If you’ve been considering EMDR therapy, you may be wondering what actually happens when you walk into your first session. One of the biggest misconceptions about EMDR is that you will immediately be asked to talk in detail about your most painful or traumatic experiences. That usually isn't how EMDR begins. Your first EMDR session is primarily about getting to know you, understanding what brought you to therapy, establishing safety, and making sure you have the tools you nee

In a world saturated with wellness influencers, motivational quotes, and the relentless digital command to "good vibes only," positivity has morphed from a comforting encouragement into a rigid social mandate. We are constantly told that mindset is everything, that every cloud has a silver lining, and that a bad day is simply a failure of perspective. But what happens when the pressure to stay positive starts doing more harm than good? Beneath the glossy surface of relentless

If you had told me this week that I'd test positive for COVID, I wouldn't have believed you. When the doctor gave me the news, I just asked, 'Whatcha say, sir?' It’s a bit of a shock after going through all those mandatory shots and boosters at Ochsner. You may have expected to feel like yourself again by now. The world has changed since the height of COVID-19. You may be back at work, spending time with friends and family, traveling, going to restaurants, and doing many of t

Dealing with flu symptoms is tough enough, but sitting with the uncertainty of doctor results has my brain in overdrive. Since a serious accident in 2022, I have navigated a complex recovery involving six surgeries over the past four years. Understandably, any further discussion of surgical intervention causes a severe spike in anxiety. Since the accident, I’ve navigated six major procedures: four surgeries on my left wrist—including one to treat a severe infection—and an AC

In legal disputes—particularly family law—the pursuit of revenge is both addictive and destructive. In family court battles, retaliatory legal tactics often trigger a psychological loop that mimics addiction: temporary vindication releases dopamine, which reinforces the compulsion to continue litigation despite severe emotional and financial harm. My attorney ex always used to say that everyone lies. In the end, he was no exception. Since we split, he’s prioritized covering

A recent client search result highlighted a major gap in care, prompting me to specialize my practice around midlife transitions, specifically addressing the mood changes, irritability, and frustration that accompany menopause. As the only therapist in Baton Rouge specializing in menopausal mood shifts and irritability, I help women regain their balance when midlife hormones take over. Too often in healthcare, women's physical and hormonal symptoms are quickly labeled as pure

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions involving disruptions in a person's sense of identity, memory, perception, or connection to themselves and their surroundings. Dissociation can sometimes develop as a way of coping with overwhelming or traumatic experiences. Common types of dissociative disorders include: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Dissociative Amnesia Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder Signs and symptoms of dissociation Depending on the pers

The Lindsay Clancy case has brought an uncomfortable and important conversation about maternal mental health into the national spotlight. Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three young children in 2023, argued that she was experiencing severe postpartum psychosis and was not criminally responsible for her actions. Her trial ended in a mistrial in September 2026 after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Regardless of how the legal proceedings ul

I was very selective when choosing a new therapist. Because I know my own process pretty well, I have a good sense of the modalities and techniques that resonate with me Starting therapy—or transitioning to a new clinician—can feel intimidating. While it’s completely normal to expect your therapist to take the lead during your initial sessions, asking thoughtful questions can help you take an active role in your mental health care. Whether you are in your initial consultation

If you've experienced trauma, anxiety, a difficult relationship, addiction, grief, or a distressing medical experience, you may feel like you understand what happened—but your body and emotions haven't gotten the message that you're safe now. EMDR therapy may help. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused therapy that can help people process distressing experiences and reduce the emotional intensity associated with painful memories. At Common S

Managing trauma bond triggers requires a combination of immediate grounding techniques, emotional reframing, and structural barriers that prevent impulsive contact. The urge to reach out is often an involuntary attempt to soothe a spiked nervous system rather than a genuine desire to return to the relationship. 1. Immediate Nervous System De-escalation When a trigger hits, your body enters a fight-or-flight response, making logical reasoning difficult. Calming the physiologic

September is National Recovery Month. My recovery is no longer just about abstaining from alcohol; it is about uncovering and healing the core shame, guilt, and fear that drove my drinking in the first place. While I am no longer active in 12-step programs, I credit the fellowship with establishing the spiritual principles that guide my life today. Relapse can be one of the most difficult experiences in addiction recovery. After working hard to maintain sobriety, returning t

Have you ever wondered, “Why am I so tired all the time?” You get through the day, but everything feels harder than it should. Getting out of bed takes effort. Concentrating is difficult. You may feel exhausted even after what seems like a full night's sleep. Sometimes fatigue has a physical cause. Other times, emotional stress, anxiety, grief, depression, burnout, or constantly being “on” can leave you feeling completely drained. And sometimes, both physical and emotional fa

Content warning: This article discusses suicide and suicidal thoughts. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a difficult subject to talk about—but avoiding the conversation can make it harder for someone who is struggling to ask for help. Suicide prevention isn't only about what we do when someone is in an immediate crisis. It begins much earlier: noticing changes in behavior, taking emotional pain seriously, creating meaningful connections, and making it easier f

When most people hear the word grief, they think about death. The loss of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a person can endure, but death is not the only type of loss that can cause grief. Last Sunday was the 5 year anniversary of my father's death and it led me to think, this is not the life I imagined, but I am sure he is cheering me on in my hardest and lowest moments. Sometimes, the person you are grieving is still alive. Sometimes, what you are grieving

I referred a client who told me their life coach wants them to practice x therapy style. That is definitely a scenario that raises serious professional and ethical red flags. When a life coach suggests or attempts to facilitate a specific therapy modality (especially structured evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, or DBT), they are crossing out of coaching and into unlicensed clinical practice. Life coaching has become increasingly popular. From social media influencers t

We often think of bullying as something that happens in school hallways, on playgrounds, or in teenage group chats. But exclusion, gossip, public humiliation, and social manipulation can continue well into adulthood—at work, in friend groups, parenting communities, professional spaces, and online groups. “Adult mean girls” is an informal phrase people use to describe these patterns. It is not a mental-health diagnosis, and it does not apply only to women. The phrase is most u

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you have been carrying difficult experiences alone. You do not need to share your entire story during a consultation or first appointment; the goal is to learn whether the therapist’s training, approach, and style feel like a safe fit for you. A trauma-informed therapist should welcome your questions and respect your pace. You are allowed to ask about experience, treatment methods, privacy, practical details, and what w

Recovery is more than putting down the substance. It is learning how to build a life you no longer need to escape from. When people talk about addiction recovery, the conversation often focuses on one thing: sobriety. And sobriety matters. It can be a life-changing and courageous first step. But recovery doesn't end when the substance is removed. For many people, that's when the deeper work begins. What Happens After Sobriety? When alcohol or drugs are no longer being used to

If you've ever left therapy thinking, "I don't feel any different," you're not alone. Many people seeking trauma therapy have already tried traditional approaches. They've talked about what happened, learned coping skills, and gained insight—but they still feel stuck. That doesn't mean therapy can't help. It may mean you need a different approach. So, what is an unconventional trauma therapist? Unconventional Doesn't Mean Unethical An unconventional trauma therapist isn't som