Anxious Attachment: Why It Forms and How We Heal
Anxious attachment is often misunderstood. On the surface, it can look like clinginess, worry, or a constant need for reassurance. But at its core, anxious attachment is not a flaw or character weakness — it is a response formed in early relationships where emotional safety was inconsistent, unpredictable, or unavailable. When children cannot reliably depend on their […]
Healing from Intimate Partner Violence with EMDR Therapy
At Charlaine Robinson & Associates, we understand the profound and lasting impact that intimate partner violence (IPV) can have on a person’s life. Survivors often carry the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of trauma long after the relationship has ended. EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) offers a pathway to healing and renewed self-worth. […]
Honouring the Resilience of Military Children
While April is officially recognized as the Month of the Military Child, we believe that acknowledging and supporting the unique experiences of children from military families is meaningful year-round. These young individuals often live with challenges that many of their peers do not—frequent moves, long periods of separation from a parent, the emotional toll of […]
EMDR Therapy and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
By Shawnda Johnston, MA RCC Understanding the Connection Between EMDR and TBI Recovery Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can have a lasting impact on cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall mental health. Many individuals recovering from a TBI experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulties with memory or sensory processing. While medical interventions focus […]
Exploring Political and Social Stress with EMDR Therapy
Political, environmental, and societal issues are now an inescapable part of daily life, impacting our emotional well-being and relationships. For many, the constant influx of news and opinions creates a heightened sense of stress, anxiety, and sometimes even isolation. Recognizing this impact on mental health is a crucial step toward resilience, and EMDR therapy can […]
The Effects of Parental Separation on Children
Infants and young children, ages 0-7 years, are particularly vulnerable when faced with prolonged separation from one or both parents. This may be due to the absence of a primary caregiver at a time when biological and psychological needs require continuous caregiving. Parent-child separation may result from various situations such as the death of a […]
Risk and Resiliency Factors for Children with Incarcerated Parents
What is the issue?Children who have parents in the criminal justice system experience more real and worrying problems due to conditions affecting their emotional, physical, and economic well-being. Yet within Canada, there is a gap in knowledge about how many families and children are affected by parental involvement in the criminal justice system and the […]
Understanding Dissociative Disorders: A Response to Trauma
Dissociative disorders are a group of mental health conditions where individuals experience a disconnection between thoughts, identity, memory, and consciousness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), these disorders often develop as a response to trauma, such as abuse or military combat, helping individuals mentally distance themselves from overwhelming experiences. Key Symptoms of […]
Understanding Trauma Bonding with Parents
Trauma bonding with parents occurs when a child forms an unhealthy attachment due to emotional, physical, or psychological abuse. This bond is often the result of cycles of affection followed by harm, leading to confusion, dependency, and emotional entanglement. It can be challenging to recognize the toxic elements of the relationship, as the bond becomes […]
How EMDR Therapy Helps High Achievers Overcome Racial Trauma
High achievers often face the misconception that their success shields them from trauma. However, many individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, encounter unique stressors and racial trauma despite their achievements. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has emerged as an effective tool for addressing the emotional impact of these experiences. Key Insights: This article […]