR new-age?” “Shouldn’t Scripture be enough?” Let’s talk about it.

First, EMDR is grounded in neuroscience. Functional MRIs and EEGs have shown that EMDR creates real changes in the brain—what we call neuroplasticity. Trauma rewires your brain to live in constant survival mode. EMDR helps rewire it for peace, clarity, and connection. That’s not witchcraft. That’s design. And I believe the Designer made our brains capable of healing. This is supported in Scripture – Romans talks about the “renewing of the mind” (see Romans 12:2).

Second, Scripture is foundational—but it’s not exhaustive. As our very own biblical counselor, Jacque Escue, once told me: “Scripture is sufficient, but it is not exhaustive.” We use doctors and physical therapy to help our bodies heal. Why wouldn’t we also use well-researched, effective tools like EMDR to help heal our minds?

Addressing Common Myths

1. “It’s demonic or new age.”
Nope. It’s not a spiritual practice. It’s neuroscience. If you’re a believer working with a Christian therapist, EMDR can even integrate prayer and Scripture. One criticism I hear often is that the creator was not a believer and wove in Buddhist ideology. I’ve not found this to be true (though she does make mention of some of her personal beliefs in the texts and she did not claim to be a Christian); however, any tool can be good or not so good depending on who is using it. As with any counseling – biblical or licensed – the counselor matters.

2. “It unlocks false or repressed memories.”
Ethical EMDR therapists do not “implant ideas.” In fact, many clients feel more grounded and emotionally regulated after sessions. The body often confirms what the mind has been too afraid to hold. We also can’t discount dissociation for severe trauma. God made our brains so intentionally and suppressing abuse is part of how we are protected. If a memory resurfaces it fits in with what is already known and there is a settling of the body that occurs.

3. “It bypasses Scripture.”
Absolutely not. In fact, many of my Christian clients report deeper spiritual healing during EMDR sessions. EMDR invites us to take thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and renew our minds (Romans 12:2 again) with truth. Additionally, when someone believes they are “damaged goods” due the abuse they’ve experienced, EMDR can help them disentangle that false belief and move toward, “I am a child of the King and worthy of love.” That is inherently scriptural and not at all bypassing the goodness God has given us in Scripture.

Why This Matters

Christians are often told to just “pray more” or “have more faith” when they’re experiencing the symptoms of trauma. That’s not only unhelpful—it can be spiritually harmful – and it certainly does not look like Jesus. Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. God created us as whole beings: mind, body, and spirit. Effective trauma therapy honors all three.

When a client sits in my office and says, “Jesus showed up in my EMDR session,” I’m reminded that God meets us where we are—even in our neural pathways.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been skeptical about EMDR, I get it. But I also encourage you to take a deeper look. Don’t base your views on fear or misinformation. Ask questions. Pray. Seek wisdom. God is not intimidated by psychology. He created the brain. And sometimes, healing comes when we allow Him to work through the tools He’s made available to us.

Trauma doesn’t have to eat your lunch forever. There is hope. There is healing. And EMDR might just be one of the ways God brings it to you.

Want to learn more or connect with one of our EMDR-trained therapists?

Watch this Episode of Hey Tabi

The post Debunking EMDR Myths: What Christians Need to Know About This Powerful Trauma Therapy appeared first on Tabitha Westbrook.