Helping Children, Teens, and Adults Heal from Trauma and Anxiety
Trauma isn’t always the result of one catastrophic event. It can also come from ongoing stress, painful relationships, or experiences that left you feeling helpless. At Cartwright Counseling in Noblesville, IN, we specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy — a highly effective treatment that helps you reprocess painful memories, reduce distress, and move forward with greater peace.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. It can disrupt daily functioning, relationships, and self-esteem. Many people assume trauma only results from severe or catastrophic events, but it can also come from an accumulation of smaller painful experiences.
👉 This article from Psychology Today explains the difference between “small-t” and “large-T” trauma.
Common sources of trauma include:
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Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, narcissistic)
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Domestic violence or serious accidents
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Loss of a loved one
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Medical trauma, surgeries, or chronic illness
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Natural disasters
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Combat exposure or first responder stress
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Attachment wounds (neglect, rejection, or invalidation in childhood)
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Betrayal, infidelity, or painful breakups
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Humiliation, public embarrassment, or constant criticism
How Trauma Affects You
Trauma can affect both the mind and the body.
Emotional & Psychological Symptoms
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Shock, denial, or disbelief
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Anxiety, fear, guilt, or shame
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Mood swings, irritability, or withdrawal
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Sadness, hopelessness, or numbness
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Difficulty concentrating
Physical Symptoms
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Insomnia or nightmares
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Fatigue, muscle tension, or headaches
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Racing heartbeat or feeling on edge
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Being startled easily
These symptoms can lead to challenges such as:
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Trouble functioning at work or home
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Relationship difficulties or avoidance of closeness
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Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories
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Numbing or disconnecting from others
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Self-defeating beliefs (“I’m not good enough”)
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Coping with alcohol, drugs, or other avoidance behaviors
How EMDR Therapy Helps
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR addresses how trauma is stored in the brain. Disturbing memories often remain “stuck,” so present-day triggers feel like the original event is happening all over again.
Through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories. As they shift into long-term storage, they lose their intense emotional charge. You can then respond to the present moment with greater clarity, confidence, and calm.
Conditions EMDR Can Treat
Research has shown EMDR to be effective for: 
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PTSD and complex trauma
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Depression and anxiety disorders
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Panic attacks and phobias
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Insomnia and sleep disturbances
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Grief and loss
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Addiction.
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Chronic pain
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Negative self-talk or low self-esteem
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Problematic avoidance behaviors
- Performance blocks
Why Choose Cartwright Counseling?
At Cartwright Counseling, our team offers trauma-informed care with specialized training in EMDR. We provide a safe and supportive space for healing.
Our office in Noblesville, Indiana is conveniently located for families across Hamilton County, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, and Indianapolis. Telehealth sessions are also available for those who prefer therapy from home.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
You don’t have to carry your trauma alone. With EMDR trauma therapy, healing is possible — and you can reclaim your sense of safety, peace, and hope.
“The great courageous act that we must all do, is to have the courage to step out of our history and past so that we can live our dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey
