Not getting anywhere in talk therapy? Struggling with persistent depression, anxiety or other mental health symptoms due to (c)PTSD, abuse/adversity in childhood? Willing to take the plunge into introspection to learn about your own unique core belief system?  Imagine how it would feel if that little voice that says you aren't good enough, lazy, or stupid were silenced and no longer caused distress. What types of things would you be able to accomplish in your life if those negative messages weren't holding you back?

I utilize EMDR to target negative core beliefs from childhood and process trauma. My clinical approach is designed to be used as stand alone therapy or in tandem with a talk therapist for extra targeted support. 

I discovered my speciality while working in community mental health starting in 2017. I noticed that many clients would go through the motions and enroll in services, but that both the clinicians and clients would become frustrated at the lack of progress made while in treatment, indicating that the clients were dealing with a block preventing them from moving forward. A block is created by our subconsious fueled by a core belief.

Common negative core beliefs from a childhood of abuse and neglect often look like, I am worthless, I don't matter, I am a bad person, I deserve to suffer, etc. We form core beliefs in childhood by paying attention to what our caregivers say, how they act around us and others and how they treat us. And childhood neglect often results in a core belief of  I am a bad person, and a tendency to feel intense shame as an adult.

Core beliefs stay with us and are part of the foundation of who we are as a person until we question and examine them. This results in us as adults knowing that we need help and often feeling overwhelmed, but finding that we tend to self sabotage and create blocks for ourselves when presented with a solution because these negative core beliefs are still running the show. An example of how a block can manifest is scheduling an appointment but then oversleeping and missing it, then feeling shame about rescheduling and not giving yourself another chance and also not forgiving yourself for making a mistake.   

I believe it is totally worth it to revisit these core beliefs as adults, because when we are children our brain isn't fully developed and we aren't able to use deductive logic to make decisions. This results in these types of black and white beliefs that can cause us to believe that something is wrong with us.

I utilize CBT and EMDR to identify negative core beliefs from childhood and process them. The EMDR desensitizes the negative beliefs so then more positive beliefs can take their place. . It's very probable that you have already come up with evidence that the negative core beliefs are false, and once that negative belief is muted/processed through EMDR, it makes space for your intention and focus to come through and replace that core belief with something more positive and believable. I am currently accepting clients over telehealth. My sessions are conducted using a secure video platform. Please contact me to schedule a free 15 min consultation to answer any questions and chat about EMDR. 

Call or email Laura Paton for your free phone consultation now - (707) 702-1891.

Niche Specialty:

• EMDR

Education Supporting Specialty:

I was trained in EMDR through the EMDR institute in May of 2021. 

Also Addressed in My Practice:

• Addiction (all kinds)
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders
• Depression
• Grief & Loss
• Self-Esteem

• Womens Issues

My Qualifications:

Years in Practice: 3 Years
Highest Degree: M.A.C
School: City University
Year Graduated: 2019
License No. and State: LH61250592 WA

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Certification)

Finances:

Sliding Scale: Yes
Initial Free Face to Face Consulation: No
Free Telephone Consulation: Yes
Accepted Payment Methods: Paypal, Venmo