My clients come to therapy with a whole TON of internalized messages they’ve been told about themselves, their identity, and their place in the world.

You can probably guess that none of these messages are very kind or affirming. You’d be right.

These kinds of messages are WAY more common than you might think. In fact, you may have grown up with these kinds of messages yourself even if you had a fairly good or neutral childhood. But with relational trauma or emotional neglect, these messages are often used as leverage to dismiss your needs, undermine your sense of self, and keep you emotionally hungry for affirmation that you may never receive.

1) You’re not enough

Not good enough, not doing enough, not smart/strong/thin enough. Whatever it is, you’re not enough. If you heard this message as a kid, it was probably in the context of shame, failure, and disappointment. The person pointing out your deficits wanted to make sure you knew that you made a mistake. But it wasn’t simply that you made a mistake, they pointed it out, and helped you resolve it (which would have been the helpful, connected way to approach a mistake). No, it’s a direct attack on your identity, value, and worth. And if you’re the problem, they don’t have to do the work of modeling good behavior or teaching you how to do tasks.

2) You’re too much

Too loud, too needy, too sensitive. Whatever you are, it’s too much. And yes, it’s super common to have both these messages as a kid- both too much and not enough. Super confusing for a child’s mind to understand! Like the other messages, this one thrives on failure and shame. Usually, the person saying this is overwhelmed and needs space but doesn’t know how to say it in a healthy, connected way. Instead, they resort to shaming you into shutting down your behavior so they can manage their emotions and overwhelm more easily. If you’re the problem, they don’t have to take responsibility for their own emotional regulation or do their own work. And again, shaming you for who you are is easier than being curious and connected as they guide you through your growth.

How do we heal from these messages?

It can help to allow your adult perspective to come through so you can understand how and why your parents, teachers, caregivers, or other attachment figures felt the need to shame you. Notice any patterns- was there more shame about cleanliness, hygiene, or chores? Food, eating, or weight? School or sports achievement? Social interactions? All of the above?

In EMDR therapy, we will go through these memories as they come up. We’ll explore how they are related to each other and to your core self image. Starting with the very earliest time you were told these things, we’ll use reprocessing sessions to trace through memory “channels” and uncover the pathways they have created.

EMDR focuses on the painful core messages

Through your EMDR sessions, these messages will lose their emotional charge. You’ll be able to remember each of those incidents without the painful emotions flooding back. You will create new connections to understand those memories from your current adult perspective.

Ready to try EMDR therapy online in California?

It’s easy to find an EMDR therapist in Aptos, CA or online. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to contact me here for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with reprocessing painful memories, you can read more about how I can help here.