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What EMDR Therapy Actually Feels Like: Returning to EMDR Training 8 Years Later

Eight years after my original EMDR training, I returned for a refresher course and was reminded firsthand why EMDR therapy can feel so transformative. From processing my own distressing memory to experiencing EMDR virtually, this training reinforced something I deeply believe: healing doesn’t come from the therapist “fixing” you; it comes from within.


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How EMDR Therapy Helps with People-Pleasing and Over-Responsibility

You know you need better boundaries.
You just don’t know why your body panics when you try to set them.

People-pleasing isn’t just a habit, it’s often a trauma response. Learn how EMDR therapy helps your nervous system feel safe enough to stop over-functioning in relationships.

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Why You Feel “Off” Even When Nothing Is Wrong: Subtle Trauma Symptoms in Adults

You’re functioning. You’re responsible. You’re holding it together. So why do you still feel anxious, irritable, disconnected, or slightly “off”? Many adults live with subtle trauma symptoms without realizing it. Trauma doesn’t always look dramatic; it can show up as overthinking, people-pleasing, emotional numbness, or a nervous system that never fully relaxes. In this post, we explore why you might feel “off” even when nothing seems obviously wrong & how trauma-informed therapy can help.

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How Chaos in Childhood Wires You for Adult Burnout

If you grew up in a home that felt unpredictable, emotionally intense, or unstable, your nervous system may still be operating in survival mode, even decades later. This post explores how chronic childhood stress can wire you for adult burnout, and why rest might feel unsafe even when you’re exhausted. Learn how trauma-informed therapy can help you shift from surviving to truly living.

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What “Trauma Processing” Really Means in Therapy

You’ve probably heard phrases like “processing trauma” in therapy, but what does that really mean? In this post, we break down what trauma processing actually looks like, why it goes beyond just talking about the past, and how it can help you feel safer, calmer, and more connected to yourself. Whether you’re navigating burnout, people-pleasing, or a bad break-up, this is your guide to starting trauma therapy with more clarity and confidence.

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marisa ronquillo marisa ronquillo

Strategies from a Therapist on How to Travel with PTSD

When you’ve lived through trauma, even “good stress” like travel can feel overwhelming. This blog offers gentle guidance for navigating PTSD while on the go — so you can feel grounded, safe, and present wherever you land.

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Why Facing Discomfort Is the Key to Healing Your Past

Avoiding uncomfortable feelings may seem like protection, but it often keeps old wounds alive. Healing begins when we face discomfort with compassion. In this post, we’ll explore why sitting with difficult emotions is the key to processing past pain, breaking free from people pleasing behavior, and finding true freedom.

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marisa ronquillo marisa ronquillo

How Trauma Affects Decision-Making and Risk-Taking

Trauma doesn’t just affect your past—it shapes how you make choices today. Many people who’ve experienced trauma find themselves stuck in patterns that lead to avoiding risks. These patterns often come from your nervous system trying to keep you safe. In this post, we’ll explore how trauma impacts decision-making, why it feels so hard to stop being a people pleaser, and how therapy can help reduce anxiety and build confidence in your choices.

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marisa ronquillo marisa ronquillo

How Therapy Can Help Break the Anxiety–Perfectionism Cycle

The anxiety–perfectionism cycle can feel impossible to escape. You try harder, do more, push further—only to feel more anxious. Here’s how therapy can help interrupt this loop and guide you toward self-compassion, resilience, and real relief.

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marisa ronquillo marisa ronquillo

The Hidden Anxiety Hacks You've Never Tried

Most anxiety tips sound the same—deep breathing, journaling, or meditating. But what if your brain needs something different? Here are a few surprising (but effective) ways to soothe anxiety that you probably haven’t tried yet.

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