EMDR of Central Arizona

06/11/2025

Who Is EMDR For?

You don’t need a “capital-T” trauma to benefit from EMDR. Yes, it’s well-known for treating PTSD—but that’s just the beginning.

EMDR has helped people struggling with:
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Childhood neglect or emotional abuse
• Grief and loss
• Social anxiety or rejection sensitivity
• Phobias and fears
• Medical trauma
• Car accidents
• Sexual assault
• High-performance stress (public speaking, athletes, creatives)

It also helps with the kind of invisible stress that builds up over time—like being the “strong one” for too long, or navigating toxic relationships that slowly chipped away at your confidence.

Many people come in saying, “I don’t think my trauma is bad enough.” But if something in your past still shows up uninvited—racing thoughts, nightmares, emotional numbness, quick temper, tight chest, or unexplained dread—then your brain is trying to get your attention.

EMDR gives it a chance to finally complete the job. Your story matters. And your healing doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

06/11/2025

What Is EMDR, Really?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Sounds clinical, right? The concept is actually pretty natural. When we sleep—specifically during REM sleep—our brains process memories. But sometimes trauma gets “stuck,” and our brains can’t fully sort through what happened. EMDR helps finish that process.

During a session, we use bilateral stimulation—eye movements, tapping, or tones—to engage both sides of your brain. You stay present and in control the whole time. The goal isn’t to forget your experiences but to remember them without reliving the emotional distress every time they come up.

It’s not hypnosis. You’re fully awake. And no, you don’t have to share every detail. Some people even say EMDR helps them feel like they finally closed a chapter that’s been stuck on repeat.

If you’ve tried talk therapy and felt like you understood your trauma but still felt triggered by it, EMDR might be the missing link. It’s not magic, but it works with how your brain is wired to heal.

01/11/2025

Relationships aren’t always sunshine and rainbows—sometimes they’re more like navigating through a storm. When trauma, anxiety, or other mental health struggles come into play, it can feel like you’re piloting a boat with a few extra holes. But here’s the good news: with the right tools and teamwork, you can still sail smoothly!

Trauma can show up as trust issues or difficulty opening up. Anxiety might look like overthinking every text message or worrying about things that haven’t even happened. Depression can sometimes make you feel like you’re emotionally “checked out” from the people you love.

Seeking help can make a huge difference. Therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are incredibly effective for healing trauma, helping you process painful memories so they no longer hold you back. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on strengthening connection and trust in your relationships by addressing underlying patterns and emotions. These approaches can help you heal individually and as a couple, making your relationships healthier and more fulfilling.

If you’re ready to make a change in your life, I’d love to help guide you on this journey. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you every step of the way!

I accept insurance through Aetna, Anthem EAP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carelon, CIGNA/Evernorth, Optum, Quest, Surest(Bind), UMR, United Healthcare and several other companies. I also accept private pay clients. My session fee is $95. 

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I specialize in EMDR for PTSD/trauma, stress and anxiety & Emotionally Focused Therapy for marriage/relationship issues. I offer Christian and spiritual counseling and am well-versed in cognitive and behavioral therapies. A...

01/01/2025

As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to focus on your mental and emotional well-being. If you’ve been struggling with the weight of past experiences, or feel stuck in patterns of stress, anxiety, or trauma, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy could be the key to unlocking your healing.

EMDR is a clinically proven approach that helps your brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity. It’s an effective treatment for a wide range of challenges, including:

Trauma & PTSD: Overcome the lingering effects of past traumatic events.

Anxiety & Panic: Break free from constant worry, fear, and overwhelming emotions.

Depression: Address negative thought patterns and emotional blocks that may be holding you back.

Grief & Loss: Heal from the pain of losing a loved one, allowing you to move forward.

Phobias & Stress: Reduce irrational fears and the physical tension that comes with chronic stress.

This year, prioritize your mental health and embrace the healing process. You deserve peace, clarity, and emotional freedom—EMDR can guide you there. 🌟

I accept insurance through Aetna, Anthem EAP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carelon, CIGNA/Evernorth, Optum, Surest(Bind), UMR, United Healthcare and several other companies. I also accept private pay clients. My session fee is $95.

https://headway.co/providers/charity-hegglund?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=99508

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I specialize in EMDR for PTSD/trauma, stress and anxiety & Emotionally Focused Therapy for marriage/relationship issues. I offer Christian and spiritual counseling and am well-versed in cognitive and behavioral therapies. A...

12/29/2024

Most of us are familiar with symptoms of PTSD commonly shown in movies and TV shows, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and aggressive behavior, but sometimes PTSD symptoms are more subtle. Irritability, flares of temper, withdrawal from social situations, and changes in personality are also common, and may be overlooked.

If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, or an adjustment disorder, there is help. Make an appointment or call my office and find some relief today!

12/29/2024

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3951033/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1U5glGIgtT5suIw-vYw46C6abgxMArCWKBFx3iG5sbJ-upQNw9pYpg_cs_aem_UaNcQ-nyeLiu11zTrUqkFQ

A substantial body of research shows that adverse life experiences contribute to both psychological and biomedical pathology. Twenty-four randomized controlled trials support the positive effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ...

12/29/2024

Many of you have heard about the effectiveness of EMDR for treating PTSD and anxiety, but you may not know that it may also be used as an intervention for many other issues, from depression to weight loss. Our brain works bilaterally to help us walk, see, and hear, so why would it work any differently for processing emotion?

What is happening in your emotional life that is effecting other areas of your work, relationships, peace of mind, or the health of your body? Whether you're struggling with PTSD or problems in your marriage, try EMDR. Make an appointment with my office, or find another EMDR therapist you're comfortable with, but don't let emotional turmoil hold you back any longer!

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I specialize in EMDR for PTSD/trauma, stress and anxiety & Emotionally Focused Therapy for marriage/relationship issues. I offer Christian and spiritual counseling and am well-versed in cognitive and behavioral therapies. A...

12/29/2024

Living with PTSD can feel like your brain’s stuck in a never-ending loop of a bad movie, where you’re the star of every stressful scene. It’s like having an emotional soundtrack that keeps replaying those intense moments, no matter how much you’d like it to stop.

But what if you could finally switch to a less dramatic genre? Enter EMDR therapy, your ticket to changing the channel.
Imagine your mind as a cluttered attic filled with dusty old memories. EMDR helps you sort through that attic and organize things so they don’t keep falling out every time you open the door.

During a session, you’ll focus on specific memories while your therapist guides your eye movements. It might sound like a strange way to tidy up, but think of it as giving your brain a gentle nudge to reorganize those old files.

Instead of being overwhelmed by every sudden flashback or emotional trigger, EMDR helps reduce their intensity. It’s like turning down the volume on the loudest parts of your memory playlist, so you can enjoy a little peace and quiet. You won’t forget what happened, but EMDR helps you manage how those memories impact you now. It’s about regaining control and finding a bit of calm amid the chaos.

So, if you’re ready to swap out that high-drama soundtrack for something a little more soothing, EMDR might be the change you need. It’s not about erasing the past, but about making sure it doesn’t keep stealing the spotlight in your life.

Click the link below to take a look at my schedule, check your insurance, or set your first appointment. I look forward to meeting you!

12/29/2024

The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Mental Health

Childhood experiences have a lasting impact on mental health, shaping how we perceive and interact with the world as adults.

Positive experiences, like strong attachment with caregivers and a stable environment, foster emotional resilience, trust, and healthy relationships. However, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, or trauma, can lead to long-term mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships.

Unresolved childhood trauma often resurfaces in adulthood, affecting self-esteem, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms. Therapy, especially approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help individuals process these early experiences. By working through past trauma, clients can reshape unhealthy patterns and build healthier coping skills.

Understanding the link between childhood experiences and adult mental health is crucial for healing. Therapy offers the opportunity to confront and heal from the past, allowing for personal growth and emotional well-being in the present.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please call or text 940-867-7650 or click the link below. I look forward to meeting you!

12/29/2024

Anxiety is like that one friend who’s always convinced the world is ending. You’re trying to enjoy your day, but they’re right there, whispering about every possible disaster. Fun, right? Well, if you’re ready to gently tell that friend to take a seat, let me introduce you to EMDR therapy.

Here’s how it works: during an EMDR session, your therapist will ask you to focus on specific anxious thoughts or memories while guiding your eye movements. Yes, it sounds a bit like a Jedi mind trick, but there’s solid science behind it. These eye movements help your brain process those thoughts differently, making them less intense over time. It’s like teaching your brain to recognize that maybe, just maybe, not every situation is a crisis.

Instead of your brain hitting the panic button at every turn, EMDR helps it recalibrate, so you can finally enjoy a peaceful moment without that internal alarm going off. Imagine being able to walk into a crowded room or tackle a daunting task without feeling like you’re in the middle of a disaster movie.

So if you’re tired of anxiety being the main character in your life, EMDR might just be the plot twist you’ve been waiting for—because everyone deserves a little peace and quiet, even in their own mind.

12/29/2024

The Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma on Marriage

Childhood trauma can leave deep emotional wounds that carry into adult relationships. Many individuals who experienced neglect, abuse, or loss as children may struggle with trust, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy.

These unresolved issues often manifest in marriages, leading to communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and even emotional distance. Partners may find themselves triggered by small events, reacting from a place of pain.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be transformative here. It helps individuals process past trauma, reducing its emotional charge, allowing them to engage in healthier, more present relationships. By addressing childhood wounds, couples can work towards a more connected, fulfilling marriage.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please call or text 940-867-7650 or click the link below. I look forward to meeting you!

12/29/2024

Struggling with PTSD can feel like being stuck in a loop of painful memories and overwhelming emotions. But there's hope. Two of the most effective treatments for PTSD are EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. It works by using guided eye movements to unlock the brain's natural healing process.

On the other hand, CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns that keep trauma alive in your mind. By addressing these thoughts and behaviors, CBT helps you regain control over how you feel and respond to stress. Together, EMDR and CBT provide a powerful combination, allowing you to not only process the trauma but also develop new, healthier ways of thinking.

If PTSD has been affecting your life, these treatments offer real relief.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please call or text 940-867-7650 or click the link below. I look forward to meeting you!

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I specialize in EMDR for PTSD/trauma, stress and anxiety & Emotionally Focused Therapy for marriage/relationship issues. I offer Christian and spiritual counseling and am well-versed in cognitive and behavioral therapies. A...